Mp3 exclusive: 7L & Esoteric

PHOENIX Mp3 of the Week

DOWNLOAD: 7L & Esoteric, "3 Minute Classic" (mp3)

Global warming, y'heard? The ocean levels are rising, certain species of moth are migrating further north, but what's really got us concerned is that even venerable indie-rap franchises are beginning to turn up the heat. Add us to the list of old fans who are suddenly sweating local heroes 7L & Esoteric again. The duo are about to thaw their fan base with an album's worth of extreme party music: the Serge Gainsbourg samples and Kraftwerk jams on their upcoming album A New Dope are tailored for drink-spilling and ass-shaking, not dorm-room chin-stroking. There are so many potential singles on this record (not to mention a ridiculous Kool Keith cameo) that we had serious trouble trying to pick just one. But finally we settled on "3 Minute Classic," which comes completely, beautifully incorrect: riding unhealthy bpms, sex raps, and Smashmouthy beach-party organ licks til the ladies moan home. Smart dudes playing dumb music to fuck to: is that so wrong?