Following several solo albums for Wreckshop and Perrion during the mid- to late ’90s, E.S.G. teamed up with Slim Thug for Boss Hogg Outlaws, the first release on S.E.S. Records. Along with producer SIN, the Houston duo began S.E.S. in 2002, hoping to capitalize on the suddenly lucrative Dirty South scene and, in particular, the burgeoning Houston scene. E.S.G. & Slim Thug operate much like Eightball & MJG, complementing one another. It also helps that they can trade off verses, helping the songs flow better from verse to verse; furthermore, the songs flow even better when they invite guests such as Lil’ Keke, Daz Dillinger, and Bun B to drop a verse. A large step forward for E.S.G. and an impressive first step for Slim Thug, Boss Hogg Outlaws shows much promise for the duo’s S.E.S. label. [KR issued a platinum edition in 2009.] – Jason Birchmeier
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