Much like
Esham's previous compilation (Detroit Dog Shit, 1997),
Bootleg rounds up many of the Detroit hardcore rapper's better songs alongside some previously unreleased ones. It's by no means a definitive roundup, but it makes for an adequate introduction to his music. In fact, think of
Bootleg as an
Esham sampler. After years of numerous, generally accomplished underground releases,
Esham aligned with TVT Records in the wake of
Eminem's breakthrough, and
Bootleg was no doubt intended to be the shock rap icon's coming-out party. Some of the highlights here include "Redrum," "KKKill the Fetus," and "Outcha Atmosphere." The previously unreleased tracks are of lesser quality, which makes
Bootleg somewhat uneven. Even so, it's one of the best
Esham releases you'll liable to track down. Because
Esham's other comps (Detroit Dog Shit, Acid Rain) are likewise uneven, you can really go with any of them and not shortchange yourself. Or, more ideally, you could get them all and mix them into a more solid collection (this guy released a lot of music over the years). In any event, there's plenty of great hardcore rap here on
Bootleg, even if it's not as solid as it could be. ~ Jason Birchmeier