MEETESQ

Meetesq

With an image that pulls direct comparisons to a European fashion connoisseur to a sound that ranges from legendary hip hop of the 80s to the upbeat grittiness of today’s club scene, Esquire Mackentyre aka ESQ. has been called one of the premiere faces of the new generation. The founder of hip hop site MeetESQ.com, creator of indie hip hop infused skate brand DopeBoardz, and former President of Hip Hop label Playground Bully Muzik though widely unheard has a long list of accomplishments.

Born En’Rico Dion Ray, Esquire Mackentyre was raised in Cleveland, OH. After returning from Iraq, ESQ. had two choices: either continue an army career and live the stressful military life with a steady paycheck, or put all fear aside and make the move into pursuing stardom that he set out on before enlisting. Once returning home for good, ESQ. linked up with local producer DJ One and put together his debut project MeetESQ.com with “Get Fly” as the leading single. Through the buzz of the single many doors in the city were opened.

Much recently ESQ. has redeveloped his sound into a unique blend of the skills he’s developed over years. Opening for fellow Ohio rapper Stalley in 2011, ESQ. set out onto the stage performing his latest string of hits which began developing a great fan base. Just a month later he performed at Cleveland’s “Weapons of Mass Creation Fest” and went down in history as the first hip hop act to ever perform at the event. Even after already breaking a major barrier, Esquire feels he still has much to prove. Reaching audiences as far as Spain due to his collaboration with Spanish producer aiSHO for his single “Yeah Buddy” which is still making significant noise online.

Very easily recognized by his short stature, strong voice, and clean taste in apparel, the Cleveland rapper draws attention quickly. His mixtape series “BeatzIVBreakfast” has been given nods by many hip hop heads for its blend of classic lyric-driven hip hop feel and current bass heavy party anthems. He cites his sources of inspiration as not one specific artist or style of music but select pieces from a wide range of things such as film, literature, and fashion. With his current “BeatzIVBreakfast” installation on the way, expect much more from this artist.