Binary Star is a hip-hop duo consisting of One Be Lo (born Raland Scruggs) and Senim Silla (born Ross Rowe). The duo first began rapping together in high school in the early 1990s as part of a crew called the Spooks. However, after Senim and OneBeLo were arrested in the fall of 1994, they spent the next few years behind bars.
During this time, OneBeLo came up with the name Binary Star in 1995. After their release in 1997, the duo put out an EP project in 1998. However, it wasn’t until 1999 that they released their debut album, Waterworld. While the album wasn’t a commercial success at the time, it gained a cult following over the years.
OneBeLo clarified that Waterworld was never successful because he rearranged, remixed, and remastered it as ‘Masters of the Universe.’ This was released almost a year later. He also stated that the duo was on parole and not doing much after the release of Waterworld. Once Senim left the group, OneBeLo pursued his solo career, and the duo went on hiatus for several years.
In 2006, the duo reunited to release their second album, “Masters of the Universe.” The album was a critical success and featured collaborations with artists such as One Man Army, and Decompoze.
OneBeLo also cleared up some misconceptions about Binary Star’s lineup. He said in an interview “Not only is Decompoze a part of Binary Star, the true Binary Star is One Be Lo and Decompoze. We coproduced the album, but many people think it’s Senim because he raps. Decompoze is more Binary Star than both of us, lol. But he usually never gets mentioned.”
Binary Star is a highly influential hip-hop duo that has gained a cult following over the years. Despite some misconceptions and confusion, OneBeLo and Senim’s work as Binary Star has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop world.
Onebelo, recently reflected on the unexpected success of their album “Masters of the Universe” in an interview. He explained that when they made the album, they had no record label, distribution, or publicist to promote it. Despite these challenges, people still managed to get their hands on the album and appreciate it. “Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong with that project,” Onebelo said. “All the tracks were mistitled. The covers on the vinyl were wrong. We just made a couple of songs we liked and recorded them. Never thought much about it, and moved on.” Yet, 25 years later, people are still talking about it. Onebelo expressed his surprise at the album’s lasting impact, given the lack of attention they gave it at the time.
Binary Star’s influence on the underground hip hop scene cannot be overstated. Their innovative production and socially conscious lyrics have inspired countless artists and helped to shape the sound of independent hip hop. Despite their relatively small discography, Binary Star’s impact on the genre is undeniable, and their legacy continues to be felt today.
