When soon-to-be-renowned Boston hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck on the title track to 7LES's debut EP Speaking Real Words in 1999, the timing was perfect. The upstart duo was building a serious buzz on the East Coast and beyond, while Deck was still winning praise for his gold-selling solo disc Uncontrolled Substance. As flashy pop-oriented rap was pumped on commercial radio stations, their natural chemistry and simpatico skills shone as a beacon to real hip-hop fans, a base of listeners who were soon asking about their next musical summit.
14 years later, the hunger for sharp lyrics and head-snapping beats hasn't dissipated. In the face of the ever-worsening status quo of watered-down and vapid radio rap songs, the call for something real has only gotten stronger, and once again the time is right for a call to action – for someone or something to come in and send wack rappers running for the hills in fear. Enter CZARFACE, the upcoming, uncompromising full-length album from Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric.
Not surprising, respect for real hip-hop runs deep, and CZARFACE brings an army with it — consider the star-studded guest list which includes Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks,) Oh No (Gangrene,) Mr. MFN eXquire and Deck's fellow Wu-Tang Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna.
Aside from one track blessed by the almighty DJ Premier, production on CZARFACE belongs exclusively to DJ 7L, who provides the musical backbone which holds the album together. His ability to craft a hip-hop sound that's current and exciting with a classic feel left Deck impressed: "This is one of the first albums I've heard in a while that gives you so many different feels. You hear the '80s hip-hop style, '80s R&B and rock combined with what's going on now. That's creating something new, in my opinion."
A collaboration this big is bound to catch some attention, as it has from MISHKA NYC artist Lamour Supreme, who penned the eye-popping Jack "King" Kirby inspired cover art for CZARFACE. The group and label thought so much of Supreme's contribution that they have included a hefty 22" x 22" glossy poster of the soon to be iconic cover artwork. This large format poster is exclusive to the first pressing of the 2xLP vinyl version.
With guest appearances from Ghostface, Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Roc Marciano, Vinnie Paz, Cappadonna & additional beats from DJ Premier & Oh No, you can expect nothing less then top notch production and rewind worthy lyricism from CZARFACE. "We are CZARFACE because they know our faces and they know us for being dope rhyme suppliers, like Tony Montana we are known for our balls and our word; lyrically we will conquer the world and everything in it” states Deck. Esoteric explains further, “CZARFACE is a vigilante, anti-hero character who serves as the face of the project, and his focus is on annihilating the media darlings that the mainstream caters to.”
CZARFACE iTunes Pre-Order Link
"Air 'em Out" is the first single from Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric's
group venture CZARFACE. Full-length album is in stores 2/19/13!
Pre-order here: http://www.esoterichiphop.com
Inspectah Deck, Esoteric and 7L laying down CZARFACE material at the View in Staten Island, NYC. Album drops Feb 19th featuring Ghostface Killah, Vinnie Paz, Action Bronson, Oh No, Roc Marciano, Mr. MFN eXquire, and Cappadonna. Production from 7L & DJ Premier. CD, Double Vinyl, and Digital on Brick Records / Fly Casual Creative
Despite his low-key persona, Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck has carved out a unique space as a member of the legendary hip-hop collective, thanks to stand out verses on classics like "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck."
Now, the New York rapper is prepping a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric, dubbed CZARFACE.
With rap fans again craving more substance and less polish, Deck realizes there is a tangible shift taking place -- "The industry doesn't need another well packaged, put together 'act,' instead fans are once again gravitating to the seasoned vets and newcomers that are still true to the game."
With a working history that dates back nearly as far as Wu-Tang's, 7L & Esoteric are undisputedly Boston and underground hip-hop royalty. The forthcoming CZARFACE offered the duo an opportunity to pick up where they left off over a decade ago with Inspectah Deck, as he joined them on the title track to their revered Speaking Real Words EP (1999).
"Speaking Real Words is one of the many reasons we are now CZARFACE. After doing that song, it was only right we collaborated on a project to cater to the millions of fans that still support hip-hop from the underground," said Deck about their formation.
With guest appearances from Action Bronson, Mr. Muthaf***in' eXquire, Roc Marciano and Large Professor, and additional beats from DJ Premier, the upcoming album is highly anticipated.
"We are CZARFACE because they know our faces and they know us for being dope rhyme suppliers, like Tony Montana we are known for our balls and our word; lyrically we will conquer the world and everything in it" states Deck.
"CZARFACE is a vigilante, anti-hero character who serves as the face of the project, and his focus is on annihilating the media darlings that the mainstream caters to," adds Esoteric.
