Frank The Butcher and 1/3 of CZARFACE team for this special Valentine’s Day mix, made up of classic 90′s R&B and slow jams. Good call kicking it off with the Wu-Tang remix of Jodeci’s “Freak N You”.

Official video from the debut album of CZARFACE. Good news, “A BRAND NEW CZARFACE LP is cooking***…Inspectah Deck, Esoteric, 7L & Spada-4 are hard at work on a murderous follow up, due out 2014!”, according to the YouTube description for this video. Video directed by McFarland & Pecci

CZARFACE Promotional track they recorded for Sway & Tech’s “The Wake Up Show” with two new verses from INS Deck & Esoteric over “Czar Refaeli.”

After selling out the first edition of CZARFACE on CD, with the Pop-Up packaging, Brick Records has repressed the album in a new digi-pack case with altered front cover art. The new version also includes the “Rock Beast (Death Czar Remix)” which is not available on the initial CD pressing or on any other format.

Additionally, a remainder of the small run of CZARFACE cassettes made for the Boston record release party is now available for sale via GetOnDown.com. You can order the cassettes at here.

A limited 7″ record is also coming out the first week in April, containing two new tracks: “Czardi Gras (It’s Raw Again)” feat. Action Bronson (a new DJ 7L remix of the album’s “It’s Raw”) and “Wake Up Show Promo” which finds the CZARFACE MC’s spitting lyrical homage about the legendary Wake Up Show hosts- Sway, King Tech, and DJ Revolution. The 7″ record features an amazing full color sleeve featuring all new original artwork by L’Amour Supreme of Mishka, NYC. The 7″ is available for pre-order here.

Inspectah Deck had a rough go round during the first generation of Wu-Tang solo LP’s. While each Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, GZA/Genius, Raekwon, and Ghostface were blessed with debut albums produced exclusively by RZA (save one or two tracks), Deck’s debut, Uncontrolled Substance, was one of the first LP’s to largely employ many of the other Wu-Tang boardsmen, such as 4th Disciple, True Master, and Deck himself, after a flood in RZA’s basement destroyed many of the album’s original recordings. The difference was glaring, and unfortunately became commonplace for many Wu LP’s thereafter, which ultimately saw a decline in the quality for a once pristine brand.

Around the same time Uncontrolled Substance dropped, Boston’s 7L & Esoteric were building a name for themselves as pioneers in the indie hip-hop movement, first catching our attention with what we dubbed “The Transformers Song” – aka “Be Alert” – on the little heard Rebel Alliance EP on a new label called Brick Records. Later aligning themselves with like-minded individuals such as The Demigodz & Army Of The Pharoahes, hip-hop fans were turning to the underground where the major labels failed them.

CZARFACE – the 132nd release for the now legendary Brick Records imprint – is the culmination of a collaboration that began on 7L & Esoteric’s 1999 Speaking Real Words EP, with the title track featuring Inspectah Deck. Who knew that this one time collaboration would result in the three reuniting fourteen years later, and subsequently crafting arguably the best album of both artists’ respective careers? The prospect of 7L & Esoteric being partly responsible for giving Deck his first near classic album would have shocked even us back in 1999, coincidentally the same year that both Uncontrolled Substance and Speaking Real Words were released.

CZARFACE is better than many post-flood Wu LP’s, and the strongest release of 7L & Esoteric’s long career of Boston blue-collar rap. The approach is similar to that of Ghostface’s Ironman, or even MF Doom’s Operation: Doomsday, weaving in samples from old Marvel and Star Wars records, from an era before the Disney buyouts. The production is raw and unflinching; at times emulating the sound of the classic Wu-Tang LP’s, and in other spots, it just goes for its own thing.

The album opens with the M.O.P.-sample fueled “Air Em Out”, as Deck and Eso trade rhymes over a brooding bassline and crashing symbols. Later on “Savagely Attack”, you can’t help but crack a smile at the track’s opening sample (we won’t spoil it), which sets you up for an appearance from Ghostface Killah, which is so well done that we can’t believe it hadn’t been done before. Fittingly, this leads into “Marvel Team Up”, as the classic comic book influence of the LP looms underneath it all.

“CZAR Refaeli”, featuring Oh No, evokes 90’s L.A. gangster rap nostalgia over a beat that would make DJ Muggs proud, while “It’s Raw” (featuring Action Bronson), sounds good enough for Kane or Rakim in their prime. In fact, much of the sound of this LP is owed to the golden era of hip-hop, as 7L subtly works in classic samples in new, creative ways. “Word War 4”, for instance takes a piece of Kool G. Rap & Polo’s “Road To The Riches”, while “Hazmat Rap” pays homage to Eric B. & Rakim. It’s the difference between beat-jacking and sampling genius.

Oh yeah, and there’s a Premier track called “Let It Off”, which kills. This LP is so rock solid throughout that we almost forgot to mention it. This is testament to the level of quality within 7L’s production.

Sewn together with a series of classic, humorous samples and skits, CZARFACE is quite easily the first great album of 2013, and the best LP we’ve ever heard from Deck or 7L & Eso, not counting any Wu-Tang Clan LP’s, of course. If you are a fan of hip-hop’s golden era, the early Wu classics, or are just looking for something completely different than anything else out there these days, give this a listen. All hail CZARFACE.

Shot & edited by Anthony Jarvis! Esoteric hits NYC to chat with Sucklord & Lamour Supreme about the creation of the CZARFACE action figure and character that’s a companion to the CZARFACE album from Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and 7l & Esoteric. CZARFACE figure drops 2/25/13 on www.esoterichiphop.com.

With his illustrious career spanning nearly two-decades now, it would be easy for Inspectah Deck to sit back and rest on his laurels; after all, he has helped create some of the best hip-hop music ever recorded. Despite his low-key persona, Deck carved out his own unique space in the Wu-Tang Clan, thanks to his stand-out verses from “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and his otherworldly verse on “Triumph” among many. Likewise, who could forget Deck’s contributions on Ghostface’s Ironman (“Assassination Day”), his many appearances on Raekwon’s OBFCL, GZA’s Liquid Swords (“Cold World”) or his collaborations with Gang Starr (“Above The Clouds”) and Big Pun (“Tres Leches” which also featured Mobb Deep’s Prodigy).

Throughout Deck’s career, whether it was beside his fellow Wu-Tang brethren or in a solo-capacity, he is as adamant today about his culture and pushing the creative envelope as he was before Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers became an epic masterpiece; hence the formation of CZARFACE, a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric.

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.”

“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. Directed & Produced by McFarland & Pecci.

With his illustrious career spanning nearly two-decades now, it would be easy for Inspectah Deck to sit back and rest on his laurels; after all, he has helped create some of the best hip-hop music ever recorded. Despite his low-key persona, Deck carved out his own unique space in the Wu-Tang Clan, thanks to his stand-out verses from “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and his otherworldly verse on “Triumph” among many. Likewise, who could forget Deck’s contributions on Ghostface’s Ironman (“Assassination Day”), his many appearances on Raekwon’s OBFCL, GZA’s Liquid Swords (“Cold World”) or his collaborations with Gang Starr (“Above The Clouds”) and Big Pun (“Tres Leches” which also featured Mobb Deep’s Prodigy).

Throughout Deck’s career, whether it was beside his fellow Wu-Tang brethren or in a solo-capacity, he is as adamant today about his culture and pushing the creative envelope as he was before Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers became an epic masterpiece; hence the formation of CZARFACE, a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric.

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.”

1.) Czarface Intro
2.) Air ‘Em Out
3.) Cement 3′s f/ Roc Marciano
4.) Czar Refaeli f/ Oh No
5.) Rock Beast
6.) Savagely Attack f/ Ghostface Killah
7.) Marvel Team-Up
8.) It’s Raw f/ Action Bronson
9.) Let It Off (produced by DJ Premier)
10.) Word War 4
11.) Dead Zone
12.) Poisonous Thoughts f/ Mr. MFN Exquire
13.) Shoguns f/ Cappadonna & Vinnie Paz
14.) Hazmat Rap

With his illustrious career spanning nearly two-decades now, it would be easy for Inspectah Deck to sit back and rest on his laurels; after all, he has helped create some of the best hip-hop music ever recorded. Despite his low-key persona, Deck carved out his own unique space in the Wu-Tang Clan, thanks to his stand-out verses from “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and his otherworldly verse on “Triumph” among many. Likewise, who could forget Deck’s contributions on Ghostface’s Ironman (“Assassination Day”), his many appearances on Raekwon’s OBFCL, GZA’s Liquid Swords (“Cold World”) or his collaborations with Gang Starr (“Above The Clouds”) and Big Pun (“Tres Leches” which also featured Mobb Deep’s Prodigy).

Throughout Deck’s career, whether it was beside his fellow Wu-Tang brethren or in a solo-capacity, he is as adamant today about his culture and pushing the creative envelope as he was before Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers became an epic masterpiece; hence the formation of CZARFACE, a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric. 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. 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). Deck says “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.”

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.”

With his illustrious career spanning nearly two-decades now, it would be easy for Inspectah Deck to sit back and rest on his laurels; after all, he has helped create some of the best hip-hop music ever recorded. Despite his low-key persona, Deck carved out his own unique space in the Wu-Tang Clan, thanks to his stand-out verses from “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and his otherworldly verse on “Triumph” among many. Likewise, who could forget Deck’s contributions on Ghostface’s Ironman (“Assassination Day”), his many appearances on Raekwon’s OBFCL, GZA’s Liquid Swords (“Cold World”) or his collaborations with Gang Starr (“Above The Clouds”) and Big Pun (“Tres Leches” which also featured Mobb Deep’s Prodigy).

Throughout Deck’s career, whether it was beside his fellow Wu-Tang brethren or in a solo-capacity, he is as adamant today about his culture and pushing the creative envelope as he was before Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers became an epic masterpiece; hence the formation of CZARFACE, a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric. 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. 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). Deck says “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.”

With guest appearances from Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Roc Marciano & Large Professor, additional beats from DJ Premier, plus album art by Lamour Supreme from Mishka NYC (www.mishkanyc.com/home), 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.”

Esoteric speaks with The Bee Shine about his next LP, which will be a collaborative album with the Rebel INS, and will feature production from 7L and DJ Premier.
]]> http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/14/esoteric-speaks-on-inspectah-deck-collaboration-lp/feed/ 2 http://www.hiphopsite.com/2010/11/08/7l-esoteric-retrospects-video/ http://www.hiphopsite.com/2010/11/08/7l-esoteric-retrospects-video/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:22:18 +0000 http://www.hiphopsite.com/?p=25389

New addition from 7L & Eso’s 1212 LP, available now. Directed by McFarland and Pecci.

Listening to the new 7L and Esoteric album 1212, the first thing I thought was “god damn Esoteric sounds angry”. Then again when you’re an MC and you rep Boston you have every right to be. From Edo G. and the Bulldogs to Guru (who was originally from the New England state) Boston has a history of producing good hip-hop, but it’s New York City that will always get more attention.

They’re back with their sixth album as a group. Esoteric’s been working on a variety of solo albums which had some great moments, while 7L has been relatively quiet. They start off 1212 with “Retrospects“ where they give a rundown of their career over their hardest beats they’ve ever put out. When they came out with A New Dope in 2006 they were focused on doing a lot with electro type production, but they are back to boom bap beats, which Esoteric excels over. They recruit Celph Titled to follow up on “Run This”, which sounds like it could be a Jurassic 5 B-side, circa 2002. And that’s a good thing.

“Aneurysm” is a weird diversion, it sounds like a flip of a 80’s TV theme and doesn’t quite hit or work well under Esoteric’s bass flow. Luckily they get back on track with a feature from Inspectah Deck on “12th Chamber” which showcases the outstanding production that 7L is capable of, with Eso sounding more than comfortable and showcasing his quick time delivery.

The best tracks on this album are frequently those with guests. It’s as if they want to show and prove their abilities with those of their peers with Sadat X on “The Handle” and Evidence and Alchemist and “Drawbar 1-2”. Ill Bill, Vinnie Paz and Reef The Lost Cause recreate a Jedi Mind Tricks feel on the posse cut “Bare Knuckle Boxing”, which floats over a deep horn beat that sounds lifted form a 60’s Hanna Barbera action cartoon.

At the end of the album they get an assist from Statik Selektah one of the best producers/DJs on the east coast right now for “The Most Rotten.” This is a deeply east coast beat. Cold synths float underneath a punching keyboard, scratches and a boom bap beat. On what felt like a normally dark album they close with “New Rapper”, Esoteric’s still sounds angry in this tale of dealing with rapper’s who aren’t putting in their dues or don’t respect their time in the game.

1212 isn’t the best album in their catalog but they’ve put together a nice career of work so far especially in their other projects. They may be in the shadow of NYC even Chicago or Minneapolis, but they’ve been as rock steady as anyone as they enter their second decade of music, still repping Boston strong.

Details revealed for 7L & Eso’s October 12th release on Fly Casual Creative.

TRACKLIST:
1. Retrospects
2. Run This (feat. Celph Titled)
3. Aneurysm
4. 12th Chamber (feat. Inspectah Deck)
5. The Handle (feat. Sadat X)
6. For My Enemies
7. Drawbar 1-2 (feat. Evidence + Alchemist)
8. No Shots
9. Bare Knuckle Boxing (feat. Ill Bill, Vinnie Paz, Reef The Lost Cauze)
10. I Hate Flying
11. The Most Rotten (feat. Statik Selektah)
12. New Rapper