Inspectah Deck / 7L & Esoteric "Czarface"

 

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. 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; just the first surprise within the CD's packaging. The disc is housed in a handsome 6 panel hi gloss wallet that when folded out reveals a 3D 'Pop-Up book' style figure of Supreme's rendering of the soon to be classic 'Hip Hop Anti- Hero.' 

Track Listing:

1. CZARFACE INTRO
2. AIR 'EM OUT
3. CEMENT 3'S FEATURING ROC MARCIANO
4. CZAR REFAELI FEATURING OH NO OF GANGRENE
5. ROCK BEAST
6. SAVAGELY ATTACK FEATURING GHOSTFACE KILLAH
7. MARVEL TEAM-UP
8. IT'S RAW FEATURING ACTION BRONSON
9. LET IT OFF
10. WORD WAR 4
11. DEAD ZONE
12. POISONOUS THOUGHTS FEATURING MR. MFN EXQUIRE
13. SHOGUNS FEATURING CAPPADONNA & VINNIE PAZ
14. HAZMAT RAP