Czarface is the name of the album as well the name of the group consisting of Inspectah Deck and the rapper/DJ duo of 7L & Esoteric. It's a terrible name but the album cover makes up for it and more. To clear any confusing, Esoteric is the rapper of the duo, while 7L is producing the tracks (minus a DJ Premier appearance). Everything from the beats to the album length (14 tracks, including an intro) sounds 15 year behind it's time. The only explanation is that the group came across a time machine and decided to make another album instead of like killing Hitler or something.
The combination of the two parties are not completely random. They released a 1999 track titled "Speaking Real Words", which I recommend you give a listen if you've got some time. 7L & Esoteric were a promising Boston-based Duo that was skyrocketing up the hip-hop scene, but never managed to do too much. Deck, at the time, was still enjoying the success of the Wu-Tang, but we can now see that he was on the later half of his career. It was a one track deal that never resulted in any thing until now.
I have no idea if the group even wanted anyone to but their project, showing no promotion up until the release date. During my daily searches throughout hip-hip sites, not once did I hear this mentioned. I'm aware that these guy aren't exactly at the top of the rap game, but deck's historic career has got to count for something right? Probably not, but I'm still disappointed this never got any hype.
On February 19, 2013, Czarface was releases to a hip-hop crowd that I'm sure didn't give two shits. But I care Inspectah Deck, I care. I remember Deck saying that his next album would be his last if it didn't sell well (I'm sure that was just a bluff and I don't even know if this counts as a solo album, but I bought it anyway). Idealy, the project comes and saves the day and resurrects hip-hop from the ashes. Today"s audience open their mind and listen to this album. Tons of new artists are inspired to create new music that actually sounds good.
I know that won't happen, so how will it sound to the people that actually care?
1. Czarface Intro
I mean I guess this was necessary. Introduces the group and nothing else. Next song.
2. Air 'Em Out
Here we have the real intro and get to finally see if the album is as good as I've built it up to be. The song sounds really good and sets the tone for the album. Both rappers sound like they're in their prime and like they're actually excited to be rapping again. The 7L instrumental sounds awesome and gives the two rappers something the work with. Definitely a banger and a great way to start the album.
3. Cement 3's (Feat. Roc Marciano)
Good lord this beat sounds like it came right out of the '90s, which means it sounds really good. Seriously, 7L provides another great instrumental, while Deck & Esoteric proceed to rip the shit to pieces. The O.D.B. sample in the hook along with the wrestling references significantly improve the track and take it to the next level. However, I did not enjoy the guest and is ultimately the worst cameo of the album. He sounds uninterested and boring, but 7L is still able to make him sound respectable.
4.Czar Refaeli (Feat. Oh No)
Guest Oh No provides the opening verse, which is a significant improvement from the last guest. Even though Deck sounds pretty good, Esoteric completely steals the show here. Eso's verse is easily the best of the album and honestly makes me regret not paying attention to him throughout his career. 7L's beat sounds great and continues to be the anchor of the album. I hope you're noticing a pattern here with the instrumental, because they really are that good. The little skit at the end was a bit unneeded but I'll let it slide.
5. Rock Beast
This is just awesome. 7L's beat is the best I've heard in years and I still might be understating it. I don't know how he did it, but 7L made the organ sound badass. Please go check this one out as soon as you can, you'll thank me. Rapping wise, Eso completely blows Deck out of the water. That's saying something because Deck sounded pretty good. Very Nice!
6. Savagely Attack (Feat. Ghostface Killah)
I swear I had to check the liner notes to make sure RZA didn't produce this. It really sounds like some classic RZA production, hence making it really good. Speaking of the wu, this track is blessed with a verse from Ghostface Killah.
He fits into the flow of the album almost seamlessly and sounds the best he has in years. Not to be outdone, Eso continues his absolute tear throughout the album, while deck goes toe to toe with him. As soon as I'm finished with this review, I'm going out to buy some Esoteric & 7L material. I don't even care if its good, their work on here alone has earned them a purchase from me.
7. Marvel Team Up
For the first time on the album, we see proof that these two actually met up and recorded together. Rather than both laying down verses, the two go back and forth on the mic. They sound good but this isn't anything great. 7L delivers more of the same, with a more modern day, base heavy beat. Were you expecting anything different?
8. It's Raw (Feat. Action Bronson)
After the legion of doom introduction, this could have been five straight minutes of silence and I'd still like it. Instead, the crew does actually provide some rapping with the help of Action Bronson. Bronson is an incredibly talented underground artist that's been flying onto people's radars at light speed. With the chance to be noticed by an older audience, Bronson doesn't disappoint even though they'll all just think Ghostface made another appearance. Seriously the guy sounds so much like Ghostface that it hurts me. Even their rapping sounds dead up like each other, as they both pretty much rap about nothing while still managing to sound good. I feel like I keep repeating myself, but Eso and Deck sound great and rip apart the beat. 8 songs in and not a bad song yet.
9. Let It Off
Usually I'd be a bit vexed if someone came in and stole a beat from 7L, but come on its Premo. The beat fits nicely into the context of the album and keeps the momentum going. Deck sounded really good here and showed up Eso for the first time. Basically, this is just more of the same: a good track. I haven't really mentioned it, bit there is a ridiculous amount of skits at the end of these song. Some good, some bad, I thought this one was pretty funny.
10. Word War 4
I don't know where I've been for the first 3 word wars, but here we have the 4th installment. It's a pretty simple beat, but still one of the more memorable ones. Oddly enough, the George Carlin speakings in the "hook" kind of steal the show. Not to say the rappers don't sound good.
11. Dead Zone
After 10 songs, Czarface finally hits the wall. This is just a bad song that wasn't memorable to say the least. Deck and Eso's flows sound decent enough, but their raps are just kind of boring. It's 7L that makes the real mistake though with the instrumental. It's almost as if he's trying too hard to make a more modern banger of a beat, when his previous blueprint has been working just fine. Anyways, we'll move on.
12. Poisonous Thought (Feat. Mr. MFN eXquire)
Much like action Bronson, Mr. MFN eXquire is an underground artist that has rocketed onto the radars of rap fans. I'm familiar with his work, so it was nice seeing him getting a bit of recognition. 7L makes a good recovery and graces the album with one of the better beats of the album, along with the awesome chorus. The beat change mid way through for Mr. MFN and sounds really different, but when you listen closely, its more of the same. Another quality track.
13. Shoguns (Feat. Cappadona & Vinnie Paz)
Once again, a wu member or affiliate depending on what you want to call Cappadona, makes an appearance. I've never been the biggest Cappa fan, but its still good to see him doing something productive. It's looks like this was bring your buddy to work day, because Eso introduces us to his Army Of Pharaohs partner: Vinnie Paz. Vinnie Paz is a bad rapper. The only reason he sound alright on here is 7L's intense and violent beat, which complements Vinnie Paz's style perfectly. This sounded pretty damn cool.
14. Hazmat Rap
Czarface goes out with one final bang with "Hazmat Rap". Deck & Eso both leave one more verse over yet another terrific 7L instrumental. I loved the Ol' Dirty Bastard reference made by Deck. All you can ask for in a closing song.
Rating: 4/5
Czarface isn't a classic, but its a damn good album. Going into this, I was expecting a pretty good listen, but nothing too good. Instead, I was treated to what is easily the best album of 2013. Deck and Esoteric sound like they're in the prime of the career and consistently provide enjoyable track. Most surprisingly, Eso is the one walking away with the better performance and shows up deck most of the time. We can talk about the rappers all we want, but at the end of the day this album belongs to 7L. His production work is the reason Deck and Eso are able to sound so confidence and fierce. He's even able to get DJ Premier in on a track with out being overshadowed. I don't want you to think I'm overstating 7L's word, because its that damn good and deserves a purchase. I'm not sure if this is a one time thing or if the group want to continue releasing albums under the Czarface alias. Either way, go out a pick up a copy of this one and hopefully it will convince the crew to keep it up.