Interview with 1773 in Centerstage Chicago by Jeff Min:
1773 (pronounced seventeen seventy-three) is a trio of artists that consist of MCs Just J and Wisdm One and DJ Moral One. On their self-titled debut, 1773 (minus Moral One at the time) introduced themselves as torchbearers for the golden era (early to mid-’90s) of rap. In recent months they’ve been busy touring Japan in promotion of their newest album, Return of the New, and since their return to the States they’ve worked tirelessly to promote the US version as well as a mix-tape entitled “Returning the New Stuff.”

The sophomore effort is 1773’s most fully realized project so far, as it’s the first time the Chicago natives were able to sit down together and build as one unit. Just J and Wisdm seem to have really found their comfort zone on this one, and they’ve matured in their ability to weave together centralized themes. And now that Moral One is officially part of the picture, the group’s style as a whole is much more cohesive and appears destined for bigger things. Centerstage caught up with 1773 to see how their careers together began and where the next step will take them.

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1773 BIOGRAPHY:

Multitasking as MCs, singers, producers, & instrumentalists, 1773 [Pronounced Seventeen Seventy-Three] originated in 2004 as an occasional venture between Just J & Moral One (respectively, lead MC and drummer of the live Hip-Hop band Berto Ramon) and their longtime friend Wisdm O.N.E.. But in two short years the group evolved into a full-fledged endeavor and a highly regarded live performance act. Recently DJ Itch13 replaced Moral One as the official 1773 DJ but in some shape or form they’ve shared stages with: Wiz Khalifa, Little Brother, Rhymefest, The Cool Kids, Dead Prez, Lyrics Born, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, Blu & Exile.

But 1773 would have remained a side project if crisis hadn’t presented opportunity.

In the early 00’s, Berto Ramon’s 5 year grind on the regional and national circuits culminated in their winning of the 2006 Emergenza Midwest competition (placing 4th nationally) and the International Music World Series in 2007, which brought them to the attention of high-powered entertainment lawyer David Rappaport. Offers from Universal, Columbia, and Atlantic Records soon followed but negotiations stalled as internal strife reared its ugly head. With a major label deal nearly in their grasp, the Chicago natives Wisdm O.N.E., Just J, and Moral One regrouped and refocused their creativity towards 1773 and in Summer 2006 the group was a featured Lollapalooza performer alongside Ohmega Watts. Maintaining momentum post-festival season, their Self Titled debut was released via Japan’s River City Music Entertainment coupled with extensive touring across the U.S. and Japan.

Coming full circle with a renewed passion, 1773 recruited 3 ex-Berto Ramon members to comprise their live band and released their sophomore effort Return of the New in Japan (March 2009), continuing their partnership with River City Music Entertainment. A month-long tour of Japan followed and upon their return stateside, the US release of Return of the New (October 2009) was picked up by respected indie Hip-Hop label Soulspazm Records (Marco Polo, Grand Agent, Torae).

As collectors of sight and sound, they’ve brought together a string of instrumental beats on their first full length release for 2010 titled Sound Soulstice. Produced entirely by Australian producer ARKiV, Sound Soulstice will be 1773’s third project on River City Music Entertainment.  Songstress Natalie Oliveri, and MCs Othello (of Lightheaded) & Ezekiel38 (Vertual Vertigo) all lend their palettes to the album’s sonic portrait…

“The earthly solstice deals with day and night, so we wanted to capture the universality of that concept both lyrically and emotionally” states Wisdm O.N.E.

Their talent exudes in studio and on stage. Their performance stands louder nowhere else than within the arenas of charisma and great sound replication. The members of 1773 are disciples of music, Chicago and her cultural stock. Through the sweltering thick of this city’s talent, emerged a group that calls upon the cadences of hip-hop’s truest and congruent times…

Sound Soulstice will be available June 2th, 2010 on River City Music Entertainment.

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We may have been competing with the Pitchfork Music Festival and the threat of rain but regardless, 1773 turned it out last weekend for SoulStice’s “Beyond Borders” Album Release & Chicago Tour Stop. Featuring performances by SoulStice, Wes Restless, Contriband, Itch13, & DJ TREW. Props to  Roper Fuentes for the impromptu video session!

Chicago’s prodigal son SoulStice returns home for an event celebrating his new album Beyond Borders! Produced entirely by Belgian beatmaker SBe and features guest spots by Naledge (Kidz in the Hall,) Oddisee, GLC (G.O.O.D. Music), Kev Brown, Zap Mama, & more! For more on the release check: http://www.myspace.com/soulstice

Show Info:
7.17.2009, 9pm-2am

Come through to Black Gate Sessions, we’re proud to present to you a crazy thick line-up that evening:

SOULSTICE (myspace.com/soulstice)
1773 (myspace.com/wisdmoneandjustj)
CONTRIBAND ( myspace.com/contriband)
DJ TREW ( myspace.com/trewdj)
WES RESTLESS ( myspace.com/wesrestless)

18+, Wanna make it past? $5 b4 10pm, $7 after. For RSVP, DIRECTIONS, EXTRA INFO – sent an email to rsvp@groundliftmag.com

Late last month, 1773 (with a Lex L guest spot) ventured out into the industrial areas of Chicago for a photo shoot to help promote their upcoming album! Check out a sample, or the full set below…

Pics by Roper Fuentes (of THHP Chicago)

View full Flickr photo set here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40450517@N03/sets/72157621459815080/)

The time has come to choose sides. Break out your freshest Nike or Adidas gear and join us for an immersive celebration of Hip Hop culture old and new. What if Run DMC never had their Adidas? What would Nike be without Air Jordans? Turbo or Ozone? These questions beg to be answered! (or at least discussed over a few beers with friends!)

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As we continue to count down the days until 1773’s sophomore album Return of the New is released,  we’ve got some goodies for all of you patiently waiting! Below you’ll find a download link to the album’s second digi-single entitled “On the Move (feat. Lightheaded).” Features an exclusive remix by DJ Moral One, as well as instrumentals to the original and remixed versions! DJ-Friendly!!

DOWNLOAD: 1773 – On the Move (feat. Lightheaded) Digital 12″

1773 joined the thousands upon thousands of people who attended this year’s Humboldt Park Puerto Rican Festival in Chicago.  Chances are they were the only ones who were rapping in the middle of a crowd of strangers though! Chicago Music Project’s CMPtv filmed the fellas as they performed “Return of the New,” the title track from their upcoming full length album to be released August 2009.

Volta Masters & 1773 team up yet again for a jazzed out Hip Hop track. The lead single from the forthcoming Volta Masters At Work 2 album, the track “Go On” is centered around a horn and piano loop with MCs Wisdm O.N.E. & Just J & DJ Itch13 (1773’s Japan Tour DJ) handling the vocals and scratches respectively.