1773 – Sound Soulstice

It’s hard not to smile at something so authentic and genuine. Particles of Chicago sentiment, youth, and modern chivalry fuse and concentrate in their music, their lyricism, their performance.

The gentlemen of 1773 [Pronounced Seventeen Seventy-Three] first connected in 2004, when Just J and Moral One (of Berto Ramon) joined efforts with Wisdm O.N.E. Recently 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, Zion I, Blu, & Exile.

In March 2009, 1773 introduced Return of the New, an effort that was first released on the Japanese label, River City Music Entertainment (Yokohama). Following a month-long tour in Japan, this release was quickly picked up by U.S. label, Soulspazm in October 2009.

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.

Regularly performing for crowds of 200 and more in cities nationally and internationally, locally 1773 has performed at the following Chicago venues: The Note, Red Kiva, House of Blues, Double Door, Subterranean, Darkroom, Funky Buddha Lounge, The Butterfly Social Club, Elastic Arts; and the following Chicago festivals: Lollapolooza, the Taste of Logan Square, and The Puerto Rican Festival.

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…

Three Drops All-City Release Party 10/6/09 @ Darkroom. Photoset by ROPER!
[nggallery id=5]

10.06.2009

THREE DROPS: An All-City Album Release Party
feat. Pseudo Slang, 1773, Vertual Vertigo, DJs Trew & Itch13, Add2
Darkroom 2210 W. Chicago Ave., 9pm-2am, 21+, $5

Join us as we celebrate Pseudo Slang’s “We’ll Keep Touring” tour (Fat Beats), 1773’s Return of the New US Release (Soulspazm), and Vertual Vertigo’s US Release of Sparkie’s Bungalow.

Websites:
http://myspace.com/psedoslang
http://1773live.com
http://myspace.com/vertualvertigo

===============

PSEUDO SLANG BIO:

Buffalo, New York isn’t much known as a hotbed for hip-hop; most don’t know much about the city at all. With We’ll Keep Looking Pseudo Slang look to change that, shedding light on the blue-collar city that serves as the duo’s home base. Speaking on the city that has so influenced his own post-industrial tinted rhymes, Emcee Sick says, “Buffalo is a special place, an economically challenged rust-belt city lacking in resources that, somehow, in its blue-collar way, creates an unassuming atmosphere for expression. Untainted by sparkle and cliquey-ness Buffalo has nurtured a group of artists and enthusiasts around a very casual and honest representation urban culture.” For Sick Emcee, Tone Atlas, and the countless others inspiring the album, We’ll Keep Looking is their opportunity to present the local sounds of their unique city to the world.

On We’ll Keep Looking, a title referencing overcoming everyday struggle and the search for artistic inspiration, creativity often sparked for the duo over a plate of barbeque while listening to records at Tone Atlas’ home. Conversation led to verses, and those verses, laid over Tone’s jazz and soul-inspired concoctions, led to the unique sounds heard throughout the album, including “Broke & Copasetic,” the album’s lead single, featuring R&B songstress Vinia Mojica. It was that unique sound that caught the ear of Fat Beats Records, and now, three years after inking their deal, We’ll Keep Looking has finally arrived.

1773 BIO:

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 who has shared stages with Lyrics Born, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, SoulStice, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, Braille, Blu & Exile. But 1773 would have remained a side project if crisis hadn’t presented opportunity.

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).

But why name Return of the New, technically a sophomore album, their ‘real debut’? The group agrees this album is a truer portrait of their musical selves. “Our first album was the learning experience, on Return of the New we’re a bit more seasoned and concerned with sonic reinvention,” states MC Wisdm O.N.E.. Early leaks of new material reveal 1773 over fuzzy bass lines and crackly drums reminiscent of vintage Jay Dee and Pete Rock. A prestigious selection of renowned beat makers contributes their skills to the album including Othello, Ohmega Watts, and Siamese Sisters. Combined, these talented producers create an ideal musical platform for the duo to speak over. Return of the New will be available worldwide October 6th, 2009 on Soulspazm Records.

VERTUAL VERTIGO BIO:

Since 2001 Cerebral Vortex and Ezekiel38 have been constantly changing both the face and sound of True School Hip Hop. Since the duo met in Germany, they have consistantly toured and travelled the globe with invitations to showcases such as: POP Montreal, SXSW, Vans Warp Tour, WESC London, and other events held by Red Bull, Puma, and Scion.

Besides their hungry work ethic and determination, one of the main things that set Vertual Vertigo apart from other groups, is the broad selection of producers they work with, ranging from Japan to Berlin. Vertual Vertigo, reminiscent of the classic 90’s golden era hip hop , combined with eclectic new production, makes for the dawn of a new golden age for the genre.

Where others tend to rap about jewels, cars and violence, Vert’s lyrics are true stories about love, life, travel and the quest for better living. With witty punch-lines and a distinct delivery , as well as a full throttle energy, the V’s stage presence, not only keeps people dancing, but keeps people listening.

Official Site: http://www.groundliftmedia.com