Czarface

First linking up way back in 1999 on the title track of DJ 7L and MC Esoteric's debut EP, Speaking Real Words, Inspectah Deck hooks up again with the Beantown duo, bringing the heat 14 years later to this full-length collabo project that bangs pretty heavy, with gritty production and stalwart guest spots from the likes of Roc Marciano, OhNo, Mr. Muthafuckin' Exquire, Cappadonna, Ghostface, Action Bronson and Vinnie Paz. Littered with nerdy cartoon and comic book quotables, which match the vibe of the dope comic book cover art done by Mishka NYC's graphic artist, Lamour Supreme, this release is going to fly under the radar of most mainstream heads. However, with tracks like the breakneck-paced, Wu-sampling "Savagely Attack," featuring Ghost, digital, M.O.P.-esque riot starter "Air 'Em Out" and "Czar Refaeli," featuring OhNo, which gives a nod to Large Professor and the trademark drums and percussion heard on Nas's classic "Half-Time," it's definitely an album worth checking out. That said, it should come as no surprise that the only other producer featured on the album (7L handles the beats on all but one track) is none other than DJ Premier, who graces Esoteric and Inspectah Deck with some classic Preem on "Let It Off," which the two MCs flow nicely on. Minus all of the corny sound bites, this album undoubtedly keeps the underground renaissance sizzling.