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 has replaced Moral One in the DJ position, but in some shape or form they’ve shared stages with: Wiz Khalifa, Rhymefest, The Cool Kids, Dead Prez, Lyrics Born, Zion I, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, 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.
INTERVIEWS:
1773 Interview in Centerstage Chicago (courtesy of Jeff Min)
Be Free TV caught up with 1773 at their "Returning the New Stuff" mixtape release party at Darkroom (Chicago, 3/16/09). Check out what the fellas have to say about their upcoming "Return of the New" album!!
UPCOMING SHOWS:
