PRESS Archive

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 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.

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).

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.

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