“I think we might not be the top five rappers, but we’re definitely top 135.”
Known for their wild, and at times absurd humor, comedy duo and real-life brothers Jeff and Eric Rosenthal (known collectively as ItsTheReal) have recently shifted their sights to recording and releasing a full-length album. As Meka previously pointed out, the Rosenthal brothers “are no strangers to incorporating music into their humorous sketches,” having released their 7-track EP Urbane Outfitters four years ago.
Most of the time, comedy rap albums are considered somewhat kitschy, perhaps even immoral to an extent. Especially when it comes off less sincere and more satire (we’re looking at you, The Lonely Island and Afroman). On ItsTheReal’s Teddy Bear Fresh, the Rosenthal brothers made sure their debut album wouldn’t fall into this trap.
“Well, for anyone that has heard Urbane Outfitters, the one thing that stands out is that it’s not a parody. It’s not us doing a so-so job when it comes to putting out content. That’s been the thing our whole career. Sketches, podcasts, TV, music, or whatever it is, we want to make sure that we put out a product that people aren’t ashamed to listen to, that people aren’t ashamed to watch, and spread the word on,” Eric explained to Billboard. “When it comes to rapping — just like our mixtape — we wanted our album to be top-notch. Our comedy comes across in an authentic and true way.”
The 11-track album boasts features from long-time friend and collaborator Bun B plus Jazz Cartier, Curren$y, Smoke DZA, Tunji Ige, Michael Christmas and more.
Stream the album below or purchase on iTunes. Stay tuned for the project’s next video, “Waco” which should arrive this Thursday (June 1st).
