Tom Hardy, the acclaimed actor known for roles in 'Venom' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road', is set to release a new rap album titled 'Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer' in August 2025. The first single, 'Brothers Grimm', was released recently, and it showcases Hardy's unexpected proficiency as a rapper.
Hardy's Surprising Talent
Hardy has a history of revealing hidden talents. In 2022, he surprised fans by winning a Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition at a school in Milton Keynes. He is also known for his intense love of dogs, which influences his choices for reading on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. Now, he adds rapping to his repertoire.
The album is a collaboration with Czarface, a hip-hop group consisting of Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), 7L, and Esoteric. On 'Brothers Grimm', Hardy lets the group go first, a bold move that demonstrates confidence. According to the article, 'he more or less holds his own' against the veteran rappers, with only slight stiffness in flow and generic lyrics.
A Longtime Rapper
Hardy's rapping is not new. Over 25 years ago, he performed under the pseudonym Tommy No 1 and released an album called 'Falling on Your Arse' in 1999. The album, described as 'very much of its time', includes a standout track 'Bring the Fucking Noise' that samples Alan Hawkshaw. A 14-year-old YouTube video also shows Hardy rapping competently on the street while carrying his son.
Hardy has been working with Czarface since at least 2021, when they released the 'Good Guys, Bad Guys' EP. He also rapped as Frankie Pulitzer alongside Method Man in the song 'Knull & Void', which played during the credits of 'Venom: The Last Dance'.
Risks and Rewards
Venturing into rap is risky for an established actor. A poor performance could damage his reputation, as the article notes: 'One wrong move ... and he's suddenly Chet Hanks.' However, as Frankie Pulitzer, Hardy seems to be succeeding. The article states, 'there's no doubting that his heart is in this.'
The album is tailored for a niche audience, specifically 'middle-aged men who used to read Hip-Hop Connection on the way to their Saturday jobs in the late 1990s.' Yet, the article commends Hardy for pursuing his passion.
What's Next?
With acting, fighting, and rapping under his belt, the article wonders what hidden talent Hardy will reveal next, suggesting triple jump or cross stitch. 'What an exciting time to be alive,' it concludes.
