‘MobLand’ Star Tom Hardy Releases New Rap Album Packed with Movie References

Tom Hardy has established a reputation for immersing himself in diverse roles, from the intimidating Bane to the chaotic Venom. However, many casual fans may not be aware that Hardy has been nurturing a parallel career in hip-hop for years, which is now stepping into the limelight.

This secondary career began with his underground rap alias Frankie Pulitzer, also known as Face Puller. Hardy first showcased this persona on Czarface’s 2021 EP “Good Guys, Bad Guys” and later returned for a feature on their 2022 album “Czarmageddon!” Czarface, comprised of Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and Boston duo 7L and Esoteric, is known for its comic-book-themed concept albums and collaborations with prominent hip-hop artists.

Now, this collaboration has evolved into a full-length project. Hardy has launched “Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer,” a 15-track album filled with pop culture references and featuring guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and El-P, available now through Silver Age Records.

On the Busta Rhymes-featured track “Raw Forever,” Hardy incorporates references to Martin Scorsese’s 1999 film ‘Bringing Out the Dead,’ Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of the Green Goblin, Doctor Doom, DC Comics hero Sergeant Rock, and Sidney Lumet’s 1975 classic ‘Dog Day Afternoon.’ This intricate web of references mirrors the comic-book and cinema-centric style that Czarface has cultivated over the years.

Hardy becomes even bolder on the Method Man-assisted track “Mad Technology,” where he references two Stephen King adaptations, ‘Cujo’ and ‘Misery,’ and delivers a notably explicit line about ‘Misery’ star Kathy Bates, which has already sparked considerable online discussion due to its unexpected nature from the actor.

Hardy’s history in rap runs deeper than this album might imply to casual listeners. Before his acting career took off, he reportedly performed under the name Tommy No 1. His collaboration with Czarface has been ongoing, including a partnership with Method Man on the track “Knull & Void” and contributions to tracks featured in ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage.’

Initial listener feedback has been largely positive, with fans commending the chemistry between Hardy and Czarface’s core trio, along with clever references to Hardy’s film career interwoven throughout the album, including mentions of his role in ‘Venom.’ This self-aware humor has allowed the project to transcend being merely a celebrity vanity project.

The album’s release coincides with a separate wave of headlines regarding Hardy’s involvement in the Paramount+ crime thriller ‘MobLand,’ following reports of tension with producers over scheduling and creative differences. A production insider later clarified to Variety that Hardy has not been fired and that discussions for a third season remain open, even as efforts continue behind the scenes to resolve the situation.

With its rich array of pop-culture references and surprisingly candid moments, “Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer” reveals a different side of Tom Hardy than fans typically see on screen. The project also seamlessly fits into Czarface’s broader catalog, which has previously featured full-length collaborations with the late MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah, and Kool Keith, all centered around a mix of comic-book mythology and intricate, reference-laden verses.

Track titles throughout the album further embrace that comic-book theme, with names like “Grim-Visaged War,” “Omega Beam,” and “Intruder… Seems Curious” giving the record a pulpy, larger-than-life vibe that aligns with Czarface’s established identity. For longtime fans of the group, Hardy’s role as Frankie Pulitzer feels less like a celebrity cameo and more like a natural extension of the universe they’ve been building for over a decade.

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