Detroit MCs E-Fav, Ilajide, J-Roc (then Noveliss), and L.A.Z. formed Clear Soul Forces in the wake of a spur-of-the-moment studio meeting with Motor City rap veteran Royce da 5’9”.

Through their Bandcamp page, CSF issued a number of small-scale releases across 2010, 2011, and 2012, with some beats provided by the likes of Detroit’s Jay Norm, Michigan native Nameless, Glasgow’s Hudson Mohawke, and FLYamSam (aka Flying Lotus)

In March 2012, Clear Soul Forces released the album Detroit Revolution, which featured 11 productions from Ilajide, while the other four tracks were produced or co-produced by Nameless, KanKick, and King Midas.

The following month, the MCs were showcased in a 12-minute documentary put together by Red Bull Music Academy.