Jedi Mind Tricks presents the Army of the Pharaohs featuring a slew of indie heavy weights which include Apathy, King Size, Crypt the Warchild, Des Devious, Esoteric, 7L, Chief Kamachi, Planetary, Celph Titled, Ref the Lost Cause, Faez One, and Vinnie Paz. When examining the talent behind the music the term “Holly F**K” procreates in the corners of the mind. “The Torture Papers” is a thirteen track gem that sparkles more than crystal and is twice as gritty as any East Coast rap album released in the 90’s. The Army of the Pharaohs delivers music at its rawest, purest, uncut form. This is approximately fifty one minutes of hot hip hop fans need to hear. “The Torture Papers” sets off with “Battle Cry” which makes its case as the albums best track. It’s a hard hitting posse cut that’s got emcee’s like Apathy, Esoteric, and Celph Titled amongst others spitting venom. The beat is as abrasive as the flows. All the artists perform their best on this joint. “Battle Cry” is also an amazing opening track and is the right way to open up an album. A track entitled “Gorillas” follows and is certainly a notable track; however, it’s with “Into the Arms of Angels” that fans are introduced to the albums next best track. Following is the title track, “The Torture Papers” which is another track stacked with flavor. The beat is extremely interesting and will have heads nodding instantaneously. The world turns with “Listen Up” which is the next track amongst others that follow. All are exceptionally hot tracks that on any album would be fan favorites. It’s rare that an album is packed with so many tight tracks containing so many quotable lines, smoldering beats and tight lyrics. “The Torture Papers” comes to a close with “King Among Kings” which is a strong way to close out the album.
The lyrics are consistently raw, injected with realism and quotable lines that inspire. The rhymes penetrate deep to stir up emotion and feelings. These aren’t just words & songs; these are uncut and intoxicating stimulants. The product is always on point and never dull. The interesting sounds composing the DNA of these songs are the missing link to exceptionally tight hip hop music. The cover artwork is nicely put together and equally as appealing as the music. The jacket features pictures of all the artists which add extra value for fans who want to see what the folks behind the tracks resemble.
Some critics may critique some of the abrasive, rude and violent lyrical content that’s embedding in some of the tracks; however, on the other hand some critics may appreciate the realness and emotion the lyrics deliver. Some critics may also critique the length of “The Torture Papers”; however, some critics may applaud that “The Torture Papers” has no filler material and that each song is quality at its best in every dimension.
“The Torture Papers” is undoubtedly a recommended listen. This album gives fans an excellent opportunity to listen to some of the best, most renowned indie artists serving up some of their best verses & bars. Each and every song alone makes this album worth the purchase. “The Army of Pharaohs” is making noise; listen.
Track Listing:
1 Battle Cry feat. Apathy, King Syze, Crypt The Warchild, Des Devious, Esoteric, Chief Kamaci, Planetary, Celph Titled, Vinny Paz (6:06)
2 Gorillas feat. Crypt The Warchild, Esoteric, Apathy, Planetery (3:30)
3 Henry the 8th feat. Vinnie Paz, Chief Kamachi, Reef The Lost Cause, Planetary (3:39)
4 Pull the Pins Out feat. Celph Titled, Esoteric (3:36)
5 Tear It Down feat. Reef The Lost Cauze, Planetary, Vinnie Paz (3:50)
6 Into the Arms of Angels feat.Faez One, Crypt The Warchild, Vinnie Paz (5:05)
7 Torture Papers feat. Celph Titled, Planetary, Apathy(3:31)
8 Listen Up feat. Celph Titled, Esoteric, Crypt The Warchild (4:02)
9 All Shall Perish feat. Chief Kamachi, King Syze, Vinny Paz (4:13)
10 Wrath of Gods feat. Apathy, Esoteric, Planetary, Des Devious (3:05)
11 Narrow Grave feat. Chief Kamachi, King Syze, Planetary (3:41)
12 Feast of the Wolves feat. Vinny Paz, Apathy, Celph Titled (3:44)
13 King Among Kings feat. Chief Kamachi, Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Celph Titled (3:28)
