Army of the Pharoahs [Explicit Lyrics]

Basically what this album is is a revision of the Army of the Pharaohs, but not completely. It's not necessarily a bad thing whatsoever, because this album rivals The Torture Papers and in my opinion might even surpass it. The beats of this album are definitely better, there's no question there, but the members of the new AotP (namely just the newest additions) do not fully live up to what fans are used to. However, most of them have great potential and even have memorable lyrics of their own, "The other half originate from the best part, My right hook will leave your face covered with stretch marks. When the swellin' go down, I'm tellin' you clowns, My next step - is fillin' up ya' melon with rounds." - Doap Nixon. M.C.s such as Vinnie Paz, Jus Allah, Celph Titled, and Planetary complete this album and push it beyond the initial expectations I had when I heard that Apathy was not going to be on Ritual of Battle. Honestly that is the main thing I have a problem with, and it's not even something to worry about. The other acts carry their own and more, with the initial members of the super-group going steps further in their careers to stand out as veterans. I believe that some of the MC's are misunderstood, or perceived differently because AotP has this label on them that says they are so hardcore and violent. They are, and they're good at the lyrics they display if you're into that music, but listeners have to understand that not everything has to be taken so seriously. You can have hardcore lyrics and still have comedic value in them as well. "I can't see ya'll from where I'm at, I like the smell of napalm in the mornin' when I'm eatin' my Apple Jacks." - Celph Titled. It's true that Jus Allah changed his style, and this may disappoint some, but overall it still holds true to his nature with previous lyrics and displays a vast grasp of vocabulary. "Eloquent malevolence awakens your undeveloped intelligence." - Jus Allah. Vinnie Paz keeps his lyrics strong and his style completely hard, and his verses alone are worth the purchase of this album. "Respect a G, My clique clap at you incessently, I lay back and drink alcohol excessively. There ain't a rapper that's alive today that's testin' me." - Vinnie Paz. This album is definitely worth the money, so spend it and support the artists both old and new. You won't be disappointed, and this goes for even those 2-star reviews before me: Even if you feel a little cheated, go back and listen to it again because I guarantee your initial impressions have cheated you from good music.

THE GODS ARE BACK TO BLESS THE MIC, AND THEY DO VERY WELL. THIS ALBUM IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE TORTURE PAPERS. VINNIE PAZ IS ON MORE SONGS AND HE TEAMS UP WITH A GOOD GROUP OF MC'S. ITS A MUST BUY ALBUM. GREAT PRODUCTION AND RAW HARCORE LYRICS.

Their 2nd album is very good in my opinion, but it takes a small step backwards from The Torture Papers. The new emcees really don't do much for me...and they certainly don't fill the void from the lack of Apathy on this release. Realistically, I think AOTP would be just fine with Vinnie Paz, Celph Titled (my personal favorite), Esoteric, Apathy, Planetary, and Reef the Lost Cause. Remember, it's quality over quantity...and sometimes I have trouble distinguishing who's who outside of the previously mentioned emcees. Oh, and why the hell does Jus Allah sound like a really bad Vinnie Paz knockoff???

Regardless of the faults, this is still a very solid album and worth a purchase. If anything, pick it up for the Celph Titled verses alone; that guy is an amazing (and funny) lyricist.

It's difficult to comment on the beats, but I'd say they're about as good as the first album. There's a nice variety to them, but a couple border on sounding a bit too "commercial" for my tastes (like something Dipset would use, for example). Overall, the entire package is well put together as far as beat selection goes.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 17 reviews  4.3 out of 5 stars