Zitat:
Army of the Pharaohs, the ever-evolving crew of Hip Hop’s heaviest hitters, is the culmination of a vision devised by Jedi Mind Tricks’ frontman Vinnie Paz. Initiated over twelve years ago with the vinyl-only release of the classic Five Perfect Exertions b/w War Ensemble 12” single, the group (following in the long-standing tradition of crews like Wu Tang and The Juice Crew) has thrived for over a decade.
With two full-length albums (2006’s The Torture Papers and 2007’s Ritual of Battle; both of which have scanned over 50,000 units) and a slew of singles under their collective belt; AOTP has established itself as the premier collective of diverse MCs showcasing viciously precise and dynamic skills. Lead by JMT's own Vinnie Paz, AOTP is a reflection of the volatile MC’s staunch belief in the tradition of Hip hop’s most sacred tenants and aesthetics. Individually the styles of the Pharaohs range from strictly lyrical to bloodthirsty battle rhymes, all fused within a construct based on energy and sonic power.
The Army returns with their latest effort: Jedi Mind Tricks Presents the Army of the Pharaohs: The Unholy Terror, which delivers the same disemboweling brand of hard-core boom-bap and battle rhyming that this veteran crew is known for. Constant touring through Europe and the United States has primed the outfit for their third full-length release.
As tradition dictates, the new face of the unit is comprised of a potent arsenal of formidable MCs and producers. It is a unique mixture of Philadelphia’s best home-grown talent and outside affiliations with the likes of like Vinnie Paz, Outerspace, Reef the Lost Cauze, Des Devious, Doap Nixion, Jus Allah, King Magnetic and King Syze teaming up with Apathy, Celph Titled, Esoteric, Block McCloud and Journalist.
The Pharaohs’ sound is guided by the deft hands of well-known and heavily respected beat-makers like Philly’s own DJ Kwestion, while Apathy and Celph also show their production chops on this album. Contributions also come from producers Vanderslice, Crown, Undefined, DC the Midi Alien, Grand Finale, Hypnotist, JbL the Titan and MTK.
The Unholy Terror continues on in the same vein as AOTP’s earlier efforts: epic, grimy beats and raw rhymes. Having spent their entire existence as a self-contained unit, AOTP exhibits a tightness and a complexity that only comes with years of crafted experience. Once again the Army proves itself to be more than the sum of its parts. Seasoned by the road and their respective careers outside AOTP, the members return with focused intensity to what has become more than just a collection of Rappers: it is now a tradition.