With his upcoming project The Widow's Son due on March 2nd, respected lyricist Apathy has come through with one of the bar-appreciators out there. The Demigod has enlisted Pharoahe Monch (whom Joe Budden recently described as an "alien," due to his sheer talent at rhyming words), and the Desire rapper more than lives up to his extraterrestrial reputation. Throw in an old-school instrumental from the legendary Pete Rock, and you've got a recipe for a refreshing burst of nostalgia. And while the popular narrative tends to center around the death of "real hip-hop," it's obvious that lyricism is still alive and well; all you have to do is look for it.
On "I Keep On," both Apathy and Pharoahe Monch engage in a bit of friendly competition, showcasing dexterous flows, multi-syllables, and a clever ear for references. "This is deeper than before, creature feature with gore, defeat ya like you invited the Grim Reaper to war," raps Apathy, while Pharoahe battles back with "Pharoah and Apathy is like a Virus, MacAffee, attackin' ya faculty back to back decapitating you gradually."
Quotable Lyrics
This is deeper than before, creature feature with gore,
Defeat ya like you invited the Grim Reaper to war
I'm more than vicious, swear the fuck to God I be warnin bitches
You get mornin' sickness you leaving with abortion stitches