Apathy "Honkey Kong" Album Review

One of the first things I would say if asked to describe Apathy is that he's a lyrical arsonist and "Honkey Kong" will not disappoint those of us who still listen for wordplay and rhyme acrobatics. Apathy absolutely blazes with his poignant lyrics and should serve as a testamony to the power of a thesaurus and expanding a rapper's vocabulary. In today's age of simple one syllable rappers Apathy stands head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. Armed with an arsenal of rhymes Apathy further distances himself from the played out production that is typically repeated over and over with "Honkey Kong" built around a dope blend of samples and breakbeats. I really appreciate the attention to detail within the production; providing actual breaks and drum fills and the little elements that catch my ear and stand out. As a DJ my appreciation for Apathy is already stacked in his favor since he has always incorporated actual DJ skills within his tracks and "Honkey Kong" is loaded with turntable tactics.

The only knock against Apathy's "Honkey Kong" is that it is clearly targeting the East Coast Hip-Hop heads who appreciate the boom-bap flavor. Personally, I love it, but I don't expect that "Honkey Kong" will get a lot of play in Dallas or Atlanta or Miami or LA. The sound is extremely regional and some would even say dated. Going entirely with the same flavor really restricts the potential audience and doesn't allow anyone on the fence to be won over as a new fan if they are only familiar with big 808's and simple synth hits looped for 3 minutes and more. With that said, I hope that Hip-Hop heads who aren't familiar with Apathy will at least give "Honkey Kong" a full listen to decide for themselves, regardless of where they're from or where they're at. This is easily one of the top 10 albums of 2011.

My top picks are "Make Alotta Money", "No Rapper", "The Villain", "Check to Check", "I Dedicate This to You", and "1:52 AM". Make sure you get the deluxe edition so you don't miss out on all the bonus tracks and the instrumentals.

Apathy "HONKEY KONG" Tracklisting:
1. Honkey Kong (feat. Vinnie Paz & Jedi Mind Tricks)
2. Holy Ghost (feat. Slaine)
3. The Villain (feat. Ill Bill)
4. Check To Check
5. Stop What Ya Doin' (feat. Celph Titled & DJ Premier)
6. The Recipe (feat. Xzibit)
7. Fear Itself
8. Who Got Da Juice? (Interlude starring Blacastan)
9. It's Only Hip Hop (feat. Brevi)
10. I Dedicate This To You (feat. Tosha Makia)
11. All I Think About (feat. Action Bronson)
12. Never Say Never (feat. General Steele & Mad Lion)
13. Albino Gorillas (feat. Esoteric)
14. Peace Connecticut
15. Army Of The Godz (feat. Esoteric, Blacastan, Reef The Lost Cauze, Planetary, Crypt The Warchild, Motive, Celph Titled & Vinnie Paz)
16. 1.52 A.M.
17. East Coast Rapist
18. Squeeze (feat. Blacastan)
19. Dear Lord (feat. Eternia & Diabolic)
20. Make Alotta Money
21. Smoke Weed Everyday (feat. Scoop Deville)
22. No Rapper
23. Death To The Culture Vultures