Old School, New School, Ghost School Groove

Proud 10 years ago, as Ghostface Killah with "Apollo Kids" one of the Banger of "Supreme Clientele" auskoppelte as a single, a few days before Christmas came a whole album with this title, which can indulge us a little down memory lane. After just about all his records for Def Jam could not conceal a certain tendency for mainstream, wanted the now 40-year-old rapper from Staten Iceland with "Apollo Kids" go back one step to the classic Wu sound and entirely without the help of RZA , Mathematics, True Master, 4th Disciple or Bronze Nazareth, but with up to Pete Rock, Jake One and Sean C & LV rather unknown Producern. Whether and how well it succeeded, we check now.

Even if the features from the opener "Purified Thoughts", namely Killah Priest and GZA, read on the back cover, you get in the mood to the track. Was forged this piece by Frank Dukes, a name you should remember from now. Immediately with the first sounds you realize the love for sampling, which is on this record very often be the case. So join the powerful drums some soul sounds, resulting in a piece smoothes with a lot of energy is created. Ghostface appears hungry at Mic and colleagues can confidently their strengths hang out. Completely different, but no less good is "Superstar". Here samples of "He's A Superstar" by Ron Ayers were installed, which has a funky groove in the style of the 70's result and reminds us a little of warhorses like Shaft. In addition to the GRP is here Busta Rhymes of the party, which presents itself with a successful appearance as a second Pimp addition to the host. Frank Dukes (I hope the name is still a household name) produced by "Black Tequila" another real Smash, thunders the dust really out of the speakers. With powerful beat, crashing electric guitars and a few vocals of old Bollywood Ham have the instrumental goes off incredibly well, tears from the first to the last bar with his power with. As we are used to it, are again a few features with the launch, here in person by Trife Diesel and Cappadonna, who can inspire with Mafioso rap. Also "drama" goes in the Gangsta division, is unfortunately less spectacular. A dull bass and lots of e-Organ-use promise a good basis, but it soon will be a bit monotonous. In addition to the Ghost Joell Ortiz can score with a neat performance, while a sleep at The Game on micro almost feet. The lead single "2getha Baby" is one of only three solo tracks from "Apollo Kids". The content is about no more than a lady after another flatten, and musically not a skin of the song from the socks.

During the verses a little varied trumpets loop is played, it's then in the chorus an old, but again freshes Soul sample from the 60's. Futuristic spacey and comes across "Starkology" that particularly focuses on a powerful pumping bass, drums bit support and a darker overall mood besides a few R2D2 sounds. Very nice to listen to, but not a banger. That would be closer to "In Tha Park" of the case. Producer is - you may have guessed certain - once again the good Frank Dukes. The piece sounds almost like a 1: 1 copy of the template, namely "I'm Alive" by Johnny Thunder. This title will be many say nothing sure, but once you get to hear the first few bars of the electric guitar, you will immediately know this tune somewhere ago. Of course, the whole thing has been beefed up a bit and rumbles now with plenty of power to us, while Ghostface and Black Thought of The Roots on the Hip Hop culture in the Big Apple ponder. Veteran Pete Rock is responsible for "How You Like Me Baby". It is a brisk song that is catchy, melodic and fresh and thus ensures good mood. Pretty Toney convinced with a casual flow, what it turns here can be seen already from the title. The situation is similar with "handcuffin 'Them Hoes" from, a chilled Porn number with Dipset member Jim Jones that you can listen to very good, but not one of the major highlights. "Street Bullies" is it definitely one of the highlights of "Apollo Kids". Soul, Drama, Street Flavor - all that connects this track. This is particularly convincing then through dedicated performances of all participants, which include Wiggs and D-Block Sheek Louch rapper also GhostDini's son Sun God joins added. "Ghetto" (feat. Raekwon, U-God & Cappadonna), however, brings us back to the funky sound of the 70's, a style of nichtnur fits perfectly with GRP, but also immediately merges with his rhythm in the joints and marrow. Finally, we meet on "Troublemakers", that is with his Ruffen way up to its name, on Ghostface Killah's cousin Raekwon and America's Most Blunted Method Man & Redman, leave again the end a strong album properly.

As hip-hop and black music fan you just can not be excited differently than from "Apollo Kids". The productions are often top notch, combine classic sounds with modern beats, added Ghostface Killah, who seems to enjoy his second youth and also the numerous guests blend in well. After Wu-Tang this album sounds, although rarely, about one can however loose ignore. Overall, "Apollo Kids" one of the best Wu-solos in recent years and therefore recommended for all East Coast- and GRP fans.