With “The Night of Day,†Apoc and Rel fulfill the promise that was heard in their past collaborations on projects like Apoc’s 2005 release “Gods & Ghosts†and their contribution to the 2004 compilation “The Zooey Files.†For their first full-length album as The Ritz, they wanted to showcase their ability to explore a diverse array of styles while still creating a cohesive and affecting hip hop record. For inspiration they looked to the themes and aesthetics of the gritty noir films of the 1940s and 50s. On the production end, Rel creates a collection of beats that demonstrate his range as a producer. Using a palette that includes classic soul chops, staccato synths, and haunting strings, Rel’s tracks bounce from dark and evocative to soulful and melodic; fashioning more than a few bangers in the process. Now on his third full length project, and having hit the road to play shows around the country this past year, Apoc handles the majority of the rapping, jumping seamlessly from one style to the next as the album evolves. Using the language of noir and relying on the genre’s motifs of scorned lovers, disenchanted heros, mysterious pasts and a corrupt and violent world, he spits cinematic tales describing the underbelly of modern American society. Utilizing his vast catalog of styles, Apoc’s nihilistic stories are told with fervor, from the sing songy raps of “Heartless†or “Waiting†to the rapid fire delivery of the title track. He even gives some impressive nods to his native Chicago exhibiting his aptitude for spitting the city’s signature double-time sound on “The Getaway†and “Blown.†To compliment the striking work put in by Apoc and Rel, the album is sprinkled with snippets from some of the film noir movies that influenced them during the creation of the album. As well, DJ Onceamonth provides cuts on many of the tracks showcasing the skills he's honed through his years in the battle circuit. They also get some significant contributions from fellow Chicagoans Racecar of Modill, and Rhymesayers recording artist Psalm One. All of this adds up to make “The Night of Day†a defining effort in the emergence of two talented, innovative artists..............................................
Ritz (Apoc + Rel) feat. Psalm One - Blown/ Heartless/ Its The..
to purchase GODS & GHOSTS on cd for $10 click the button belowWith Gods & Ghosts, Apoc confirms his status as a rising star in Chicago's independent hip hop community. His repertoire has grown considerably since his debut, showcasing an acerbic wit that works to compliment his aptitude for rich imagery and pointed political commentary. The album is scored by EV Records beatsmith Earmint, who moves seamlessly through his catalog of classic breaks, modern boom bap, electro funk, and glitchy electronica to create a platform of sound that is at once accessible and challenging to the listener. The two combine to give birth to a series of passionate meditations on identity and it's relation to one's past. Adding to the imaginative soundscapes are fellow Chicago indy hip hop stalwarts Anacron(Netherworlds) and Psalm One(Rhymesayers), who both make memorable appearances on the mic, the latter lending her trademark rapid fire delivery to the album's lead single 'The Uh.' Battle veteran DJ Onceamonth sprinkles his provocative scratch techniques over the album and Lab-O affiliate Relevar collaborates with Earmint on a few of the tracks to give it that extra knock. This is the album where Apoc and Earmint emerge from the pack and establish themselves as forerunners in the new indy hip hop vanguard.to purchase SALESMANSHIPWRECKED on cd for $10 click the button below
.............to purchase THE ZOOEY FILES on cd for $7 click the button belowApocs emergence as an artist coincides with his ongoing collaborations with Earmint, starting with 2003s Salesmanshipwrecked. The release of that album marked the beginning of their artist collective and sometimes record label, Lab-Oratory. Under that guise, they have since released a number of projects together, including Lab-Oratorys Changing Seasons(2003), Apocs Bootlegg Aesthetic EP(2003), and the compilation The Zooey Files(2004). The buzz generated by these projects has allowed them the opportunity to work with many of Chicagos most esteemed artists, such as Diverse, Modill, and Vyle, as well as national acts like Murs and Illogic. In addition, Apocs live performances have earned him many accolades; playing shows all around the country with big name acts like Rahzel, Eyedea & Abilities, Slick Rick, DJ Logic, Lyrics Born, and Tre Hardson of The Pharcyde. The two plan to return to the studio this summer to record a new album titled "boredom in full bloom." In the meantime, look for a download only instrumental album from earmint coming later this summer and apoc's collaboration with rel as The Ritz, also dropping this summer.NEW!!! APOC "RAP RAP RAP" T-SHIRTS - CHARCHOAL WITH BLUE AND PINK EARMINT DESIGN ON BONAFIED FORMULA WERKS APPAREL!!! - $10 CHEAP!!! plus shipping - COP ONE NOW!!
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