This is the first time I’ve heard an Apathy record. I knew going into listening to Honkey Kong, I was in for a treat. In my other reviews, I always state in the beginning that the world of Hip-Hop needs more real artists. The last few records I’ve reviewed, personified that statement. Apathy’s Honkey Kong also proves that there is hope for the genre.
The Connecticut rapper’s third record offers a lot, as this man loves the genre and makes sure to make serious music. Apathy understands the politics in the music business and sets out to do what he wants in his music. Each track is hard hitting, each track offers lyrics that don’t hold back. The record is totally underground and is a big middle finger to the main stream record companies and artists.
One of my favorite things on the record is all the collaborations. Underground sensations Vinny Paz & Jedi Mind Tricks, Ill Bill, Celph Titled, and Xzbit all put their touches on to their respective tracks. The title track Honkey Kong is one of the standouts on the record. Starting off with a loud growl into a sample from the film Training Day, where Denzel Washington yells “King Kong ain’t got shit on me!”
The production is great, the beats are hard, catchy, and something to rock your head too. Another standout track on the record is “East Coast Rapist”, where a few things are sampled. Simple Minds famous song, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, Party and Bullshit is also sampled. All put together as a really complete hip hop track.
In the end, Apathy has put together another classic with tons of replay value. I really don’t get the reason why the main stream record labels have never given this guy a chance. He proves it on this album, which he deserves to be up there with the top artists. Everything that comes out of this guy’s mouth is real, and doesn’t hold back. Maybe this album will catapult Apathy in to main stream success. He really deserves it.
Honkey Kong is out now on Dirty Version Records.
