Jedi Mind Tricks

Since their debut, Jedi Mind Tricks have invited a legion of guest rappers to their full-lengths, and Army of the Pharaohs could well be the dénouement; under the billing "Army of the Pharaohs," nearly a dozen different rappers make a total of 50 appearances (all those on just 13 tracks). Also, the record appears to have a concept behind it, at least from the subtitle ("The Torture Papers"), but neither Vinnie Paz nor Stupe nor any of the guests ever enlighten listeners about what the concept is, or what it means. The only things left to glean from this record are the performances and the productions. As for the productions, they consist of the horrorcore rap heard on JMT full-lengths or old Gravediggaz or Wu-Tang records. Highlights among the performances include those of four guests -- the great rappers Esoteric, Apathy, and Celph Titled, plus producer 7L -- on "The Torture Papers," "Listen Up," and "King Among Kings." ~ John Bush, All Music Guide