i honestly feel like every feature delivered on this
Albums Ankhlejohn - Pride Of Man (Discussion Thread)
- Thread starter IronFist
- Start date
ANKHEJOHN, also known as LORDY or simply ANKH, is a 29-year-old underground rapper hailing from Washington, D.C. Though he began making music at a young age, around 11 or 12, and released his debut mixtape, "Gold Album," at just 18 in 2013, ANKHEJOHN's career gained significant traction with the 2017 release of his debut album, "The Red Room." This album showcased a compelling blend of soulful samples, dark and gritty production, and ANKHEJOHN's distinctive aggressive rap style.
A prolific artist, ANKHEJOHN has released a staggering 22 albums and 14 mixtapes since "The Red Room." Among these, several stand out. His collaborative album with producer Big Ghost Ltd., "Van Ghost," perfectly captures ANKHEJOHN's style with its dark and grimy production, and features a standout posse cut, "At Eternity's Gate," featuring Fly Anakin, CRIMEAPPLE, and Eto. In contrast, his joint project with rapper/producer Navy Blue, "As Above So Below," showcases ANKHEJOHN's versatility, with soulful and lighter production that beautifully complements his raw delivery. His 2021 album, "As A Man Thinketh," is considered by many to be one of his most well-rounded works, featuring contributions from a diverse range of producers, including Nicholas Craven, Graymatter, Navy Blue, Chuck Strangers, All Ceven, and Theravada.
"Pride of a Man" was highly anticipated by ANKHEJOHN's dedicated fanbase. Initially announced on Instagram in October 2023, with a tracklist featuring renowned rapper Inspectah Deck, the album was initially slated for an early 2024 release. However, the release date was later pushed back to September 4th, with ANKHEJOHN announcing the final tracklist and producer credits via another Instagram post. Maintaining his signature approach, ANKHEJOHN opted against releasing any singles prior to the album's release, opting for a surprise drop on September 4th.
"Pride of a Man" stands as a significant milestone in ANKHEJOHN's discography. Clocking in at 44 minutes and boasting 17 tracks, it's his longest and most comprehensive project yet. This album clearly reflects years of dedicated work and has been eagerly anticipated by his loyal fanbase. Featuring production from legendary hip-hop producers like The Alchemist and Statik Selektah, and a guest verse from Inspectah Deck, "Pride of a Man" represents a significant achievement for an artist who often operates under the radar. It also caps off a successful year for ANKHEJOHN, following his increased visibility after appearing on the Gangrene album, "Heads I Win, Tails You Lose," back in April.
The album opens with "The Congressman," a track anchored by a minimalist soundscape of synth bass and light drumming, allowing ANKH's intricate wordplay to take center stage. Lyrically, ANKH seamlessly transitions between various themes, touching upon classic rapper braggadocio, reflections on fatherhood, and even relatable experiences like surviving on ramen noodles. As the track fades out, an old-timey theater announcer's voice emerges, hinting at the journey that unfolds across the album.
This transition effectively immerses the listener within ANKHLEJOHN's mind, drawing them deeper into the album after the introductory track, which served as a mere glimpse of what was to come. Produced by The Alchemist, "Gorilla Warfare" lives up to its title, vividly portraying ANKH navigating a harsh and violent environment, where survival is paramount. The song commences with the lines...
"Your Secrets" features an eerie vocal sample that sets a chilling tone, perfectly complementing ANKH's vivid depiction of a grim and unforgiving environment. He delves deeper into this bleak landscape with lines like...
A prolific artist, ANKHEJOHN has released a staggering 22 albums and 14 mixtapes since "The Red Room." Among these, several stand out. His collaborative album with producer Big Ghost Ltd., "Van Ghost," perfectly captures ANKHEJOHN's style with its dark and grimy production, and features a standout posse cut, "At Eternity's Gate," featuring Fly Anakin, CRIMEAPPLE, and Eto. In contrast, his joint project with rapper/producer Navy Blue, "As Above So Below," showcases ANKHEJOHN's versatility, with soulful and lighter production that beautifully complements his raw delivery. His 2021 album, "As A Man Thinketh," is considered by many to be one of his most well-rounded works, featuring contributions from a diverse range of producers, including Nicholas Craven, Graymatter, Navy Blue, Chuck Strangers, All Ceven, and Theravada.
"Pride of a Man" was highly anticipated by ANKHEJOHN's dedicated fanbase. Initially announced on Instagram in October 2023, with a tracklist featuring renowned rapper Inspectah Deck, the album was initially slated for an early 2024 release. However, the release date was later pushed back to September 4th, with ANKHEJOHN announcing the final tracklist and producer credits via another Instagram post. Maintaining his signature approach, ANKHEJOHN opted against releasing any singles prior to the album's release, opting for a surprise drop on September 4th.
"Pride of a Man" stands as a significant milestone in ANKHEJOHN's discography. Clocking in at 44 minutes and boasting 17 tracks, it's his longest and most comprehensive project yet. This album clearly reflects years of dedicated work and has been eagerly anticipated by his loyal fanbase. Featuring production from legendary hip-hop producers like The Alchemist and Statik Selektah, and a guest verse from Inspectah Deck, "Pride of a Man" represents a significant achievement for an artist who often operates under the radar. It also caps off a successful year for ANKHEJOHN, following his increased visibility after appearing on the Gangrene album, "Heads I Win, Tails You Lose," back in April.
The album opens with "The Congressman," a track anchored by a minimalist soundscape of synth bass and light drumming, allowing ANKH's intricate wordplay to take center stage. Lyrically, ANKH seamlessly transitions between various themes, touching upon classic rapper braggadocio, reflections on fatherhood, and even relatable experiences like surviving on ramen noodles. As the track fades out, an old-timey theater announcer's voice emerges, hinting at the journey that unfolds across the album.
This transition effectively immerses the listener within ANKHLEJOHN's mind, drawing them deeper into the album after the introductory track, which served as a mere glimpse of what was to come. Produced by The Alchemist, "Gorilla Warfare" lives up to its title, vividly portraying ANKH navigating a harsh and violent environment, where survival is paramount. The song commences with the lines...
"Your Secrets" features an eerie vocal sample that sets a chilling tone, perfectly complementing ANKH's vivid depiction of a grim and unforgiving environment. He delves deeper into this bleak landscape with lines like...
"Cadillac Problems" marks a distinct tonal shift on "Pride of a Man," both musically and lyrically. The production eschews traditional drums, instead incorporating a captivating vocal sample loop that exudes a bright, triumphant energy. Lyrically, the track celebrates success amidst adversity, with ANKH rapping...
How your moms and your pops doing, I hope they still manage
To find the love situation because my parent’s shyt was damaged
I used to come inside your house to get the real feel of a family
Now I’m giving out gems that rap nerds once slandered
And feature Navy Blue delivering bars like
Getting up and getting by, it’s different when you live alive
Dividends of mind, I copped a rollie just to freeze he time
ANKHLEJOHN's celebration of success is short-lived, as he swiftly returns to vividly describing the harsh reality of his upbringing on "Kiss of Death." The production and ANKH's delivery both escalate throughout the song. The track begins with a mysterious, drumless key sample loop, gradually building intensity as heavy drums are introduced midway through. Concurrently, ANKH's delivery grows increasingly intense and rough.
"Nine Taurus," produced by the esteemed Harlem producer V Don, serves as a brief interlude before another tonal shift. The production possesses an eerie quality, though less sinister than much of the preceding material. In the final 15-20 seconds of its 1:17 runtime, V Don allows the sample to breathe, revealing a smooth male voice singing before transitioning seamlessly into the next track.
"Adams Morgan," produced by August Fanon, a New York producer renowned for his work with Mach-Hommy, exudes a rich and opulent atmosphere. ANKH employs pop culture references to illustrate his success, rapping:
"I really did the shyt that Tony done
Either Montana or Romo, made it to the top with no promo"
Detroit underground rapper Willie The Kid contributes a verse, his delivery perfectly complementing the luxurious sample as he paints vivid pictures of affluence.
"Without Her" showcases some of ANKHLEJOHN's most introspective and personal rapping on "Pride of a Man." Over a beautifully soulful, drumless vocal sample loop crafted by Mutant Academy producer Graymatter, ANKHLEJOHN expresses his profound appreciation for the important women in his life. He begins by offering a glimpse into his relationship with his significant other, stating...
I asked her how she would feel if I brought out an engagement ring
She said relationships and marriages are all the same thing
What the competition for if we playin' on the same team?
My wins are yours, vice versa, you ain't feel the same thing?
And then showing his appreciation for his mother with the lines
I gotta give praise to my mom dukes
Cause without her, I wouldn't be this person
Cause without her, I couldn't give y'all these verses
Cause without her, I couldn't give y'all the quality you deserve
Cause without her, this life ain't worth it
How your moms and your pops doing, I hope they still manage
To find the love situation because my parent’s shyt was damaged
I used to come inside your house to get the real feel of a family
Now I’m giving out gems that rap nerds once slandered
And feature Navy Blue delivering bars like
Getting up and getting by, it’s different when you live alive
Dividends of mind, I copped a rollie just to freeze he time
ANKHLEJOHN's celebration of success is short-lived, as he swiftly returns to vividly describing the harsh reality of his upbringing on "Kiss of Death." The production and ANKH's delivery both escalate throughout the song. The track begins with a mysterious, drumless key sample loop, gradually building intensity as heavy drums are introduced midway through. Concurrently, ANKH's delivery grows increasingly intense and rough.
"Nine Taurus," produced by the esteemed Harlem producer V Don, serves as a brief interlude before another tonal shift. The production possesses an eerie quality, though less sinister than much of the preceding material. In the final 15-20 seconds of its 1:17 runtime, V Don allows the sample to breathe, revealing a smooth male voice singing before transitioning seamlessly into the next track.
"Adams Morgan," produced by August Fanon, a New York producer renowned for his work with Mach-Hommy, exudes a rich and opulent atmosphere. ANKH employs pop culture references to illustrate his success, rapping:
"I really did the shyt that Tony done
Either Montana or Romo, made it to the top with no promo"
Detroit underground rapper Willie The Kid contributes a verse, his delivery perfectly complementing the luxurious sample as he paints vivid pictures of affluence.
"Without Her" showcases some of ANKHLEJOHN's most introspective and personal rapping on "Pride of a Man." Over a beautifully soulful, drumless vocal sample loop crafted by Mutant Academy producer Graymatter, ANKHLEJOHN expresses his profound appreciation for the important women in his life. He begins by offering a glimpse into his relationship with his significant other, stating...
I asked her how she would feel if I brought out an engagement ring
She said relationships and marriages are all the same thing
What the competition for if we playin' on the same team?
My wins are yours, vice versa, you ain't feel the same thing?
And then showing his appreciation for his mother with the lines
I gotta give praise to my mom dukes
Cause without her, I wouldn't be this person
Cause without her, I couldn't give y'all these verses
Cause without her, I couldn't give y'all the quality you deserve
Cause without her, this life ain't worth it
On the August Fanon produced, “Pride or Ego”, we enter ANKH’s and feature Domo Genesis’ inflated egos over a dramatic and spectral vocal sample loop. ANKH and Domo both come off cocky, abrasive, and perhaps foolishly full of themselves, with Domo rapping:
Pressure in the flesh, feel like we,
70 deep but it’s just me, for real
Like we 70 deep, feel that pressure when I step
On “Fast Eddies”, ANKHLEJOHN takes a step back from rapping to give room for the feature, elite Virginia underground lyricist Fly Anakin, to put his talent on display. Sandwiched between an opening and closing hook from ANKH, Fly Anakin flaunts his lyrical skill and penchant for internal rhyme schemes over a smooth bright Awhlee-produced beat with bars like:
Know it seems like the first time I touched every curve
It was earth and the birds, all shrimp hors d'oeuvres
Had words for the plug, he was gettin' on my nerves
Send a letterman you n****, I'ma punch you to the curb, bytch
On the third and last August Fanon produced track “Porsches in Ghana”, the tempo seems to slow down. The production simply features a slow vocal sample loop and ANKH raps at a much more relaxed cadence with a less intense delivery. The track seems to lure the listener into a false sense of calm before the next track. As the song comes close to its end, we hear the old timey announcer from early in the album say:
From ANKHLEJOHN, the acclaimed storyteller, comes a timeless classic that will resonate with every heart: Pride of a Man, ohhhh LORDY
On “Ronnie”, produced by Montreal-based producer Nicholas Craven, we seem to briefly enter the embodiment of chaos. The sample loop and drums can only be described as dramatic and menacing, and ANKH once again paints a gloomy picture of his life, talking more about the cycle of alcohol abuse in his family he referenced earlier in the album:
I can’t recall being raised in a sober house
Like trying to scoop all the loose change from a stolen couch
I’m at the bar drinking glasses of Stoli by the ounce
shyt got me smashed it’s gonna be too hard to drive
I’m clogging up the lane on the interstate and hit the side
If I ain’t hit the break I coulda died
Much like “Cadillac Problems”, “Knowledge Born”, produced by legendary New York hip hop producer Statik Selektah, is another celebration of ANKH’s success. ANKH portrays his rags to riches story with lines like:
You the type of n****s stuffing your face with pork
We was young kids plotting on things we couldn't afford
Now I piss out champagne I forgot I bought
Demi-Sec, twist 6 times, pop out the court
“Same Rings” features a second beat from the Alchemist. The production feels hectic and head spinning, with a high cadence base-line complimented by touches of piano. ANKH discusses more of his experiences with drug dealing and violence and closes the song talking about a disloyal friend who changed up on him.
On “Reigny Dayz”, ANKH raps over a beautiful beat composed of a piano loop and a soothing vocal sample accompanied by legendary Wu-Tang Clan rapper Inspectah Deck. ANKH once again flexes his wealth and success, saying:
She ordered a sex on the beach
I'm more than Manhattan type, quick to show you what the status like
Lavish life, you get the closest glimpse of a paradise
“Dreaming” features a lusciously soulful vocal sample loop that compliments ANKH’s rapping of his hopes, dreams, and accomplishments excellently. Up to this track, as we have explored ANKHLEJOHN’s psyche, it has seemed foggy and chaotic, going back and forth between painting images of a traumatic and violent upbringing and young adult life to celebrating his affluence and perseverance. It seems as if ANKH is struggling to appreciate where he is at while coming to terms with his unpleasant past. However, on “Dreaming”, the uplifting production and lyrics seem to tell us that ANKH is at peace.
This inner peace doesn’t seem to last long however, as ANKH’s lyrics turn pretty grim on the closer, “The Kill Switch”, comparing himself to serial killers with bars like:
Jeffrey Dahmer, your head in the fridge
Jars with the peeled skin, this real shyt
To some extent, what the listener gets on Pride of a Man is nothing outside of what we’ve heard from ANKHLEJOHN before throughout his deep discography. Horror movie-esque portrayals of violence, horror-core inspired gritty production, portrayals of wealth and luxury set to backdrops of drumless soulful production; these are all within ANKHLEJOHN’s usual wheelhouse musically. There is something special about this album nonetheless.
It is much more focused and cohesive, with the tracks flowing smoothly and the short announcer skits throughout that help immerse the listener in the stories ANKH tells. It feels more fleshed out than many of his releases that tend to be shorter in terms of runtime. Rather than making you feel like wanting more, Pride of a Man feels complete and finished. It is more personal than much of his work too and feels like an exploration into ANKHLEJOHN’s mind rather than just a display of great rapping and beat selection. Pride of a Man is everything passionate fans of ANKH could have hoped it would be.
Favorite Lyrics by u/Homiealmaya
This sound like the kiss of death
Where I'm from, you get killed for less
Finger fukk the TEC, the shots hit the doors, windows, and the steps
Made money off my trauma, you left the people in my hood stressed
All they know is kill and death, what you expect?
ANKHLEJOHN on “Kiss of Death”
Forever drifted, though my limits see the template, it's too late
Cast the shadows off ya' wide space, and smackdown in my state
You watching me you need to watch your fukking prostate
Cholesterol at 48, bro you not late
Fly Anakin on “Fast Eddies”
On rainy days, I sit back and count ways on how to get this pay raise
Blowing a pound of haze, calling the wildest plays
Flow sharper than a thousand blades, clout-chasing gave the foulest gaze
Disrespectfully, fukk out the way
You child's play, come on out to play, catch around the flames
Inspectah Deck on “Reigny Dayz”
N**** died on sight he approached me cause I grilled him
Now how's baby mom's gon' get groceries for the children
Take the camera, she gon' do a Ho thing when it's filming
Hit the bathroom, she gon' do a coke thing, get to sniffing
You n****s average, shyt ain't even blow when you hit the building
ANKHLEJOHN on “The Kill Switch”
Pressure in the flesh, feel like we,
70 deep but it’s just me, for real
Like we 70 deep, feel that pressure when I step
On “Fast Eddies”, ANKHLEJOHN takes a step back from rapping to give room for the feature, elite Virginia underground lyricist Fly Anakin, to put his talent on display. Sandwiched between an opening and closing hook from ANKH, Fly Anakin flaunts his lyrical skill and penchant for internal rhyme schemes over a smooth bright Awhlee-produced beat with bars like:
Know it seems like the first time I touched every curve
It was earth and the birds, all shrimp hors d'oeuvres
Had words for the plug, he was gettin' on my nerves
Send a letterman you n****, I'ma punch you to the curb, bytch
On the third and last August Fanon produced track “Porsches in Ghana”, the tempo seems to slow down. The production simply features a slow vocal sample loop and ANKH raps at a much more relaxed cadence with a less intense delivery. The track seems to lure the listener into a false sense of calm before the next track. As the song comes close to its end, we hear the old timey announcer from early in the album say:
From ANKHLEJOHN, the acclaimed storyteller, comes a timeless classic that will resonate with every heart: Pride of a Man, ohhhh LORDY
On “Ronnie”, produced by Montreal-based producer Nicholas Craven, we seem to briefly enter the embodiment of chaos. The sample loop and drums can only be described as dramatic and menacing, and ANKH once again paints a gloomy picture of his life, talking more about the cycle of alcohol abuse in his family he referenced earlier in the album:
I can’t recall being raised in a sober house
Like trying to scoop all the loose change from a stolen couch
I’m at the bar drinking glasses of Stoli by the ounce
shyt got me smashed it’s gonna be too hard to drive
I’m clogging up the lane on the interstate and hit the side
If I ain’t hit the break I coulda died
Much like “Cadillac Problems”, “Knowledge Born”, produced by legendary New York hip hop producer Statik Selektah, is another celebration of ANKH’s success. ANKH portrays his rags to riches story with lines like:
You the type of n****s stuffing your face with pork
We was young kids plotting on things we couldn't afford
Now I piss out champagne I forgot I bought
Demi-Sec, twist 6 times, pop out the court
“Same Rings” features a second beat from the Alchemist. The production feels hectic and head spinning, with a high cadence base-line complimented by touches of piano. ANKH discusses more of his experiences with drug dealing and violence and closes the song talking about a disloyal friend who changed up on him.
On “Reigny Dayz”, ANKH raps over a beautiful beat composed of a piano loop and a soothing vocal sample accompanied by legendary Wu-Tang Clan rapper Inspectah Deck. ANKH once again flexes his wealth and success, saying:
She ordered a sex on the beach
I'm more than Manhattan type, quick to show you what the status like
Lavish life, you get the closest glimpse of a paradise
“Dreaming” features a lusciously soulful vocal sample loop that compliments ANKH’s rapping of his hopes, dreams, and accomplishments excellently. Up to this track, as we have explored ANKHLEJOHN’s psyche, it has seemed foggy and chaotic, going back and forth between painting images of a traumatic and violent upbringing and young adult life to celebrating his affluence and perseverance. It seems as if ANKH is struggling to appreciate where he is at while coming to terms with his unpleasant past. However, on “Dreaming”, the uplifting production and lyrics seem to tell us that ANKH is at peace.
This inner peace doesn’t seem to last long however, as ANKH’s lyrics turn pretty grim on the closer, “The Kill Switch”, comparing himself to serial killers with bars like:
Jeffrey Dahmer, your head in the fridge
Jars with the peeled skin, this real shyt
To some extent, what the listener gets on Pride of a Man is nothing outside of what we’ve heard from ANKHLEJOHN before throughout his deep discography. Horror movie-esque portrayals of violence, horror-core inspired gritty production, portrayals of wealth and luxury set to backdrops of drumless soulful production; these are all within ANKHLEJOHN’s usual wheelhouse musically. There is something special about this album nonetheless.
It is much more focused and cohesive, with the tracks flowing smoothly and the short announcer skits throughout that help immerse the listener in the stories ANKH tells. It feels more fleshed out than many of his releases that tend to be shorter in terms of runtime. Rather than making you feel like wanting more, Pride of a Man feels complete and finished. It is more personal than much of his work too and feels like an exploration into ANKHLEJOHN’s mind rather than just a display of great rapping and beat selection. Pride of a Man is everything passionate fans of ANKH could have hoped it would be.
Favorite Lyrics by u/Homiealmaya
This sound like the kiss of death
Where I'm from, you get killed for less
Finger fukk the TEC, the shots hit the doors, windows, and the steps
Made money off my trauma, you left the people in my hood stressed
All they know is kill and death, what you expect?
ANKHLEJOHN on “Kiss of Death”
Forever drifted, though my limits see the template, it's too late
Cast the shadows off ya' wide space, and smackdown in my state
You watching me you need to watch your fukking prostate
Cholesterol at 48, bro you not late
Fly Anakin on “Fast Eddies”
On rainy days, I sit back and count ways on how to get this pay raise
Blowing a pound of haze, calling the wildest plays
Flow sharper than a thousand blades, clout-chasing gave the foulest gaze
Disrespectfully, fukk out the way
You child's play, come on out to play, catch around the flames
Inspectah Deck on “Reigny Dayz”
N**** died on sight he approached me cause I grilled him
Now how's baby mom's gon' get groceries for the children
Take the camera, she gon' do a Ho thing when it's filming
Hit the bathroom, she gon' do a coke thing, get to sniffing
You n****s average, shyt ain't even blow when you hit the building
ANKHLEJOHN on “The Kill Switch”