Thug Life Army

The definition of “Eastern Philosophy” can be interpreted many ways across the globe, but at its core, the essence of the ancient practice can be translated to mean “the eternal search for absolute truth.” And even after signing a major label deal with Atlantic Records, to being named one of Urb Magazine’s “Hot 100” artists, to striving to crystallize the mainstream and underground populous, hip-hop MC Apathy has spent the better part of his journey as an artist searching for “absolute truth” within his music and within himself.

Though the name implies lethargy, Apathy’s work-ethic has been anything but. Many know him as a founding member of The Demigodz crew (which also includes Styles Of Beyond, Celph Titled and 7L & Esoteric) where he joined the rest of his crew in releasing 2002’s critically acclaimed EP, The Godz Must Be Crazy, (the same EP that led to a major-label bidding war for his services). Furthermore, Apathy has paid his dues with a series of 12’ releases and has also made guest appearances on LP’s from Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda (Fort Minor LP), Sage Francis, Styles Of Beyond, Jedi Mind Tricks, Louis Logic.

In addition to having his music appear on the hit TV series CSI: Miami, Ap has also released a series of highly circulated mixtapes; including 2003’ It’s the Bootleg Muthafuckas! Vol.1 and 2004’s ironically entitled Where’s Your Album; which was highlighted by his reworking of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” and The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” (“It Takes A Seven Nation Army To Hold Us Back”).

Though Apathy is still working on his major-label debut for Atlantic Records, on March 21st, all of his hard work promises to come full-circle, as one of Hip-Hop’s rising stars will finally release the LP that underground Hip-Hop fans have been talking about for years, Eastern Philosophy, via Babygrande Records. 

Eastern Philosophy has been a labor of love for Apathy and one he is very anxious to finally birth.  “I originally came up with the title Eastern Philosophy in 1998. To me, the title had to be something simple and profound, one which reflected east coast life. I''ve always felt there is something deep about where you were raised. No matter how worldly or well traveled you are your views, your mannerisms and general character is formed in the place you consider home. And the fact that it paints someone’s life like that is real deep to me.”

Eastern Philosophy exhibits the lyrical swagger and dexterity that fans have come to expect from Apathy; evidenced by the LP’s title track, which sets the mood for the rest of the LP and captures Ap’s eastern mind state. “I started off the album with the title track "Eastern Philosophy” and it sets the tone for the rest of the album. Hard drums, slightly retro east coast 90's boom bap and I talk about the little details people forget about the east.”  Another track that deals specifically with those details is the LP’s dark lead-single, “The Winter,” which finds Ap delving into the isolation of the night and “praying for snow days” alongside hip-hop’s Wu-Tang songstress Blue Raspberry (she has added backing vocals to rap artists Method Man and Raekwon’s solo-debuts) who adds her own frigid chorus.

Eastern Philosophy----consider it a guidebook for life on the east coast; scheduled forMarch 21st, 2006 release on Babygrande Records

Hip-Hop MC Apathy will also be heading out on the road with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and Little Brother for nine supporting dates on Mike Shinoda’s Fort Minor tour (if you would like to attend a show in your area, please let me know):

Apathy’s Fort Minor Tour Dates:

1-28-06- Minneapolis, MN

1-29-06- Chicago, IL

1-31-06- Pontiac, MI

2-1-06- Toronto, ON

2-3-06- Boston, MA

2-4-06- Providence, RI

2-6-06- NY, NY

2-9-06- Atlanta, GA

2-10-06- Washington, DC

More information on Apathy and his forthcoming album is available at:

http://www.myspace.com/apathy

http://www.babygrande.com