Arkh Zeus of Everett enjoys keeping himself busy. He hopes to be as skillful behind the decks as he is with his songwriting while wielding the double-edged sword of being a rapper and producer combo.
Zeus has put Tensai on hold in order to focus on other topics for his 2021 releases. The first time this was noticeable was on BUTTERFLYTRAP, where Arkh Zeus imitated his idol Kid Cudi
The Blue Album, Zeus’ second 2021 project, was made available last week. I thought back to something Zeus had said in an interview about wanting to battle rap some of his all-time favorites while I listened to this new album. When listening to the songs from The Blue Album, it seems like Zeus had the bars ready for this one and that was the project’s overall concept. He has a strong affection for Kid Cudi’s work, as was previously mentioned. On the Tensai albums and BUTTERFLYTRAP, the impact of the man on the moon is undeniably audible; yet, on The Blue Album, Zeus shifts the emphasis away from melody and toward his lyrics.
This has always been the situation. Kofi Lost, who you don’t put on a track if you don’t want someone to fire a heavy verse, is featured on the opening track “Blunt Wrap.” How many musicians are attempting to get flexed out of their own track? Kofi is one of those rappers that will make you second-guess inviting him into the studio for a feature. To Zeus’ credit, he holds his own lyrically. The producer made a deliberate decision to include it. In comparison to earlier Arkh Zeus albums, this one has a lot more guest rappers overall. Although he has already worked with many singers, there is more of an atmosphere of friendly competition here.
The songs “Ayo, wheredahookat?” with CASiMiRx and Linden Vo and “Mama Knows,” a homage to the artist’s mother, are further highlights of the album. It’s the album’s final track, “F-T-K,” which stands out as one of Arkh Zeus’ best tracks and a perfect demonstration of both his skills as a rapper and producer, in the tradition of saving the best for last. Over the course of the song’s five minutes, there are three unique rhythmic portions. Zeus contributes bars and melodies to the opening portion when he stays in a much more moody, Cudi-like territory.
It quickly speeds up the pace and adopts a much speedier vibe with the debut of a featured artist who remains unnamed and delivers a scorching verse that feels more like a guitar solo at the song’s most dramatic point. It’s compelling. Zeus retakes control and finishes the album after another beat and tempo change. This kind of innovative and diverse beat-making makes Arkh Zeus stand out as one of the top hip-hop groups in Massachusetts.
