Apollo Kids
by Ghostface Killah
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Dec 21, 2010
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
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  1. rollingstone82
    Jan 3, 2011
    9
    overall strong return for Tony Starks after the last few okay efforts.
    rhymes: off the chain 9.5/10
    beats: mostly good yet some are weak 7.5/10
    guests: some are just incredibly dope (black thought, wu tang) and some need work (joell ortiz, jim jones) 8/10
    Overall: 8.5/10
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    Jan 14, 2011
    10
    A seamless transition from his critically acclaimed R'n'B album, Ghostface firmly salutes the classical hip-hop style that is absent from today's mainstream market with intimidating lyrics and typical vocal authority. The beats are aggressive, compressed hard and reflect Ghostface's larger than life persona, the samples effective (though unoriginal) are used stylistically as a subtext toA seamless transition from his critically acclaimed R'n'B album, Ghostface firmly salutes the classical hip-hop style that is absent from today's mainstream market with intimidating lyrics and typical vocal authority. The beats are aggressive, compressed hard and reflect Ghostface's larger than life persona, the samples effective (though unoriginal) are used stylistically as a subtext to genre and the mastering develops these elements by slamming them against your eardrums. Don't expect anything and you will be wowed, expect too much and you will still be pleased! Never one to disrespect the art, Ghostface Killah proves again that he is the greatest rapper alive paving the way for fellow New York MCs Nas & Raekwon to defeat him for the title. Artistically he develops on the styles of Drake and Lil Wayne while still providing the cultural substance that makes him such a powerful speaker. 10/10 97/100… Expand
  3. NJR
    Dec 26, 2010
    9
    A great return to form by Ghost, his last three albums (Ghostdini, Big Doe Rehab & More Fish) were all sub-par efforts that caused me to lose interest in Ghost for a while. But this is another story, his rhymes are sharp and lyrically perfect and the guest spots are just as exiting. Some of the production is brilliant (Purified Thoughts, How You Like Me Baby & Troublemakers) but sadly someA great return to form by Ghost, his last three albums (Ghostdini, Big Doe Rehab & More Fish) were all sub-par efforts that caused me to lose interest in Ghost for a while. But this is another story, his rhymes are sharp and lyrically perfect and the guest spots are just as exiting. Some of the production is brilliant (Purified Thoughts, How You Like Me Baby & Troublemakers) but sadly some leaves a lot to be desired even though most of the sampling is very good. This is what stops the album from being on the same level as Fishscale & Supreme Clientele for me, nevertheless it is still very much a Wu-Banger!… Expand
  4. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    7
    it was okay it was kinda disappointing to me just a little bit.it was okay it was kinda disappointing to me just a little bit. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Collapse
  5. TTW107
    Apr 8, 2012
    8
    This rap album is a hidden gem from 2010. Only hip hop heads are going to have/know this album. Ghostface rarely disappoints on his solo outings and this is certainly no exception.
  6. BigTyCoon
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    Ghost at his leanest and near his best. He's always dropped solid to incredible albums and this leans near the the incredible. Tonnes of energy and great stories as usual over dope production.
  7. Urbanlistener
    Apr 26, 2015
    9
    Simply a great all-around album from Ghostface Killah who doesn't stop to surprise us with the quality of the music he makes after a 18 years run in the game as a solo artist.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Okayplayer
    Jan 14, 2011
    79
    It's a testament to Ghostface's MC bonafides and sheer force of personality that, while easily his weakest solo outing, Apollo Kids is far from a bad album. It just doesn't quite feel like a Ghostface Killah album.
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  2. HipHopDX
    Jan 13, 2011
    80
    When it's all said and done, Ghostface Killah treats Apollo Kids like a seasoned veteran would treat a game on the hardwood; he picks his spots, lets his teammates have their moments, and takes over when necessary. In that respect, Apollo Kids is another project we can tally up in Ghost's win column.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 13, 2011
    70
    Apollo Kids definitely feels like a bit of an apology to his fans, and might be more accurately considered a stopgap, street album before Ghost's next labor of love.
    Read full review
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