The Ritz

In a world sick with greed, lust, self-loathing and a plague of addictions, The Ritz is merely another symptom. With “The Night of Day,” Apoc and Rel fulfill the promise that was heard in their past collaborations on projects like Apoc’s 2005 release “Gods & Ghosts” and their contribution to the 2004 compilation “The Zooey Files.” For their first full-length album as The Ritz, they wanted to showcase their ability to explore a diverse array of styles while still creating a cohesive and affecting hip hop record. For inspiration they looked to the themes and aesthetics of the gritty noir films of the 1940s and 50s. On the production end, Rel creates a collection of beats that demonstrate his range as a producer. Using a palette that includes classic soul chops, staccato synths, and haunting strings, Rel’s tracks bounce from dark and evocative to soulful and melodic; fashioning more than a few bangers in the process. Now on his third full length project, and having hit the road to play shows around the country this past year, Apoc handles the majority of the rapping, jumping seamlessly from one style to the next as the album evolves. Using the language of noir and relying on the genre’s motifs of scorned lovers, disenchanted heros, mysterious pasts and a corrupt and violent world, he spits cinematic tales describing the underbelly of modern American society. Utilizing his vast catalog of styles, Apoc’s nihilistic stories are told with fervor, from the sing songy raps of “Heartless” or “Waiting” to the rapid fire delivery of the title track. He even gives some impressive nods to his native Chicago exhibiting his aptitude for spitting the city’s signature double-time sound on “The Getaway” and “Blown.” To compliment the striking work put in by Apoc and Rel, the album is sprinkled with snippets from some of the film noir movies that influenced them during the creation of the album. They also get some significant contributions from fellow Chicagoans Racecar of Modill, and Rhymesayers recording artist Psalm One, as well as cuts performed by battle veteran DJ Onceamonth. All of this adds up to make “The Night of Day” a defining effort in the emergence of two talented and innovative artists.

Since the arrival of his first album, “Salesmanshipwrecked”, in 2003, Apoc has established himself as a stalwart of both the Chicago and San Diego hip hop scenes. Slightly nomadic, he tries to spend every minute that he’s not in the studio out on the road. In the process, he’s been able to share the stage with hip hop luminaries such as Slick Rick, Pharoahe Monch, and Mix Master Mike as well as indie hip hop heavyweights like Eyedea & Abilities, Lyrics Born and Living Legends. His tours have brought him to both ends of the country and back again with a fan base that expands with every show, which isn’t surprising considering the energy he brings to his performances. Apoc’s live shows have become renowned for the dizzying array of rhyme techniques, humorous stage antics and an unparalleled intensity that combine for one of the most dynamic performances in hip hop today. Recently his live act has been bolstered by the use of a vocal effects module, and occasionally the unique and eery tones of the early electronic instrument the theremin hooked up through a dj mixer.

Producer, and sometimes rapper, Rel has spent the last few years honing his skills behind the boards, producing tracks for local Chicago acts such as Elfamail and Moodswangz of Giraffe Nuts, and engineering recording sessions at Lion’s Den Studios for hip hop icons like Raekwon, Killah Priest and Pace Won. The son of internationally renowned karate master Miyuki Miura, Rel brings the same passion and intensity to his music that his father brought to fighting, and now brings to instruction. His distinct sound has already begun to turn heads in local beat battles and showcases.