Monday, January 25, 2010

Old School Mondays:: R.I.P. Apache

Last night's epic NFC title tilt between the 40 Year Old Pinata-led Vikings and my beloved Saints was a draining, evening-long event so I had no time to prepare much for today's OSM. However, the Ack brought to my intention the fact that Flavour Unit MC Apache has died (click that for a much better synopsis of Apache's life & impact than I can hope to offer). Sad news indeed, Apache and Gangsta Bitch is one of those songs that if you're of a certain age you still maintain a soft spot for. I know I still have my cassette copy of Apache Ain't Shit. Makes sense really, cause if there was something a skinny, white, high-school kid in Halifax, NS could relate too, it was the search for a hardcore lady I could do dirt with.

Jokes aside, Gangsta Bitch was a great jam, mainly on the strength of the awesome Q-Tip beat and addictive chorus, but like many golden age dudes, it's a shame to remember Apache as a one-hit wonder. He rocked the semi-crass, grimey NYC steez, but he did it with a kind energy and charisma that made it more enjoyable than heavy-handed. Plus his debut also featured beats from folks like Showbiz, Large Pro, Mark the 45 King, and the aforementioned Q-Tip gem, which must have been one of the Abstract's first beats for another artist.

It's no fun seeing once-vibrant figures from your youth pass on, but it's a sad fact of life I guess.

R.I.P. Apache, aka Anthony Teaks.