------------"Kkkill the Fetus" is the epic Esham cd released in 1993. It exemplifies what acid rap is all about and holds nothing back as far as tabboo subjects go, making it one of the most controversial Esham cds ever. This can easily be seen by the cover and the the title itself. Containing almost a full 75 minutes of music (the max on cds of that day) over 23 tracks, Esham unleashed what would be the basis for many cds to come. After 1993, the Detroit rap scene changed more than it had ever changed before.
___The cd starts off with a short intro named "What is Evil", in which a sampled content advisory is said to a common beat in the background.
Perhaps this was done so as to clear RLP of any liabilities that would surely ensue. Next is a song called "Symptons of Insanity", which Esham would go on to refer to in many cds thereafter. It explains the lunatic potential of the mind which created this cd. After this cd is a short track called "Runnin' From Me" which is more of an intro to the rest of the cd, but there is still rapping on it. The beat is tight and had it been a full song, would be one of the better tracks on the recording. A few tracks later is one of the best songs on the cd, "No Singing / Misery". In an example of vintage Esham, this is two songs joined together, the first with a slow beat & some of the best lyrics to match and the second a fast rock beat with incredible delivery of lyrics. Some other notable tracks on the first half of the cd are "Jackie", "Game of Death", and "Net Booty", the last being a hilarious track with the hook sung by a woman repeating "oh, my booty baby!"
___The second half of the cd is doted with incredible songs itself. It starts off with "My Understanding Is Zero". This song sets a different mood from songs 12 on, with the beats being a little darker and the lyrics being a little heavier set. Songs like "Headhunter" show how the bass lines get a little deeper and the lyrics more wicket. Of course the title track is as acid as things get. The lyrics are nothing to talk at the dinner table about and the beat sounds like some of the later work on "Closed Casket". The track right after is another scorcher, "Don't Blame Me!". With the chorus saying "Don't blame me, the devil made me do it," its easy to see where later cds like "Doyoubelievengod" got their beginnings. 2 songs later is one of the most widely known Esham songs, "Sunshine". It was released as a single and it is a work of clever lyrics that make you think about life and a spirited beat. The last song on the cd is the one off of an ep by the same name, "Hellter Skkklter" (see above review).
___The beats on this cd have more or less the same texture, even though some are redically different the rest. I split the cd in half because the first half, up to around track 11, has a different feel than the rest. The beats are a little faster and the lyrics flow a little quicker, for the most part. There is also a little more experimenting as far as the beats go, an example of which is the Jeopardy theme used on "Game of Death". From about song 12 on, the beats stay mostly consistent and the delivery acidly classic: tight execution over the bass line. Speaking of which, the bass lines throughout provide a stong foundation on which the other sounds and sound effects are placed. Certain sounds are used more often on some songs, like guitars on the second part of "No Singing / Misery" and an unnamable sound in the hook of "Net Booty".
___The subject matter of this cd ranges from anti-religion to matters of life to the intangible qualities of a deranged mind. That very same deranged mind put together a cd that, for its time, must have been the most different sort of music imaginable. Even today, some stores refuse to carry it because of the cover picture and the title, feeling it is too controversial and some groups would be offended. Adding to this are numerous guest appearances by members of Natas, TnT and Mastamind. To be able to create a cd 8 years ago that still kicks up clouds of controversy and infamy takes some skills. But to make a cd that can still be listened to more than 10 works after the artist produced it takes good beats and unstoppable lyrics. This is what Esham has created and this is what he is famous for. Among his fans, this cd always ranks either first or second in their top picks and, besides some alright songs on amidst unforgettable ones, this cd should be picked up by anyone who is not offended by the content. Truly a work of longevity through time.
Rating: 9.9/10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bruce Wayne
