The song "Army Of The Pharaohs: War Ensemble" by Jedi Mind Tricks (featuring Ikon the Verbal Hologram AKA Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, and Virtuoso) is a collaboration by members of the hip-hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs. The lyrics contain references to war, biblical figures, mythology, and battle-like imagery. The song begins with a spoken word intro by Captain Benjamin L. Willard from the movie "Apocalypse Now," highlighting the juxtaposition of compassion and ruthless action in war. The first verse, performed by Ikon the Verbal Hologram AKA Vinnie Paz, portrays himself as the "fourth Horseman of the apocalypse" spewing evil and demolishing everything in his path. He references cloning Jesus, merciless leaders, ancient history, and violence against religious symbols. The chorus repeats the phrase "Army of the Pharaohs" to emphasize the group's collective identity and power. The second verse, performed by Esoteric, showcases his lyrical prowess and aggression. He uses wordplay and metaphors to describe his rap skills, dismissing inferior MCs and challenging them to battle. He claims to defy categories and blind his listeners with his powerful raps. The third verse, performed by Virtuoso, continues the theme of aggression and dominance. He references Greek mythology, particularly the god Hephaestus and the mythical Trojan war. He boasts about defeating his enemies, cutting through their defenses, and leaving a trail of destruction. He also mentions time manipulation and his ability to harm his adversaries even before they are born. The song overall depicts a group of highly skilled and aggressive rappers, collectively known as Army of the Pharaohs, bragging about their lyrical abilities and dominance in the rap game. The lyrics draw on various references from war, mythology, and biblical figures to showcase their wordplay and battle-like imagery.
