Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
Encyclopedia
Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell is the fifth studio album by hip hop
group Jedi Mind Tricks
. It was released September 19, 2006 through Babygrande Records
. The first single, "Heavy Metal Kings
", featuring Ill Bill
of La Coka Nostra
, was released in early August through iTunes
and a limited edition vinyl pressing. Additional guest appearances on the album are provided by Shara Worden
of My Brightest Diamond
, Sean Price
, R.A. the Rugged Man
, Block McCloud and Army of the Pharaohs
members Chief Kamachi and Reef the Lost Cauze.
As with previous Jedi Mind Tricks albums, many of the track titles appear to be lifted from previous songs by heavy metal groups. For example, "When All Light Dies" was previously the title of a song by Trivium
; "Serenity in Murder" is also the name of a Slayer
track; "Razorblade Salvation" is also a song by Sinergy
; and "Black Winter Day" is the name of a track by Amorphis
. The album title, as well, could potentially be a reference to the Kreator
track "Servant in Heaven (King in Hell)" from their Violent Revolution
album.
Servants in Heaven became the group's most commercially successful release, being their first album to break into the Billboard 200
, and also landed in the top ten on the Independent Albums
chart, and the top fifty on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album was warmly received critically, especially when compared to their two previous efforts, Visions of Gandhi
and Legacy of Blood
, which both received mixed reviews. Allmusic gave the album a positive four star rating; writer Marisa Brown stated:
An exclusive version of the album was released at Trans World Entertainment
chain stores. This version features three bonus tracks, a remixed version of "Heavy Metal Kings", performed with California
hardcore band Terror
, the D-Tension mixtape track "Pretty Little Whores", featuring Outerspace
, and "Blitz Inc.", featuring King Syze and Esoteric
, as well as a bonus DVD
, featuring the "Heavy Metal Kings" music video.
* = Bonus tracks
Suicide
Serenity In Murder
Heavy Metal Kings
Shadow Business
Razorblade Salvation
Outlive the War
Gutta Music
Black Winter Day
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
group Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks is a hip hop duo with Vinnie Paz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey. The group was founded by two high school friends, rapper Vinnie Paz and former producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
. It was released September 19, 2006 through Babygrande Records
Babygrande Records
Babygrande Records is an independent record label based in New York City founded by Chuck Wilson. Babygrande is distributed by the The Orchard, and represented by the Creative Artists Agency in Hollywood.-Discography:...
. The first single, "Heavy Metal Kings
Heavy Metal Kings
Heavy Metal Kings is a group featuring veteran rappers Ill Bill and Vinnie Paz . In 2006, Ill Bill was featured on the single "Heavy Metal Kings" by hip hop duo Jedi Mind Tricks, released through Babygrande Records...
", featuring Ill Bill
Ill Bill
William Braunstein, better known as Ill Bill, is a American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York. Having gained notoriety in the underground hip hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his hardcore lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records...
of La Coka Nostra
La Coka Nostra
La Coka Nostra is an American hip hop group composed of Everlast, DJ Lethal, Danny Boy, Ill Bill and Slaine.- Biography :Founded in late 2005 with no intention to record an album, La Coka Nostra was more a loose collective of artists connected through Danny Boy than a group...
, was released in early August through iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
and a limited edition vinyl pressing. Additional guest appearances on the album are provided by Shara Worden
Shara Worden
Shara Worden is the lead singer and songwriter for My Brightest Diamond. She was previously a backup vocalist for Sufjan Stevens and the frontwoman of Awry.-Life:...
of My Brightest Diamond
My Brightest Diamond
My Brightest Diamond is the project of singer–songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shara Worden. The band has released two studio albums, 2006's Bring Me the Workhorse and 2008's A Thousand Shark's Teeth, along with a remix album Tear It Down and a download-only release through iTunes...
, Sean Price
Sean Price
Sean Price is an American rapper and member of the hip hop supergroups Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe. He came to fame as one-half of the duo Heltah Skeltah, performing under the name Ruckus, or in short Ruck, along with partner Rock. He also is featured in the video game NBA 2K11 as a playable...
, R.A. the Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man
R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
, Block McCloud and Army of the Pharaohs
Army of the Pharaohs
Army of the Pharaohs is a hip hop supergroup originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by Jedi Mind Tricks MC, Vinnie Paz in 1998.-Recording history:...
members Chief Kamachi and Reef the Lost Cauze.
As with previous Jedi Mind Tricks albums, many of the track titles appear to be lifted from previous songs by heavy metal groups. For example, "When All Light Dies" was previously the title of a song by Trivium
Trivium (band)
Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. Signed to Roadrunner Records, the band has released five studio albums, eleven singles, and twelve music videos...
; "Serenity in Murder" is also the name of a Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
track; "Razorblade Salvation" is also a song by Sinergy
Sinergy
Sinergy was a Finnish power metal band started in 1998 by American musician, Kimberly Goss. Aside from Sinergy, the most notable bands Goss has been involved with are Dimmu Borgir; as keyboardist, and Children of Bodom; where she filled in live for Janne Wirman and also contributed lyrics...
; and "Black Winter Day" is the name of a track by Amorphis
Amorphis
Amorphis is a Finnish heavy metal band started by Jan Rechberger, Tomi Koivusaari, and Esa Holopainen in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they evolved into playing other types of genres, which include heavy metal, progressive metal, and folk metal...
. The album title, as well, could potentially be a reference to the Kreator
Kreator
Kreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
track "Servant in Heaven (King in Hell)" from their Violent Revolution
Violent Revolution
*The limited edition digipak contains the bonus track "Violent Revolution" .-Personnel:Kreator*Mille Petrozza - Vocals & Guitar*Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar*Christian Giesler - Bass guitar*Jurgen "Ventor" Reil - DrumsProduction...
album.
Servants in Heaven became the group's most commercially successful release, being their first album to break into the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, and also landed in the top ten on the Independent Albums
Independent Albums
The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels...
chart, and the top fifty on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album was warmly received critically, especially when compared to their two previous efforts, Visions of Gandhi
Visions of Gandhi
Visions of Gandhi is the 3rd album from underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. Jus Allah split from the group after the release of their album Violent by Design , returning the group back to its original lineup of Vinnie Paz and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
and Legacy of Blood
Legacy of Blood
Legacy of Blood is the fourth album from hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks, released in August 2004 on Babygrande Records. Album guests include Killah Priest, GZA, Des Devious, and Sean Price.-Track listing:# "Intro"# "The Age of Sacred Terror"...
, which both received mixed reviews. Allmusic gave the album a positive four star rating; writer Marisa Brown stated:
An exclusive version of the album was released at Trans World Entertainment
Trans World Entertainment
Trans World Entertainment Corporation is a chain of entertainment media retail stores in the United States. It currently operates just over 440 freestanding and shopping mall-based stores under several brand names....
chain stores. This version features three bonus tracks, a remixed version of "Heavy Metal Kings", performed with California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
hardcore band Terror
Terror (band)
Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America...
, the D-Tension mixtape track "Pretty Little Whores", featuring Outerspace
OuterSpace
OuterSpace is an underground hip hop duo from North Philadelphia. Originally a trio consisting of three Puerto Rican friends that then took the artist names Planetary, Jedeye and Crypt the Warchild...
, and "Blitz Inc.", featuring King Syze and Esoteric
7L & Esoteric
7L & Esoteric are a Boston-based hip-hop duo, notorious for battle rhymes and boom-bap production. 7L is the duo's DJ/Producer and Esoteric the emcee.-History:...
, as well as a bonus DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
, featuring the "Heavy Metal Kings" music video.
Track listing
| # | Title | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro" | |
| 2 | "Put Em in the Grave" | |
| 3 | "Suicide" | |
| 4 | "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story" is a song by hip hop duo Jedi Mind Tricks. The track is produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, and features a guest verse from R.A. the Rugged Man. It is the fourth song on the group's 2006 album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell... " |
R.A. the Rugged Man R.A. The Rugged Man R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording... |
| 5 | "A Blood Red Path" | |
| 6 | "When All Light Dies" | Shara Worden |
| 7 | "Serenity in Murder" | |
| 8 | "Pariah Demise (Interlude)" | |
| 9 | "Heavy Metal Kings Heavy Metal Kings Heavy Metal Kings is a group featuring veteran rappers Ill Bill and Vinnie Paz . In 2006, Ill Bill was featured on the single "Heavy Metal Kings" by hip hop duo Jedi Mind Tricks, released through Babygrande Records... " |
Ill Bill Ill Bill William Braunstein, better known as Ill Bill, is a American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York. Having gained notoriety in the underground hip hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his hardcore lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records... |
| 10 | "Shadow Business" | |
| 11 | "Triumph & Agony (Interlude)" | |
| 12 | "Razorblade Salvation" | Shara Worden Shara Worden Shara Worden is the lead singer and songwriter for My Brightest Diamond. She was previously a backup vocalist for Sufjan Stevens and the frontwoman of Awry.-Life:... |
| 13 | "Outlive the War" | Sean Price Sean Price Sean Price is an American rapper and member of the hip hop supergroups Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe. He came to fame as one-half of the duo Heltah Skeltah, performing under the name Ruckus, or in short Ruck, along with partner Rock. He also is featured in the video game NBA 2K11 as a playable... & Block McCloud |
| 14 | "Gutta Music" | Reef the Lost Cauze Reef the Lost Cauze Sharif Talib Lacey, better known as Reef The Lost Cauze, is a prominent underground hip hop artist based in Philadelphia. Aside from being a solo artist, Reef is a member of the hip hop group The JuJu Mob as well as the hip-hop collective, Army of the Pharaohs.-Career:Reef started battling other... & Chief Kamachi |
| 15 | "Temples of Ice (Interlude)" | |
| 16 | "Black Winter Day" | |
| 17 | "Heavy Metal Kings (Terror Remix)" (produced by Scott Stallone)* | Ill Bill & Terror Terror (band) Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America... |
| 18 | "Pretty Little Whores" (produced by D-Tension)* | OuterSpace OuterSpace OuterSpace is an underground hip hop duo from North Philadelphia. Originally a trio consisting of three Puerto Rican friends that then took the artist names Planetary, Jedeye and Crypt the Warchild... |
| 19 | "Blitz Inc." (produced by 7L)* | King Syze & Esoteric |
* = Bonus tracks
Samples
Put 'Em In The Grave- "Threat" by Jay-ZJay-ZShawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
- "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)" by Big PunBig PunChristopher Lee Rios , better known by his stage name Big Pun , was an American rapper who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s...
- "Quiet Storm" by Mobb DeepMobb DeepMobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
Suicide
- "1-800 Suicide" by GravediggazGravediggazGravediggaz is an American hip hop group from New York City, well known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. The group was formed in 1994 and was effectively a supergroup, bringing together Prince Paul , Frukwan , Too Poetic and RZA...
Serenity In Murder
- "Made You Look (Remix)" by Nas (Vocals by JadakissJadakissJason Phillips , better known as Jadakiss, is an American rapper. He is a member of the group The LOX. Jadakiss is one of the three owners of the imprint known as D-Block. In early 2007, Jadakiss signed to Roc-a-Fella Records / Def Jam Records.-Early life:By the age of 16, Jadakiss was a freestyle...
) - "Still D.R.E." by Dr. DreDr. DreAndre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
- "Day One" by D.I.T.C. (Vocals by Lord FinesseLord FinesseLord Finesse is a Hip hop artist and producer, hailing from The Bronx, New York, best known as the leader of the D.I.T.C. rap crew.- Career :...
) - "Quiet Storm" by Mobb DeepMobb DeepMobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
(Vocals by ProdigyProdigy (rapper)Lance Albert Johnson Banks, better known as Prodigy, is an American rapper and one half of the hip-hop and rap duo Mobb Deep....
)
Heavy Metal Kings
- "Estuans Interius" by Carl OrffCarl OrffCarl Orff was a 20th-century German composer, best known for his cantata Carmina Burana . In addition to his career as a composer, Orff developed an influential method of music education for children.-Early life:...
- samples "Hell on Earth (Front Lines)" by Mobb DeepMobb DeepMobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
Shadow Business
- "Il Mio Coraggio" by Ornella VanoniOrnella VanoniOrnella Vanoni, OMRI is one of the most credited pop singers of Italy. She is known for her sophisticated pop style.-Artistic career:...
Razorblade Salvation
- "Dumb I Sound" by Sufjan StevensSufjan StevensSufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label co-founded with his stepfather, beginning with the 1999 release, A Sun Came...
Outlive the War
- "Noi Siamo Zingarelle" by Giuseppe VerdiGiuseppe VerdiGiuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was an Italian Romantic composer, mainly of opera. He was one of the most influential composers of the 19th century...
Gutta Music
- "Yo No Soy Esa"by Mari Trini
Black Winter Day
- "Tear Me Apart" by Alberto Daglio
Credits
- Vinnie PazVinnie Paz (rapper)Vincenzo Luvineri, better known as Vinnie Paz , is a Italian-American rapper and the lyricist behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks...
- Lead vocals - Stoupe the Enemy of MankindStoupe the Enemy of MankindKevin Baldwin, better known by his stage name as Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, is an American hip hop producer, DJ, and member of the underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. His production is often the most acclaimed aspect of the group's work...
- Producer - R.A. The Rugged ManR.A. The Rugged ManR. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
- Vocals - Shara WordenShara WordenShara Worden is the lead singer and songwriter for My Brightest Diamond. She was previously a backup vocalist for Sufjan Stevens and the frontwoman of Awry.-Life:...
- Vocals - Ill BillIll BillWilliam Braunstein, better known as Ill Bill, is a American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York. Having gained notoriety in the underground hip hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his hardcore lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records...
- Vocals - Sean PriceSean PriceSean Price is an American rapper and member of the hip hop supergroups Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe. He came to fame as one-half of the duo Heltah Skeltah, performing under the name Ruckus, or in short Ruck, along with partner Rock. He also is featured in the video game NBA 2K11 as a playable...
- Vocals - Block McCloud - Vocals
- Reef the Lost CauzeReef the Lost CauzeSharif Talib Lacey, better known as Reef The Lost Cauze, is a prominent underground hip hop artist based in Philadelphia. Aside from being a solo artist, Reef is a member of the hip hop group The JuJu Mob as well as the hip-hop collective, Army of the Pharaohs.-Career:Reef started battling other...
- Vocals - Chief Kamachi - Vocals
- TerrorTerror (band)Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America...
- Vocals - Outerspace - Vocals
- King Syze - Vocals
- Esoteric7L & Esoteric7L & Esoteric are a Boston-based hip-hop duo, notorious for battle rhymes and boom-bap production. 7L is the duo's DJ/Producer and Esoteric the emcee.-History:...
- Vocals - Crypt the Warchild - Additional vocals
- Liz Fullerton - Additional vocals
- Scott "Supe" Stallone - Production, mixing, engineering, bass, keyboards
- D-Tension - Production
- 7L7L & Esoteric7L & Esoteric are a Boston-based hip-hop duo, notorious for battle rhymes and boom-bap production. 7L is the duo's DJ/Producer and Esoteric the emcee.-History:...
- Production - Damian Cusamano - Bass
- DJ Kwestion - Cuts
- Michael Sarsfield - Mastering
- Chuck Wilson - Executive producer
- Yan - A&R
- Jesse Stone - Additional A&R, marketing
- Jill Shehebar - International marketing
- Michael Schiller - DVD creative
- Paul A. Romano - Art direction, artwork, design
Singles
| Single information |
|---|
| "Heavy Metal Kings Heavy Metal Kings Heavy Metal Kings is a group featuring veteran rappers Ill Bill and Vinnie Paz . In 2006, Ill Bill was featured on the single "Heavy Metal Kings" by hip hop duo Jedi Mind Tricks, released through Babygrande Records... "
|
Charts
| Chart (2006) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
131 |
| U.S. Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
1 |
| U.S. Independent Albums Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
10 |
| U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
50 |
Awards
- HipHopDX 2006 awards
- "Verse Of The Year"- "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam StoryUncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story"Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story" is a song by hip hop duo Jedi Mind Tricks. The track is produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, and features a guest verse from R.A. the Rugged Man. It is the fourth song on the group's 2006 album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell...
" Performed by R.A. the Rugged ManR.A. The Rugged ManR. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
- "Verse Of The Year"- "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story