Fruits of Labour, the latest from Egyptian Pharaoh, is the sonic embodiment of a long, brutal workday. It’s a slow-burning, melancholic sprawl of downtempo beats and introspective lyrics that burrow deep into your skin. The first impression is one of resignation, a weary acceptance of the daily grind.

The production is characteristically sparse, with Egyptian Pharaoh opting for a minimalist approach that lets the weight of his vocals do the heavy lifting. The lyrics are a meandering, stream-of-consciousness account of the daily struggles and existential crises that come with modern life. It’s a deeply personal and relatable listen, one that speaks to the frustration and disillusionment that we all feel at some point or another.

Meaning & Production

The tempo is glacial, the beats jogging along at a snail’s pace that makes you feel like you’re stuck in quicksand. The bass is heavy, but it’s not the kind of heavy that gets you moving – this is a bass that’s more interested in conveying a sense of desperation and hopelessness. The vocal delivery is hushed and subdued, with Egyptian Pharaoh barely mustering the energy to get the words out.

• Artist: Egyptian Pharaoh
• Producer: Unknown
• Genre: Afrobeat
• Mood: Melancholic

Fruits of Labour is the kind of song that gets stuck in your head, the kind of song that you find yourself replaying over and over again because it’s just so… relatable. It’s a powerful, haunting listen that gets to the heart of what it means to be human in the modern world.

Listen Below:

Egyptian Pharaoh – Fruits of Labour

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