Rating:
  Review Date: August 24, 2007
  Website: Pharoahe Monch Website
  Label: Universal Music Group

Pharoahe Monch “Desire” Album Review
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there’s been something electric in the air in Hip Hop lately. While the industry has seen a 20% loss in sales during the first quarter over last year, all other barometers seem to be indicating good things for Hip Hop.  

Lately, the release of a Common CD and a Kweli CD in the same year has got me excited. Seeing Erick Sermon spit a verse in the booth on the Bassment gave me chills. The fact that Rock the Bells did not have 50 Cent, Lil Wayne or Kanye West, but still sold out was a great thing (This was especially good being that it seemed like Hip Hop had come full circle, what with Wu Tang headlining with Rage Against the Machine). But one of the catalysts for my being excited about Hip hop this year was the release of Pharoahe Monch’s second solo CD, “Desire.”

Something Electric
After hearing the single “Body Baby,” I made a claim on the HHL forum in March that Pharoahe Monch would have the best album of the year. While that was a speculation bet and maybe just insane, I’ve been waiting 8 years for this album. “Internal Affairs,” solidified Pharoahe as one of my favorite emcees and hearing his sophomore solo record get pushed back continually had me concerned that I might never hear a follow up. But it’s here, and the verdict is … dope.

If you’re expecting “Internal Affairs 2,” you’re in for a disappointment. Aside from Pharoahe’s charisma, “Desire,” sounds nothing like his debut solo. Personally, I think dropping Diamond D from production at all would have to be a terrible idea, but as usual I’m owed a smack in the teeth for my unwelcome opinion. The beats on the album are… different. I mean that in the greatest way possible. From soulful, and gospel-infused tracks to guitar heavy samples and even swing beats, the beats are dope. Included in production are the Alchemist, Lee Stone, 99 Fingaz, Grind Music, Denaun Porter, Black Milk and Pharoahe himself. What’s missing from not having Diamond D is made up for with the genius that is Denaun Porter. The one miss as far as I’m concerned is “What it is,” co-produced by Pharoahe and Lee Stone. The beat hurts my ears, which is a shame because the lyrics are Pharoahe-tarded (I just made that word up and it’s a good thing, don’t steal it). Some people are going to like the tension created by the beat, just not me.

Pharoahe-Tarded
On the subject of lyrics, the Pharoahe’s whole rhyme cadence is a complete change from his traditional, quick cadence of Organized Konfusion days. (You know, the one that you recognized right away on Diddy’s “Press Play”). Instead, he minimizes tongue-twisting cadences for more thorough picture-painting and mind-dizzying metaphors, letting the words sink in. Pharoahe’s still an under-the-radar emcee. Rhymes that make you laugh at first, make you jump back an hour later when you realize what he’s talking about. But maybe that’s just me being Pharoahe-tarded.

What I do understand of the lyrics blows my mind, as I’ve come to expect of Pharoahe. The album jumpstarts your system with the song, “Free.” Pharoahe takes aim at the music industry and there are few cats that really have as much reason to talk shit as he does. 8 Years is a long time between albums and “Free,” enlightens us with some of the freshest metaphors:

Your A&R’s a house nigga, the labels the plantation
Now switch that advance for your emancipation
MC’s are the field like pickin’ cotton for real
I pop blocks like beat street with a notch n’ a kill
They take the strongest of slaves to compete in a track meat
For the King of the city sang songs of back streets
Choruses of cocaine tales and black heat
Only to trade niggas like professional athletes!
They’ll take that merchandising, snatch that publishing

Still, the burner on this album for me was the last track, “Trilogy,” which is one song with three sections, all produced by the indomitable Mr. Porter. Dwele complements the second part of the track while Tone comes in for the third. In the vein of “Mayor,” Pharoahe takes you on a story so deeply that you would think it was true. I don’t think it is, but don’t quote me.

One noticeable absence is the lack of “Agent Orange,” which only shows up on the UK version. Why Brits get the special treatment is beyond me. The Limited Edition includes a bonus track, “Book of Judges.” I’m a herb and got the “Super-Regular Edition,” so I didn’t get any hidden gems.

Pharoahe took a long step away from “Internal Affairs,” but he didn’t leave the path. It’s still Pharoahe. He’s developing his sound as an individual artist and he demonstrates that change can be a great thing. If you want to hear “Internal Affairs,” don’t buy this record; buy “Internal Affairs.” They’re two different records and as a fan, I appreciate that. I already own his first, and if I’m going to buy another album, I want to hear something different. That’s what “Desire” is, different – in a good way.

Is Pharoahe Monch’s “Desire” the best album of the year? I can’t say yes; I can’t say no, but I can say that it’s got me excited about Hip Hop.

- Profit

Album Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Free
3. Desire
4. Push
5. Welcome To the Terrordome
6. What It Is
7. When The Gun Draws
8. Let’s Go
9. Body Baby
10. Bar Tap
11. Hold On
12. So Good
13. Trilogy