Words by Melanie J. Cornish Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
After reading a story on Pharoahe Monch in the Sunday Independent in the UK that his album was going to be crazy -- despite the genre not being considered music let alone a culture -- it just screams "classic" before listening to it. Having been away from Soundscan for eight years after his debut album was ripped from shelves due to copyright infringement, Pharoahe Monch is back. For anyone who may have forgotten what true hip-hop is, this is the memo we have been waiting on.
From the beat to the production, to the flow of the album, Monch gets his point across and in doing so allows critics and fans to recognize that real hip-hop isn't rotting under a tombstone somewhere -- proving it isn't dead.
From his selection in fellow artists to join him on the album to the actual direction of the project, you know this SRC offering is advantageous in salvaging a thirty year reputation. Desire is filled with metaphors and punch lines that equate to lyricism as opposed to content based around "catchy" hooks and quirky dances.
With the executive producer role being filled by the "oh so soulful" Denaun Porter, you appreciate how "organized" this album is.
Millie Jackson is sampled in the "Free" joint where Monch compares the music industry to slavery, which may cause a few heads to hang in shame if they think about their situation for a long time. Monch has a way in his wordplay and in his delivery that encourages you to pause for thought. The album is filled with mind provoking content, a trait very few albums are capable of these days.
"When The Gun Draws" is his narrative pertaining to gun culture; another topic which has been prevalent on many hip-hop offerings as rappers brag about their weapons of choice. Monch however, deals with this topic in an individualistic way, telling the story of the bullet and just what devastation it can cause.
Always poignant in his content, Monch brings his story telling to another level with the three part "Trilogy," possibly the best cut on the album. Boasting a tale of infidelity, murder and an abolition of loyalty, Monch brings his album to an imaginative peak.
Black Milk and Denaun Porter are complimentary to the production cause on Desire and the strong voice of Brooklyn's MeLa Machinko on "Push," "Bar Tap" and "Let's Go" shows that there is a new chick on the block setting up shop strategically for the females.
With production falling on his own shoulders a third of the time, Monch is taking up two lanes and in the music industry today, a plan B is always a necessity. Yet as September 11th has come and gone, it is safe to say that Monch has dropped the best album of 2007 thus far.
Beyond Hip-Hop Shopping Guide: August 2008 Here's our August installment of the shopping guide for all your avid BallerStatus.com visitors who love the newest ... full story
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