Pharoah Monch Channels Diddy's Pain, Talks New Album
In an exclusive interview with us, veteran rhyme slinger Pharoah Monch waxes poetic about penning rhymes for Diddy's new album, working with the late J.Dilla and releasing his first solo set in 7 years.
Fans have been wondering what's been up with the Queens-bred emcee since he released his critically acclaimed solo debut Internal Affairs on Rawkus in '99. Though he's only dropped a single here and there and made limited guest appearances on a few albums, the emcee born Troy Jamerson has not been sitting on his hands as of late. Touring on the regular, including the "Breed Love Odyssey" tour, which also featured Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Pharoah has been patiently waiting for the right time to remind the game of who he is.
"Basically I've been trying to perfect what I got. I had to deal with a few bad business situations so I've really been waiting for the best opportunity and record label situation," Pharoah told. "I didn't want to put [an album] out and it be 80%, but I feel real strong about it now. I'm just happy to be getting it out to as many people as possible."
The "it" that he's referring to is his new album, Desire, which is set to be released to the masses via SRC Records. Choosing not to include any guest appearances, Monch is going for self on this his first disc since '99 with the lead single, "Push" about to be released to radio. "I think this album is incredible. I really poured my heart out on this one. It's just a very inspirational record."
Pharoah has also been busy penning songs for Diddy's new album. He wrote three joints on the LP, saying that the Proactive pretty boy requested him and that the two had great chemistry while working on the project. "He basically told me that he wanted to get really introspective about his pops and that he wanted to talk about his inhibitions and the things that bother him." Monch also worked with will.i.am and Justin Timberlake on a track from the Sergio Mendes album, along with lacing the track "We Must Be In Love" from J.Dilla's last offering The Shining. "Dilla really changed me when it comes to hip hop. So to be a part of his [final] project is one of the biggest things in my career."
Ready to put New York hip-hop back in what he feels is its rightful place, Pharoah ended the conversation by repping hard for the Rotten Apple. "I think New York breeds some very incredible emcees. It's just time to step up to the plate."
Desire is set to hit shelves on November 23 on SRC Records.
Fans have been wondering what's been up with the Queens-bred emcee since he released his critically acclaimed solo debut Internal Affairs on Rawkus in '99. Though he's only dropped a single here and there and made limited guest appearances on a few albums, the emcee born Troy Jamerson has not been sitting on his hands as of late. Touring on the regular, including the "Breed Love Odyssey" tour, which also featured Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Pharoah has been patiently waiting for the right time to remind the game of who he is.
"Basically I've been trying to perfect what I got. I had to deal with a few bad business situations so I've really been waiting for the best opportunity and record label situation," Pharoah told. "I didn't want to put [an album] out and it be 80%, but I feel real strong about it now. I'm just happy to be getting it out to as many people as possible."
The "it" that he's referring to is his new album, Desire, which is set to be released to the masses via SRC Records. Choosing not to include any guest appearances, Monch is going for self on this his first disc since '99 with the lead single, "Push" about to be released to radio. "I think this album is incredible. I really poured my heart out on this one. It's just a very inspirational record."
Pharoah has also been busy penning songs for Diddy's new album. He wrote three joints on the LP, saying that the Proactive pretty boy requested him and that the two had great chemistry while working on the project. "He basically told me that he wanted to get really introspective about his pops and that he wanted to talk about his inhibitions and the things that bother him." Monch also worked with will.i.am and Justin Timberlake on a track from the Sergio Mendes album, along with lacing the track "We Must Be In Love" from J.Dilla's last offering The Shining. "Dilla really changed me when it comes to hip hop. So to be a part of his [final] project is one of the biggest things in my career."
Ready to put New York hip-hop back in what he feels is its rightful place, Pharoah ended the conversation by repping hard for the Rotten Apple. "I think New York breeds some very incredible emcees. It's just time to step up to the plate."
Desire is set to hit shelves on November 23 on SRC Records.
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