Off the Beat: Episode #9
“Pharoahe’s Flows Blows Shows Like Afros”
Since the last two episodes have been kind of focusing heavily on hip-hop acts from the “Dirty” South, this week, I decided to bring the noncast back to my native New York with this all new mix dedicated to Queens rapper Pharoahe Monch.
Before recording his breakthrough single “Simon Says,” Pharoahe Monch started his career as part of the duo Organized Konfusion, alongside rapper Prince Po. Signed to Rawkus Records, he began to be more prominently featured as a solo artist by the mid-90s, and would perform with labelmates such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and The High and Mighty.
His debut album, Internal Affairs, was released in 1999 and was an early display of his lyrical capability. It also features his hit single “Simon Says” which hit №95 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s why this episode of “Off the Beat” spins things back to the ‘90s and the “golden age” of hip-hop with this Pharoahe-fueled mix.
1. Pharoahe Monch — "Push” feat. Showtyme + MeLa Machinko + Tower of Power
Eight years since his debut album, Pharoahe Monch signed a deal with Steve Rifkind’s Street Records Corporation (SRC) to release his second studio album, Desire (2007).
2. Pharoahe Monch — “The Truth” feat. Common + Talib Kweli
Produced by Diamond D, “The Truth” features Rawkus labelmates Common and Talib Kweli on this track from his 1999 debut album.
3. Pharoahe Monch "W.A.R.” feat. Immortal Technique
Four years after his second album, Pharoahe Monch teamed up with Harlem rapper Immortal Technique on the title track which stands for “We Are Renegades.”
4. Pharoahe Monch — "Desire” feat. Showtyme + MeLa Machinko
Produced by The Alchemist the track is featured on his 2007 studio album Desire.
5. The High and Mighty — "Dirty Decibels” feat. Pharoahe Monch
Following the release of Rawkus Records compilation, Soundbombing II, which featured the hip-hop duo’s hit their hit single “B-Boy Document ’99” feat. Mos Def and Mad Skillz, the group featured labelmate Pharoahe Monch on this track from their studio debut, Home Field Advantage (1999).
6. Pharoahe Monch — "Simon Says” (J. Period Live Mixtape) feat. Black Thought
Brooklyn DJ/producer J. Period collaborates with The Roots emcee Black Thought for one of his various “live mixtape” performances, which feature a variety of different hip-hop classics.
7. Mos Def — "Oh No” ft. Pharoahe Monch + Nate Dogg
Featured on the Rawkus label’s Lyricist Lounge 2 mixtape, the song is lyrical gold.
8. Pharoahe Monch — "The Next Shit” feat. Busta Rhymes
Featuring samples of “Españi Cañ,” the classic sports anthem by electronic artist Sid Bass, Pharoahe and Busta Rhymes go toe-to-toe with this display of lyrical depth and speed.
9. Pharoahe Monch — “Still Standing” feat. Jill Scott
His 2011 studio album from Duck Down Records closes with this smooth track featuring neo-soul singer-songwriter, model, poet and actress Jill Scott.
E. “Simon Says” (The Polish Ambassador Remix)
The California electronic producer/DJ remixes the 1999 classic with a modern flare.
