BY JAKE PAINE • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Pharoahe Monch has not released an album in almost five years. The Queens, New York MC/producer boasts a consistent catalog, whether solo or his three albums with Prince Po in Organized Konfusion. 2014’s P.T.S.D. was a critically celebrated release that examined the stresses (and stressors) of the world and in Troy Jamerson’s personal life.

In the time since, Monch has supplied fans with a litany of potent guest verses, from a standout Wu-Tang Clan remix verse this past summer, to work with Apathy, Saukrates, Diamond D, O.C., and Ghostface Killah. However, he is working on a project that he boasts will be something special in a catalog that spans back nearly 30 years.

Pharoahe appeared on Take It Personal Radio‘s tribute to him, alongside PhilaFlava, Kevlar, and music from DJ 360. In the midst of nearly five hours of music (including rarities, remixes, and some new exclusive renditions), Monch looked back at his career. At 2:12:00, Monch speaks about what he has in store for fans. “It’s really, really, really insane. I’m looking at the [collection] of our records, and I’m thinking it’s one of my best projects, ever. It’s the hardest project [that I have] ever [done]. It’s the darkest project ever [too]. The bars are somewhere between [Stress:] Extinction Agenda and Internal Affairs,” he says, referring to O.K.’s celebrated sophomore and his solo debut. “This new project has a heavy Rock influence. It’s hard as f*ck. It’s super bar’d-out; some of the of the songs don’t even have choruses. It’s everything that I’ve been wanting to do over the last eight years.” Monch, an avid Rock & Roll fan, says he can describe Black Sabbath as an influence on the upcoming LP.

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