It’s about two years late, but considering that the wait between his first two albums was eight years, Pharoahe Monch’s P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is right on time. Years ago, the enduring perception of Monch’s career was that it was marred by false starts and delays. Another blistering addition to Monch’s discography, P.T.S.D. helps make the case that Pharoahe now possesses one of Hip Hop’s strongest catalogues.
Monch’s thematic progression continues on P.T.S.D., which tacks on the issue of mental health. Like his past (and continued) exploration of themes like war, basic rights and freedoms, and gun violence, Pharoahe expertly intertwines these concepts, weaving in and out of them, combining them, and often using one or more to highlight another. Monch smartly draws connections between these issues and how they impact people of varying socioeconomic statuses. On “Losing My Mind,” he delves into his personal mental health issues: “My family customs were not accustomed to dealing with mental health / It was more or less an issue for white families with wealth / Void, I defected, employed, self-annoyed / Went independent, enjoyed stealth / Now doctors prescribed sedatives and Prozac / The rent’s cheaper in the ghetto, but you can’t go back / So I spin the cylinder on my revolver / Then, maybe let it draw blood like chupacabra.” Monch, who has confirmed that his own bout with depression informed the material on the album, digs in on tracks like this one, “Times2,” and others.
Though it’s been out for nearly two years, it would be remiss to not mention “Damage,” the Lee Stone-produced conclusion to the trilogy that began 20 years ago with Organized Konfusion’s “Stray Bullet” and Monch’s own “When the Gun Draws.” While it’s gleefully exciting to hear him name-check the tracks, the real value is in the sober reminder that gun violence claimed the lives of Oscar Grant, Aiyana Jones, Sean Bell, and Trayvon Martin: “Then I will ring your bell like Avon / Before displaying some of my various tattoos, Trayvon / The Oscar award-winning Aiyana Jones, hey Sean.”
It’s not all somber on P.T.S.D. “Bad MF,” for example, is just prime shit talk. It fits into the album, but it’s clear Pharoahe’s letting loose on the track, beating his chest and asserting dominance. It’s “D.R.E.A.M.,” however, that really lightens things up at the end, as Monch and guest Talib Kweli record what feels like the audio equivalent of finally breaking out of depression and seeing a brighter future.
The gospel according to Pharoahe Monch (and yes, it’s as much Gospel music as it is Rap) continues to play out through his albums in new and creative ways. For those wondering, yes, there is a reason that Eminem shouted Monch out on the hyper-techincal “Rap God,” and the Queens spitter showcases his gargantuan stylistic aptitudes on tracks like the whirlwind “Rapid Eye Movement” with Black Thought. But Monch “purists” who expect to hear an album full of the sinister rhymes in the vein of Internal Affairs are now officially living in the past. Much like with W.A.R. and Desire, P.T.S.D. seeks to accomplish more than just keep Pharoahe’s spot on the criminally-underrated lists warm; instead, it makes a case for placing him among the Chuck Ds and Ice Cubes as one of Hip Hop’s sharpest social voices.
Alright album,not great. Some very weak songs on this. I was somewhat disappointed.
Eat A Dick Faggot
Great album, love that he’s producing some of his own shit,
The Jungle fucking goes
Spot-on review.
The last track is the only one I didn’t like. For a remix, it didn’t anything of value. I prefer the original track. Still, LOVE this album.
Certified DOPE!!!
In a time of wack ish like Drake, A$ap Ferg & such a Pharoahe Monch album is golden. Five stars!
Drake could rap circles around PM, then buy his life and make it better.
Maybe in a different timeline where Drake actually had legit skills. As it stands in reality, though, Drake is run of the mill.
its always good to hear from Pharoahe Monch .
Fantastic album. I’d give it a 4.5/5 if I could. It has a couple tracks that don’t do it for me but it’s pretty much damn near perfect. Definitely better than W.A.R. but still not messing with Desire.
Desire is easily my favorite album of his. W.A.R. was still f’n great though.
You’re both wrong in regards to Desire, it’s undoubtedly his weakest offering, only dope track on there was Agent Orange. Haven’t heard this new LP, but I’m sure I’ll be impressed by what I’ve head so far. If it reaches the standards set by WAR, most fans’ll be satisfied, but there’s no way he can ever fuck with his debut. Simon Says isn’t even the best the song on that record, just a shame for legal reasons and politics it’s unavailable legally.
^^^^ The Trilogy wasn’t dope on desire??????
After a 10 year hiatus Monch dropped Desire….exceeded expectations….No disrespect but Detox wouldn’t live up to the hype…..but Desire did.
Internal Affairs > Desire > PTSD > WAR
Though Trilogy was a great idea I’d argue it wasn’t musically appealing and the only reason why Internal Affairs is better.
Still looking forward to hearing this, but from previous material Pharoahe Monch makes a good case as the GOAT
Pretty sure it’s the best album out this year. 4.5/5
AOTY belongs to Cocaine Pinata
Pinata ain’t shit compared to this album. I’m a huge Gangsta Gibbs fan, but this is the AOTY. This has much better beats, and honestly Monch spits better than Gibbs. Gibbs is a great rapper, but can’t be compared to Monch lyrically.
And ‘Jungle’ > any song on Cocaine Pinata.
Uno, Thuggin, Shitsville, Real > Any song on PTSD.
poop is all i eat
Easily AOTY!! If you a fan of lyricism, wordplay, concepts and tight flow you’ll love this shit…
I agree with the reviewer, Monsh has a really strong catalouge
This album is so rich and layered. As a huge fan of the lyricist, the best compliment I can give is that I’m never let down. Every album is ground breaking from a written point if view. Beats wise, pharoahe selects beats that fit the tone broken again, damage, bad mf and dream are a great example of this. To me it’s his fourth classic solo, which does put his body of work against any artist in hip hop.
All of you shouldnt be arguin about the best albulm of the year,this is the best albulm of. the last decade bringing hip hop back Freddies albulm is dope but not dope enough and that albulm came out in 2012 come on folks This Catalogue Of Monchs is Incredible and inspirational he puts work artisty and illusioned time to distraught his music and put it out for us Hes the realest emce out there
“Squares say they want that boom bap/but illegally download instead of paying for that iTunes rap”
– Marballs
True dat
Purchased it in e-form and purchased the CD.
Us Hip-Hop heads been waiting for the next timeless banga’ for a min now..and we finally have it.
Easy 5
Maybe his best album yet,and that is saying something considering his catalogue. This is what great hiphop is. Laser focus and flawless execution.
HIPHOPDX! PLEASE review LOCKSMITH’S new album, A THOUSAND CUTS that dropped today!! INCREDIBLE album! Incredible! It’s reminiscent and comparable to Kendrick’s SECTION 80. Real talk!!
I disagree… Production and delivery was too repetitive on that album. Bars were good though.
HIPHOPDX! PLEASE review LOCKSMITH’S new album, A THOUSAND CUTS that dropped today!! INCREDIBLE album! Incredible! It’s reminiscent and comparable to Kendrick’s SECTION 80. Real talk!!
EVERYONE CHECK OUT THIS ALBUM, AND COP IT IF YOU DIG IT. It is an excellent album that ANYONE can relate to!
Yo you ain’t Paul Pierce in this MF, when the truth walked in the building every liar retired; deception was defeated and deceit became deleted. You ain’t no truth.
Production surprised be the most, great album
Like most of you, I first heard of Pharohe Monch in Eminem’s song ‘Rap God’. Then I seen a article with Monch talking about it and mentioned his debut album PSTD dropping soon. I bootlegged it as soon as it leaked and well, wasn’t too impressed. I don’t want to say that he’s bad, because he is lyrical. It’s just that he’s kind of boring, but he has potential being one of the newer rappers out there. I’m a 16 year old hip-hop head and own at least 15 records but I don’t plan on buying this one. Maybe his sophomore record will be better. 3/5
this is not his debut album. hes been going hard since the 80s. this is one of the dumbest comments i have ever read.
This isn’t his freshman album. He’s been around since the early 90’s. First with Organized Konfusion, then as a solo artist with Internal Affairs in 1999. Desire was in ’07, then W.A.R awhile back. Now PTSD. You should listen to more of his work if your at all interested in him. And don’t bootleg. That’s just….no words.
You still have a lot to learn about hiphop…..Pharoahe Monch is one of the greats
lol you’ve got to be trolling. come on guys his name is Eye Control. or he just really doesn’t know. Which is okay (not really) cause this generation is a lot more ignorant now. Baahd MF. lol
OMG! Reckon THAT’s something you understand…
He is right Pharoach sounds boring and this guy is 48 years old or something. Go listen to the new kings like: Drake, Wayne, Future, Big Sean, Cheef Kieef, Im getting sick of this old rappers they just dont know when to quit.
Simon says…shut the f… up !
pharoahe is a legend…don’t sleep !
Although I am 16 years old as well I can still say you have a lot to learn about hip hop and that Pharoahe has been around for a long time and is definitely one of the greats.. he is in his 40s now.
You sir, are an idiot.
best part is i think this dude was serious hahaha
hes top 5 all time
i know thats been stated and so overused
but heres an overview of why p monch is 6 feet over you
Im glad that the faggots above dont listen to pharoahe, then i wont have to see then at a p monch show..if cheif keef went on a track with p monch, he would get humiliated to the point id almost feel bad for the kid
everything about your post has made me go what the fuck!? thinking people first heard of this cat from an eminem song is way to funny. you are not a hip-hop head that for damn sure. at 16 i was a hip-hop head shit the first fight i was ever in was with this kid how scratched my nwa cd(12 years later we still best friends)
Monche isn’t even in the underground underground. If you didn’t know Monche before Rap God you’re definitely no hip hop head.
HA HA HA! “I’m a 16 year old rap fan … 15 albums!”
best troll of the day.
you almost got me.
I DID NOT first hear of monch frome eminem’s rap god. I have been jammin Pharoahe since 1999 when he dropped Simon Says. Internal Affairs was one of his best albums. period.
Check out tech n9ne if u like this guy, similar styles
word, I had never heard of tech n9ne
2 completely different rappers,
Tech n9ne is annoying as hell
I tried to listen to tech nine and he is a dope mc his voice n all the weird shit he does be annoying as fuck after a while
In my personal album this is the best hip hop album of the year thus far. Concepts, Beats, rhymes…
In my personal opinion this is the best hip hop album of the year thus far. Concepts, Beats, rhymes…
Monch comes through with another ill album once again. one of the best catalogs in hip hop, i agree.
Damn, that Pharoahe has been here always since I first layed my ears on Fudge Pudge, and he stays on top of it all?! Seriously incredible! As if five stars was enuff…
some real hiphop instead of that wack shit by attention whore 50 Cent. Dope beats and rhymes.!
never heard a bad Pharoahe has never put a bad album
This album is absolutely dope. 4 stars is too low.
R.E.M. alone is worth buying the album, Pharoahe brought nothing but fire here!
Listen, my cock’ll leave ’em in a coma
But the Glock’ll leave you messy like you play for Barcelona
HUH ITs FOUR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ3k7ncGszQ
This album is the best work Monch has done to date, and that’s really saying something.
Great albumAS USUAL!
Great album. Definitely one of the best albums of the year along with Locksmith’s “A Thousand Cuts”, also released April 15.
monch delivered providing me a great birthday present
Fantastic Album! Not a single skippable song for me on here.
Excellent as always.
I never heard of Monch but he is very dope. He is better then: wayne, 50 cent, the game, kanye, young jeezy etc. togehther.
New York needs more rappers like him instead of pussypop rappers and attention whores.
do your homework. All his albums are awesome. Take Desire for example…
Got to go with Internal Affairs and W.A.R. as classics.
Desire is great but a few weaker tracks scattered throughout
he’s pretty good. I first heard him in 1999 and 2000 with Nate dogg. He’s been what I call a drifter. Puts out a album here and there; and doesn’t care for publicity like other rappers do. His songs carry a high value, in my opinion. Check his shit out.
Great release. It’s probably his worst album but that should be used for bragging since it’s still at least a 4/5.
New release but sounds like a classic. Italy loves you.
llove this
Bought it off amazon gotta wait 7-23 days delivery but be worth it to support a real mc making dope hip hop fucking hate iTunes its bullshit but im gonna have to buy Styles P new album off there but at least it’s the Ghost im paying for hardest shit out.
Fuck these lame no lyrics havin tight skinny jean skirt n dress wearing emotional faggot shit out these days how da fuck people can listen to them ill never know
so dope
The King of Rap
Classic. This album is absolutely brilliant.
“the real value is in the sober reminder that gun violence claimed the lives of Oscar Grant, Aiyana Jones, Sean Bell, and Trayvon Martin: Then I will ring your bell like Avon”
This rhyme is a reference to Avon setting up Stringer Bell to be killed on the Wire, not Sean Bell.
also a reference to Avon ladies who ring your doorbell to sell you beauty products. dope line.
Yeah, I don’t think this is a WIRE reference – at all. It’s too obscure. As much as I’d love to hear Monch reference Avon Barksdale, I don’t think that’s what he’s going for. Definitely Avon ladies. He doesn’t even mention Omar, Brother Mouzone or Stringer Bell.
He raps, I will ring your bell like Avon, before displaying some of my various tattoos, trayvon, the oscar award winning Ayana Jones, hey Sean
4.5 stars
The God blessed us with another classic.
5/5
This album is incredible, good review.
bomb shit
His word play always gets me excited. I love when I hear a phrase and it makes me think and process. In a time of simpleton lyrics and lack of critical thinking, Pharoahe sets himself apart. His albums never disappoint.
Awesoome!!!!!!!!!!!
Classic
got the album… hav to give it a listen!
dope
This is a really good followup to War. Good album.
3 years since his last release, which is a release that wasn’t that long based on his previous releases. Dope album.
Dope Album
Lyrically speaking the best of the year, hands down.
the replay value of this shit is amazing. it’ll get better and better with time
dope record.
Flawless
Dude, literally almost everything you said was inaccurate.
What is it about hip hop reviews that they never give a perfect score to an album in its own time????
This is a 5 to me here and 10 years from now.
Another classic album from one of the most underrated rappers of all time.
Could’ve gone without this
Y…………
I actually miss old school monch myself.
Pharoah flow is unmatched. Immaculate. Content mind blowing. I totally love.
Sick sick sick
Another flop.
Damn im still waiting on my copy had to order it from the states on amazon (fuck iTunes) but the reviews in the comments section got a nigga fiending on this shit glad theres still real mc’s making dope hip hop out there and niggas appreciating it even if it aint selling much
Incredible.
Never listened to Monch before. Rapid Eye Movement is sick, can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.
love this album!
I always appreciate Pharoahe’s commitment to lyricism and there’s plenty to like on P.T.S.D. However, after listening to the album over and over. I personally think it’s a harder listen then his two previous efforts.
Best album I’ve heard since 2011. A classic. Instantly.
Number 13 once again shows why he’s the GOAT. THIS is hip-hop
I don’t get how this isn’t at least 4.5 stars, Pharoahe is still one of the best in the game and I think it’s his best work since Internal Affairs.
I just want my music heard thats all, im not looking for no record deal, getting famous ‘r anything like that.! so please just spare a few sec. to check me out, & if you like what you heard please SUBSCRIBE so ill know you actually listen & support
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaSNK0pm4eY
c comme ca c pas autrement hein
moi je vous le dis encore une fois
cest bien
dont like
top 3 so far of 2014
nice addition
DOOOOPE
Luv this album. Play over and over and luv it more each time.
Luv this album! Play it over and over and luv it more each time.
3/5
I like the lyrics but beats are average. I would say 4/5.
This album shows the wide range of thought and styles that Pharoahe Monch posesses. It DEFINITElY is worth playing all the way through everytime you listen to it.