“Satan” answers Pharoahe Monch with little explanation when asked what surprised him most about working in the music industry. He then quickly moves onto talking about how he attributes growing up in the world famous Queens borough of New York City, which has been the hometown to many pioneers in rap and hip hop like A Tribe Called Quest, Run DMC and 50 Cent, to his success in rap. “I aspire to work with too many artists to name one, I’d love to collaborate with all genres” he adds when talking about who he’d like to work with in the future saying he’s “behind on collaborations, I really need to catch up.”
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Monch describes himself as being “very private” despite his previous album PTSD, where he says “that was the first time I got introspective in my writing. Usually I write metaphorically. I think it’s the depth of music and lyrics that’s the reason for my longevity.” He’s recognised as being one of the most skilled lyricists in hip hop by fellow rap artist such as Detroit legend Eminem. How long does it take him to create a new song from the writing process all the way through to putting the final touches, until it can be released? “Sometimes I’m satisfied with it immediately but most times I treat songs like a script, and I don’t mind verses or bars ending up on the cutting room floor. I cut and paste a lot. Of late they’ve been complete ideas, after the idea is written I’ll create layers.”
Explaining that it’s the “artists that aren’t afraid to take risks” he finds most inspiring, his future projects sound promising, saying “I’ve got loads of new goodies and tricks up my sleeve. I promise it’ll be the best creations of my life.” Perhaps we have some more exciting collaborations to look forward to from him. Finally, does he like performing to the crowd in Wales? “They’re amazing. I love Wales.”
NATALIE POWELL
Pharoahe Monch, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 12 Aug 2016. Tickets: £16.50. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net