Pharoahe Monch then signed to Rawkus Records, an indie label. After making several guest appearances on albums like the best-selling Rawkus compilation Soundbombing 2, Monch's much-hyped debut, Internal Affairs was released in 1999. The first single of the album, "Simon Says", was a major hit in 1999; he was later sued for the use of a Godzilla sample for the beat. He also had a 2001 hit with "Got You," though the single ultimately didn't sell well, and he also contributed the track "Fuck You" to the Training Day soundtrack. In 2003, Pharoahe released his final single through Rawkus Records, "Agent Orange", a war-inspired song that revisited the 1991 Organized Konfusion track "Releasing Hypnotical Gases".
Pharoahe's song "Simon Says" was featured in the 2000 cinematic release Charlie's Angels. Viewers will recognize the song and backbeat in the scene where Sam Rockwell is lighting a cigarette in the castle while holding Drew Barrymore hostage. Two of Monch's songs, "Right Here" and "Simon Says" were featured in the movie Boiler Room.
Pharoahe is also affiliated with the rap group The HRSMN. Although not a member of the group (there are only four real members), he is constantly linked to someday join the group when/if they ever expand.
There were rumors his next album, Innervisions, was to be released under Denaun Porter's new Shady Records imprint Runyon Ave., but apparently, the deal fell through; Monch has since announced a deal with Street Records Corporation, home of Wu-Tang Clan, David Banner, and Terror Squad. In June 2007 Monch released his second solo album Desire to critical acclaim. Monch said about the album; "...it's very soulful, very gospel, a fresh, new sound for me." The album's lead single was the self-produced track "Push", with "Let's Go" as its B-Side. The song's music video and single were released in late September 2006. Monch released a second music video entitled "When the Gun Draws" at a Brooklyn music festival in February 2007.
Monch also produced and ghost-wrote the track The Future and ghost-wrote the track Hold Up with Mobb Deep member Havoc on rap mogul Diddy's latest album Press Play. Critics contest that Monch's writing is evident in both the content and the delivery of Diddy's rhymes.
Pharoahe Monch sang the Madden NFL 2002 theme for the game and six years later Desire was featured on the soundtrack of Madden NFL 08.
Pharoahe Monch will release his third solo album W.A.R. (Let My People Go) in 2009. He revealed that the album will be a "throwback to 1993, '94 hip-hop" and will feature production by Black Milk, Mr. Porter, Lee Stone & M-Phazes. A ten-year anniversary re-issue of Internal Affairs will also be released featuring a documentary about the making of the album.
Simon Says
Pharoahe Monch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh
Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh
Uh-uh, uh, ahh
Get the fuck up
Simon says, "Get the fuck up"
Throw your hands in the sky (buh-buh-buh-buh-buh)
Girls, rub on your titties (yeah)
Yeah, I said it, rub on your titties
New York City gritty committee pity the fool
That act shitty in the midst of the calm, the witty
Y'all know the name (uh)
Pharoahe fuckin' Monch, ain't a damn thing changed (uh)
You all up in ya Range and shit, inebriated (uh huh)
Strayed from your original plan, you deviated
I alleviated the pain with long-term goals
Took my underground loot, without the gold
You sold platinum 'round the world, I sold wood in the hood
But when I'm in the street and shit, it's all good
I'm soon to motivate a room, control the game like Tomb Raider
Rock, clock dollars, flip tips like a waiter
Block shots, style's greater, let my lyrics anoint
If you holding up the wall, then you missin' the point
Get the fuck up
Simon says, "Get the fuck up"
Put your hands to the sky (buh-buh-buh-buh-buh)
Brooklyn in the back shooting craps now, what's up?
Girlies, rub on your titties (yeah)
Yeah, fuck it, I said rub on your titties (uh huh)
New York City gritty committee pity the fool
That act shitty in the midst of the calm, the witty
Yo, where you at? Uptown, let me see 'em
Notorious for the six-fives and the BMs
Heads give you beef, you put 'em in the mausoleum
And shit don't start pumping 'til after 12 PM
Uh, ignorant minds, I free 'em
If you tired of the same old everyday you will agree, I'm
The most obligated, hard and R-rated
Slated to be the best, I must confess, the star made it
Some might even say this song is sexist-es
'Cause I asked the girls to rub on their breast-eses
Whether you're riding the train or a Lexus-es
This is for either or Rollies or Timex-eses
Wicked like Exorcist, this is the joint
You holding up the wall then you missing the point
Get the fuck up
Simon says, "Get the fuck up"
Throw your hands in the sky (buh-buh-buh-buh-buh)
The Bronx is in the back shooting craps now, what's up?
Girls rub on your titties (yeah)
I said, rub on your titties
New York City gritty committee pity the fool
That act shitty in the midst of the calm, the witty
New Jeruz, get the fuck up
Shaolin (yeah) get the fuck up
Long Isle (come on) get the fuck up
Worldwide (come on, come on) get the fuck up
The song "Simon Says" by Pharoahe Monch was released in 1999, and it has remained a staple hip-hop song since then. The song begins with a compelling chant "Get the fuck up" and proceeds with a rough flow that urges people to let loose and move their bodies. Monch's lyrics give instructions to various cities to get up, including Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. However, the song isn't just about getting up and dancing. It's also a commentary on the state of contemporary music culture.
Monch's opening line, "Get the fuck up," is a command that tries to incite people to move, and he directly addresses women to "rub on your titties." Many have accused the lyrics of being sexist or degrading, but it is essential to understand it within the context of the culture it was created in. Pharoahe Monch's style of rapping explores the connections between political consciousness and entertainment. However, ever since he broke onto the scene in the early 1990s, he has gained critical acclaim for his rhymes, which are both creative and insightful.
Furthermore, in the song, Monch compares himself with other rappers who sold platinum and gold worldwide while noting that he only sold "wood in the hood." He doesn't belittle himself, instead saying that "it's all good." Musically, "Simon Says" features a sample of the horn riff from the Godzilla theme, alongside an abrasive beat, hard-hitting lyrics, and a horns section that makes it impossible to stand still.
Line by Line Meaning
Get the fuck up
Pharoahe Monch commands his audience to rise from their seats and stand at attention
Simon says, "Get the fuck up"
Pharoahe Monch likens himself to a game of Simon Says, commanding his listeners to stand up and follow his lead
Throw your hands in the sky (buh-buh-buh-buh-buh)
Pharoahe Monch directs his audience to raise their hands in the air, as if in celebration or surrender
Queens is in the back sipping 'gnac, y'all, what's up?
Pharoahe Monch acknowledges the presence of his Queens-based audience members, who are relaxing and enjoying cognac towards the back of the room
Girls, rub on your titties (yeah)
Pharoahe Monch directs women in the audience to touch their own breasts, engaging in a playful and sexual act
Yeah, I said it, rub on your titties
Pharoahe Monch playfully reiterates his request for women to touch their own breasts, emphasizing his desire for them to participate in this act
New York City gritty committee pity the fool
Pharoahe Monch describes himself and his supporters as part of a tough and loyal group of New Yorkers, who have no patience for those who behave in a negative manner
That act shitty in the midst of the calm, the witty
Pharoahe Monch warns those who act poorly in his presence, and the presence of his supporters, that they will face consequences
Y'all know the name (uh)
Pharoahe Monch highlights his own reputation as a known and respected artist
Pharoahe fuckin' Monch, ain't a damn thing changed (uh)
Pharoahe Monch asserts that he is still the same artist with the same style and message, despite changes in the industry or his personal life
You all up in ya Range and shit, inebriated (uh huh)
Pharoahe Monch calls out those who are drinking and driving in their expensive Range Rovers, suggesting that they are putting themselves and others in danger
Strayed from your original plan, you deviated
Pharoahe Monch criticizes those who have gone off track from their original goals and intentions, instead choosing to behave recklessly and irresponsibly
I alleviated the pain with long-term goals
Pharoahe Monch suggests that he has found peace and success through setting long-term goals and achieving them
Took my underground loot, without the gold
Pharoahe Monch acknowledges that he may not have achieved mainstream success, but he has made a living from his underground work
You sold platinum 'round the world, I sold wood in the hood
Pharoahe Monch compares his own success to that of a more commercially successful artist, highlighting the difference between making money in mainstream markets versus local neighborhoods
But when I'm in the street and shit, it's all good
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his success among local communities is still a valuable and positive experience, even if it does not gain him global recognition
I'm soon to motivate a room, control the game like Tomb Raider
Pharoahe Monch asserts his own power and influence as an artist, likening himself to a video game character who can control and conquer an entire world
Rock, clock dollars, flip tips like a waiter
Pharoahe Monch boasts about his skills as a rapper, describing how he can earn money and tips similar to a restaurant waiter
Block shots, style's greater, let my lyrics anoint
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his lyrics are powerful and influential, possessing the ability to inspire and influence those who hear them
If you holding up the wall, then you missin' the point
Pharoahe Monch suggests that those who are only watching from the sidelines instead of actively engaging with his message are not truly understanding or participating in the experience
Brooklyn in the back shooting craps now, what's up?
Pharoahe Monch acknowledges the presence of his Brooklyn-based audience members, who are gambling and playing dice towards the back of the room
Yo, where you at? Uptown, let me see 'em
Pharoahe Monch calls out to his audience members who are located uptown, asking them to stand and show their support
Notorious for the six-fives and the BMs
Pharoahe Monch describes his New York audience members as notorious for their use of certain types of cars, highlighting a local cultural trend
Heads give you beef, you put 'em in the mausoleum
Pharoahe Monch suggests that violent or negative behavior will not be tolerated among his supporters, and those who cause problems will face serious consequences
And shit don't start pumping 'til after 12 PM
Pharoahe Monch suggests that the true energy and excitement of his performance will not be felt until late at night, when the crowd is more active and engaged
Uh, ignorant minds, I free 'em
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his lyrics and message can help free those who are ignorant or uneducated, opening their minds to new ideas and perspectives
If you tired of the same old everyday you will agree, I'm
Pharoahe Monch suggests that those who are weary of everyday life will agree that his message is refreshing and valuable
The most obligated, hard and R-rated
Pharoahe Monch describes himself as an artist who is committed to speaking difficult truths and using explicit language, highlighting the honesty and intensity of his work
Slated to be the best, I must confess, the star made it
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his own destiny is to become the best artist in his field, confidently expressing that he has what it takes to become a star
Some might even say this song is sexist-es
Pharoahe Monch acknowledges that some may criticize his explicit lyrics, particularly those which suggest women should touch their own breasts
'Cause I asked the girls to rub on their breast-eses
Pharoahe Monch playfully reiterates his request for women to touch their own breasts, emphasizing his desire for them to participate in this act
Whether you're riding the train or a Lexus-es
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his music is relevant and relatable to all types of listeners, whether they are traveling by public transit or expensive cars
This is for either or Rollies or Timex-eses
Pharoahe Monch suggests that his message is valuable for those who own expensive watches or cheaper ones, emphasizing the universality of his work
Wicked like Exorcist, this is the joint
Pharoahe Monch compares his own music to classic horror film The Exorcist, highlighting the intensity and power of his work
Worldwide (come on, come on) get the fuck up
Pharoahe Monch invites his international audience members to stand and participate, highlighting the global reach of his music and message
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Troy Donald Jamerson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@drewcummings2453
Could not get this song out of my head during Godzilla minus one lmao
@krissco53
It hurt not hearing the beat drop
@notaspacealien
Literally same. My stomach fell every time the beat was supposed to drop lmao
@GradyFamily-qn8pv
Bro it’s not Godzilla minus one theme it’s just Gojira’s theme.
@drewcummings2453
@@GradyFamily-qn8pv I get that, it's just that the movie I was watching happened to be Godzilla minus one
@ShinbrigTV
I deadass thought Monch was gonna start rhyming when the theme came on.
@hazemjraidi9011
The way they used Gojira's theme in the beat is genius.
@mobiggums5242
Tell me you watched minus one without telling us you watched minus one
@ii_ooze
@@mobiggums5242this theme was used in the 1954 classic, lol?
@hazemjraidi9011
@@mobiggums5242 Word !