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.
THE ANTHEM
Pharoahe Monch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One, two, one, two
We dedicate this one to the hip-hop culture y'all
Brought to you by the world famous Wake Up Show
Bobby Steels, Staple' tails, MC's get your lips stapled
Project Killa Hill is stamped on the map like the compass
Sacred sword play tongue-twist, piercin' holes in you
Grew up with alarm clocks, cars drivin', slow down the block
One stopped, parks, pops his trunk
Snare pops loud as Glock shots
Bass like an M-80 in your face, cops stop, give us citation
We pause for radio station identification
Wake up, wake up (wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up)
When I woke up, I grab the mic and never chocked up
Busted a verse and all the G's in Cali loc'ed up when I was summoned
Styles were mixed like the Drummonds, Killer Clown is comin'
Look around, your town is crumblin'
This Big Tech from the Midwest, leavin' MC's lipless
On the Wake Up Show, make up no, stories about my shake-up flow
Put me off in a cipher? Patna, you can't fuck wit' the sniper
Your flow's premature, clean your dirt diaper
Mic heister, psycho, alpha-schizo
Hypno, chryo-gat flow, guru and ain't nobody tighter
Sway and Tech heard me flow and it's sealed
Now I got Swedish women yelling "Tech N9nes's vild"
This place is my house
I might as well erase my face wit white-out
'Cause y'all can't see me like Mase's eyebrows (where you at?)
Climbed out of a nice house
Through the front window and heard this guy shout
"Hey that's my couch, bitch"
Pull a nine out during a rhyme 'bout
While I'm rippin' this shit, put a clip in it, spit five rounds
And murder you hoes worse than a convertible flippin' vertical
Nose first with the top off landin' upside-down
You're tied down and duct-taped, fuck rape
I'd rather just hump a slut's leg with my nuts shaved
It's Sway and Tech, two disk jockeys
Breakin' so many friggin' needles, I wonder if they inject
Lo and behold, better than platinum and gold
Yes, God bless success, never forsake your soul
Xzibit take control, locked, loaded and ready to roll
Play the upper hand, a man that's never gon' fold
'Cause your tape sucks, find a new hobby that you can take up
Or listen to my niggas Tech and Sway so you can wake up
The X-man, catch me doin' drills in the Danger Room
Big game hunting, from high-noon to the full moon
With synonyms, I get an adrenaline rush
From minimum thrusts, bust multiple assaults in small interims
As horrid as Borris Kolaf was
When I cut your neck, leave a little piece of skin
So the head won't fall off
Hauled-off, sawed-off shotgun blast, he asked
Why did he have to die like cast metal?
Oh, huh, see now like Omar Credle
We pone pedal at a high resolution
On the Wake Up Show wit Sway, Tech and DJ Revolution
I sway the tech wit the Tech and Sway
Step away, wet and spray, rep the day
Who over debt to pay get swept away
Across the whole board like checker play
When I blaze your whole sect' arrays
Wake Up Show for those slept away
Niggas that met the Trey, hit the deck and pray
DJ Revolution spinnin' like lead from out the heck-AK
Tearin' your neck away, flood up the street with bloody we decorate
Until the head of Jake investigate
What? Sway can give it to you, but what you gon' do with it
Tech can give it to you, but what you gon' do?
Rev can give it to you, but what you gon' do with it
I can give it to you, wha-wha-wha-what-what
Yo, yo, Chino makes the world go 'round
Fuckin' up entire record companies like Harrel did to Motown
Vominous talk, poison pen, ominous walk
What flow will I destroy wit this time, the most commonest thought
The drama that's brought, caught us in a midst of sibling rivalry
For instance, there's nothing born in existence that can survive wit me
Clone me like sheep, I clean house like Tony Randall
With style filed for sexual harassment like Tisha Campbell
You wack like Will Smith, your rhyme style is pansy
I fuckin' murder your young style like JonBenét Ramsey
Now who the master to beg? Your demo gets passed on the reg'
You shouldn't have been signed if you had a white cast on your leg
I'm Wake Up Show reppin' wit Sway and Tech
My TEC's like Tekken, the industry weapon
I'm Chino X, bring KRS in
De-de-de-da-de-de-de-de-de-da-di-day
KRS-One comin' wit' the Tech and Sway
Yo, I rock up on the littlest set, and up on the biggest set
As ill as it gets, I still manage to wiggle your neck with sweat
Never forget, the bigger the budget the bigger the debt
You gotta be willin to rock in the middle of dry and in the middle of wet
But I'm willin to bet, on a sway and a TEC
They stay in effect, never been a pain in the neck, they gainin' respect
Nevertheless I wreck you, now you know what Sway and Tech do
I'll be back but for now just sekkle
Fresh, for ninety nine you suckas
The Anthem by Pharoahe Monch is a rap song featuring a collaboration of several renowned rappers like Kool G Rap, Jayo Felony, and KRS-One to mention some. The song starts with King Tech dedicating the tune to the hip-hop culture, followed by each rapper delivering their verse over a beat that incorporates classic horn and guitar samples from the tune "The Champ" by The Mohawks. The lyrics focus on the rappers' skills and abilities, their dominance in the rap world, and the importance of the Wake-Up Show, a radio program that played a critical role in promoting rising hip-hop artists. The lyrics also boast about their superior rhyming skills and unique styles, including intricate wordplay, stutter steps, and internal rhymes.
Pharoahe Monch's verse is notable for its clever wordplay, as he uses multiple synonyms for "rush" and "small interims" to create a vivid and graphic depiction of his rap style. Kool G Rap's verse follows a similar theme, but he also touches on the impact of hip-hop on society and the importance of the Wake-Up Show in nurturing talented young rappers. Jayo Felony's verse features a repetitive hook that emphasizes the importance of utilizing one's potential, regardless of the obstacles faced.
Overall, The Anthem is an ode to the power of hip-hop culture and the influence and success of these rappers, celebrating their unique styles and lyrical abilities. The Wake-Up Show's contribution to promoting hip-hop and helping aspiring rappers get discovered is also highlighted.
Line by Line Meaning
[King Tech]
The Wake-Up Show dedicates this song to the hip-hop culture worldwide.
[RZA]
Project Killa Hill's domination is evident as they unleash tongue-twisting lyrics that cut through listeners like a sacred sword.
[Tech N9NE]
Tech N9NE, the midwestern rapper, proves he's a force to be reckoned with by dropping flawless bars and leaving competitors in awe.
[Eminem]
Eminem dominates the mic with rhymes so powerful that his enemies won't know what hit them. He compares his skills to his crib, where he rules with an iron hand, and if anyone disagrees, they'll get a bullet and will end up dead.
[Xzibit]
Xzibit, the rapper, is in charge, and he has the skill to back it up. He gives sound advice to those who fail to measure up. Listen to his raps, and they will teach you a lesson.
[Pharoahe Monch]
Pharoahe Monch showcases his incredible rhyming skills, and his lyrics hit hard with every word. It's a warning to anyone who dares to cross him that they'll pay the price.
[Kool G Rap]
Kool G Rap is calling out anyone who doesn't give respect where respect is due. He warns that he'll destroy anyone who doesn't pay up and plans to take over the game.
[Jayo Felony]
Jayo Felony challenges Sway, Tech and DJ Revolution, who are considered to be the best in the game, to come up with something new. He boasts that he can do it too and leave his mark on the industry.
[Chino XL]
Chino XL proves that he's here to dominate the rap game, and he'll do whatever it takes to get to the top. He'll clean house like Tony Randall and won't hesitate to call out his competition.
[KRS-One]
KRS-One is in the house, and he's here to blow our minds with his incredible rhyming skills. He urges listeners to be willing to take risks and rock the mic, and praises Sway and Tech for keeping the game fresh and vibrant.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lawrence Krsone Parker, Scott Monroe Sterling, Robert Diggs, Nathaniel Thomas Wilson, Derek Keith Barbosa, Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, Marshall Mathers, Troy Jamerson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elliecox3960
Timestamps And lyrics
Timestamps:
0:30 RZA
1:00 Tech N9ne
1:30 Eminem
2:00 Xzibit
2:25 Pharoahe Monch
2:50 Kool G rap
3:15 Jayo Felony
3:25 Chino XL
4:00 Krs-One
Lyrics:
One two, one two
We dedicate this one to the hip-hop culture why'all
Brought to you by the WOOOORRRLLLD FAMOUS Wake-Up Show!
Bobby Steels, Staple' tails, MC's get your lips stapled
Project Killa Hill is stamped on the map like the compass
Sacred sword play tongue-twist, piercin holes in you
You can't escape, 70, 000 kilowatts blast through your box
Woke wit alarm clocks, cars drivin slow down the block
One stopped, parks pops his trunk
Snare pops loud as glock shots
Bass like an M-80 in your face, cops stop, give us citation
We pause for radio station identification
WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP!
When I Woke-Up, I got the mic and never chocked up
Busted a verse and all the G's in Cali loc'ed up when I was summoned
Styles were mixed like the Drummonds, Killer Clown is comin
Look around, your town is crumblin
This Big Tech from the midwest, leavin MC's lipless
On The Wake-Up Show, make up no, stories about my shake-up flow
Put me off in a cipher? Potna, you can't fuck wit the sniper
Your flow's premature, clean your dirt diaper
Mic heister, psycho, alpha-schizo
Hypno, chryo-gat flow, guru and ain't nobody tighter
Sway & Tech heard me flow and its sealed
Now I got Swedish women yelling "Tech N9NE's filled"
This place is my house, I might as well erase my face wit Withe-out
'cause why'all can't see me like Mase's eyebrows (where you at?)
Climped out of a nice house,
Through the front window and heard this guy shout
"Hey that's my couch, bitch!"
Pull a nine out during a rhyme bout
While I'm rippin this shit, put a clip in it spit five rounds
And murder you hoes worse than flippin a convertible
Nose first wit the top off landin upside-down
You're tied down and duct-taped, fuck rape
I'd rather just hump a slut's leg wit my nuts shaved
And Sway & Tech, two disk jokeys
Breakin so many friggin needles I wonder if they inject
Lo and behold, better than platinum or gold
Yes God bless success, never forsake your soul
Xzibit take control, locked loaded and ready to roll
Play the upper hand, a man that's never gon' fold
'cause your tape sucks, find a new hobby that you can take up
Or listen to my niggas Tech & Sway so you can Wake-Up
The X-man, catch me doin drills in the Danger Room
Big game hunting, from high-noon to the full moon
Wit synonyms, I get an adrenaline rush
From minimum thrusts, bust multiple assualts in small interims
As horrid as Borris Kolaf was
When I cut your neck, leave a little piece of flesh
So the head won't fall off, hauled-off
Sawed-off shotgun blast, he asked
Why did he have to die like cast metal?
O, huh, see now like Omar Credle
We pone pedal at a high resolution
On the Wake-Up Show wit Sway, Tech and DJ Revolution
I sway the tech wit the Tech and Sway
Step away, wet and spray, rep the day
Who over debt to pay get swept away
Across the whole board like checker play
When I blaze your whole sect' arrays
Wake-Up Show for those slept away
Niggas that the trey, hit the deck and pray
DJ Revolution, spinnin like lead from out the heck-AK
Tearin your neck away, flood up the street wit bloody decora'
Until the head of jake investigate
What? Sway can give it to you, but Whatcha Gon' Do wit it
Tech can give it to you, but Whatcha Gon' Do?
Rev can give it to you, but Whatcha Gon' Do wit it
I can give it to you, Wha Wha Wha What What!
Yo yo Chino makes the world go 'round
Fuckin up entire record companies like Harrel did to Motown
Vominous talk, poison pen, hominous walk
What flow will I destroy wit this time, the most commonest thought
The drama that's brought, caught us in a midst of sibling rivalry
For instance, there's nothing in existence that can survive wit me
Clone me like sheep, I clean house like Tony Rand-all
Wit style filed for sexual harassment like Tisha Camp-bell
You're wack like Will Smith, your rhyme style is pansy
I fuckin murder your young style like JonBenet Ramsey
Now who the master to beg? Your demo gets passed on the reg'
You shouldn't have been signed if you had a Withe cast on your leg
I'm Wake-Up Show reppin wit Sway & Tech
My tec's like Tekken, the industry weapon
I'm Chino X, bring KRS in
De de de de de de da di day, KRS-One comin wit the Tech & Sway
Yo, I rock up the littlest set, and on the biggest set
As ill as it gets I still manage to wiggle your neck wit sweat
Never forget, the bigger the budget the bigger the debt
You gotta be willin to rock in the middle of dry and in the middle of wet
But I'm willin to bet, on a Sway & a Tech
They stay in effect, never been a pain in the neck, they gainin respect
Nevertheless I WRECK YOU, now you know what Sway & Tech do
I'll be back but for now just sackle!
FRESH, FOR NINETY-NINE YOU SUCKAS!!!
@pinkfedoras
rza - sets the bar with classic wordplay
tech n9ne - extraordinarily snappy lines
em - classic shady humour, fit very well w the beat
xzibit - a super savage feel that doesnt seem too overwhelming
pharoahe monch - had me lowkey levitating
kool g rap - giving peak nas feels
jayo felony - has a perfect hooky verse whilst also keeping everyone engaged
chino xl - literally rapping like rent is DUE
krs one - switched up style whilst still having top notch quality, great closer
dude this actually might be top cypher not gonna lie
@elioks
Pharoahe Monch part is inside top 5 verses I herd in my life, and I heard a lot since 80s...fucking SICK metrics !
(...)
With synonyms, I get an adrenaline rush, from minimum thrusts
Bust multiple assaults in small interims
As horrid as Boris Karloff was
When I cut your neck, leave a little piece of skin
So the head won't fall off
Hauled-off, sawed off shotgun blast
He asked: "Why did he have to die like cast metal?"
Oh (Haha), see, now like Omar Credle
We 'pon pedal at a high resolution
On the Wake Up Show with Sway, Tech and DJ Revolution
(...)
WHAT HAPPENED THERE o_O
@hazardhayes
I love how the beats just turns into a 80's bop when KRS comes on lol
@eastsideog2054
Cuz trap beats/music weren't made back then..
@hazardhayes
@@eastsideog2054 yeah you could say that
@jbarral6509
Ikr
@ansco8982100
I like how they switch the beat for each of them to resemble each of there most popular song. I heard the triumph on rza verse and I heard Simon says on pharo munch verse
@amygdalahippocampus5764
that beat when krs was rapping was form the old Krs song South Bronx.
@AYCHMENG
I always love Tech N9NE's verse in this. The delivery is so flawless. 98-99 great years for hip hop
@andrejohnson1073
Ikr Tech N9ne I known since 1996 the Calm Before The Storm Era Midwestside Rap classic
@user-oy6sc8qh6e
RZA and eminem on the one track,its just unbelievable
@qoako9695
You forgot to add Emimen's style donor Chino XL