Albums You Need: "Desire" by Pharoahe Monch

I recently bought the album Desire By Pharoahe Monch. This album is easily a good candidate for Hip-Hop Album of the Year. First, a little background info about Pharoahe Monch. He rose to prominence as a member of early '90s hip-hop duo Organized Confusion. Southerners will probably remember their comical video for "Who Stole My Last Piece of Chicken"? Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po released a few albums, but eventually went their separate ways. Monch appeared on several compilations and singles, culiminating in the release of his solo debut "Internal Affairs" in 1999. You may remember the Godzilla-sampling monster hit single, "Simon Says". Several years, a contract release, and many negotiatons later, Monch is back with his sophomore solo album, Desire.
Desire is enjoyable from start to finish. There is an intro, then the song "Free", which talks about the slavery-like aspects of the record business with very intriguing wordplay. Monch also remakes the Public Enemy classic, "Welcome to the Terrodome". Somewhere, Chuck D is smiling. Another standout track is the controversial "Gun Draws", where Monch speaks from the perspective of a bullet. Creativity at it's best, people!! He also has a bluesy number where he sings the hook entitled "Body Baby". Monch even coaxes a guest appearance out of MIA soulstress Erykah Badu (put out an album, lady!!) on "Hold On". Monch pushes the boundaries of creativity further with the three-part "Trilogy". In 9:22, Monch tells a fantastic story. In Part 1, featuring Mr. Porter (aka Kon Artis of the group D12), Monch tells of an attack on him and his woman. Part 2 (featuring soul singer Dwele) deals with the revenge. Finally, in Part 3 (featuring Tone), we see the aftermath. I bought the Best Buy exclusive, so it came with a bonus track entiteld "Book of Judges". Bottom line, Monch has lyricism, fun, social content, storytelling, and swagger in one great CD. If you are tired of (uncreative macho posturing), no storytelling, and no social content in your hip-hop, you NEED to buy this album. It is available online and at most record stores.