Simon Says…get to Big Wig Festival!

PUBLISHED March 26th, 2013 12:47 am | UPDATED January 21st, 2016 07:25 am

With Big Wig festival only 2 weeks away, we were psyched to have a chat with Pharoahe Monch, one of Hip Hop’s more outspoken lyricists, whose career has spanned decades making him practically Hip Hop nobility.

After a critically acclaimed, three-album-run as one half of hugely-respected Organized Konfusion, Pharoahe Monch hooked up with Rawkus Records and made appearances on releases such as Soundbombing 2 and Lyricist’s Lounge Vol. 1 in some damn fine company, folks like Kid Capri, Pete Rock, Mos Def, Taleb Kweli, Common, Eminem, and Q-tip among others.

When Monch released his much-hyped debut, Internal Affairs in 1999 it had been long waited with great anticipation. The album was a hit but the big surprise was ‘Simon Says’ a huge release off the album and a strong club anthem, that broke him in to more mainstream awareness as it charted on international Top 40’s. No doubt you’ve bounced in the club to that one!

His second album, Desire released in 2007 was a soulful, softer sound that was well-received, many citing his flawless flow and intelligent stance but some questioning its more gospel-inspired influence. I’ve got to tell you, it worked for me, it was just what I like about Monch but with some joyful melodies thrown in for good measure.  4 years later W.A.R (We Are Renegades) seemed more grounded in a harder Hip Hop sound, taking a strong stance criticising the political status quo and corruption in the music industry, not usual stomping ground for a rapper but Pharoahe Monch has never been shy of provocation.

In P.T.S.D (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Pharoahe Monch apparently continues the critique, focusing on the struggles of an independent artist who is at war with the music industry and no doubt letting the listener feel the emotion, depth of feeling and resentment that lies there. If the W.A.R album was a battle cry, P.T.S.D may well be the battle de-brief. In true Monch style, introspective but hopefully charting a journey back to strength and ultimately triumph. The release date is as yet unconfirmed but with Pharoahe Monch headlining Big Wig, seems like we’ll be getting an exclusive!

We got a few minutes of his time in this interview…

Seems like in Hip Hop right now, people are really appreciating the ‘veterans’. Artists who have been around for a while and have a recognisable style but maybe are more free to experiment and do their own thing, where new artists aren’t. Why do you think it is that you have stood the test of time?

I think I’ve stood the test of time because I’ve always admired artists who’ve done the same with their careers or music. Stevie wonder, Prince, De La Soul, etc so I thought about longevity from the outset. most rap artist are forced to think small picture.

Your albums seem to focus on the darker happenings in the world today and are full of political and social commentary. Is it cathartic to write about the troubling times?

Oh yeah, very much so, but with this album it’s also hard because it focuses more on my personal issues – financial. healthcare, business etc.

Do you feel a responsibility to have a talk about your social conscience now that being political in Hip Hop isn’t seen to be so fashionable?

F*$% what’s fashionable.

What has been the most memorable day/event/or gig that you’ve played in your career so far?

Way too many to name ….  ha ha, and for so many different reasons. I can say I treat each show like it’s gonna be that moment all over again.

As you tour, do you see any differences in Hip Hop communities or even just the people who come to see your shows, from country to country?

I find that the world community is truer to the culture of hip hop, not just the music.  They want vinyl and they respect the entire career, not just the latest song.  But because of the internet I find that people in general are more educated about the culture and love it, but Europe and Asia and Australia really respect true hip hop. I guess the US takes it for granted since we invented it. Not too different than Jazz in the 60’s.

And if you had to name your top 5 Hip Hop tracks of all time? (sorry!)

MY current top 5 are all on PTSD…..   seriously!

Pharoahe Monch is playing at Big Wig festival along with some of urban musics finest international and homegrown talent. And if that isn’t quite enough for you, check out this amazing teaser film for the Big Wig Festival created by London graffiti artists Paintshop Studio and Dj Dsk!

This festival is going to be BIG!

Big Wig Festival is on Saturday the 6th of April from 3pm onwards at Fort Canning Green.Tickets to Big Wig are available through Sistic here or through Paypal via here.

NOMAD CARD HOLDERS GET 10% OFF TICKETS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NOMAD CARD SEE HERE.