War Media US レコード& CD

Review: Pharoahe Monch's Internal Affairs album has not been available on vinyl since its first original release back in 1999 via Rawkus Records. Now the classic record makes its way back into the wider public domain with superb production from DJ Scratch, Diamond D and The Alchemist ad plenty of timeless bars from Canibus, M.O.P., Busta Rhymes, Common and Talib Kweli. It is a golden era sound with boom-bap drums, socially minded lyrics, a mix of darker soul grooves and low-slung joints that sound as good now as ever, not least the iconic 'Simon Says.' An essential one for any hip-hop head's collection.

Review: Somewhat surprisingly, the infamous 'remix' version of Pharoahe Monch's 1999 classic 'Simon Says', featuring verses from Method Man, Redman and Busta Rhymes amongst others, has only previously appeared on promo CDs and compilations. Here the track finally gets its vinyl debut, 22 years after it was recorded. It's a superb crew cut, with all involved making an impact on the mic over a stripped-back but heavy beat full of deep bass, spy-funk horn blasts and raw rock guitar riffs. This time round, it comes backed by the instrumental version of 'Simon Says', which is simplicity personified.