When Bobbito speaks, hip-hop listens. But it wasn’t always that way. Back when Def Jam was still relevant, 50 million years ago, then A&R Bobbito begged Russell Simmons to sign Akinyele and Organized Konfusion, but Rush turned a deaf ear on the two future greats. So, when Nas’ demo tape came down the pipeline, Bobbito assumed that Def Jam would find him too technical for radio. In conclusion, we have Bobbito to thank for Nas’ extensive and illustrious rap career.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Pharoahe Monche’s “Welcome to the Terrordome” music video. For the uninitiated, “Welcome To The Terrordome” is off Mon Chi Chi’s 2nd solo album, Desire.

[World premiere courtesy of OnSmash]

Pharoahe Mon Chi Chi in the studio with K-Salaam and Beatnick.

Pharoahe Monch - “Broken Heart”
New heat from Monchichi. Laced by Denaun.

[Props to Zion for the heads up]

So my lazy ass finally put down the damn PS 2 and picked up the pen and whipped up that Monchichi interview.

Was he really signed to Shady Records? Is L’Boogie on the new album? Where does he stand on the Indy vs Major debate? Faroe Monk has the answers. Dig in.

• Rizoh Interviews Pharoahe Monch

Who wants an autographed copy of Desire?

The good folks at Cornerstone Promotions have hooked us up with three signed copies of Pharoahe Monch’s new album, Desire (in stores today), as well as free copies of the limited edition Gun Draws newspaper (see pic above).

Take your best shot at these Monch chi chi-related questions for a chance to win:

1) In a bid to capture a Rocky Balboa raw feel for his album, Pharoahe Monch recorded the bulk of Internal Affairs in:

a) a low-budget studio
b) a closet
c) a boxing ring
d) a dressing room

2) How many songs did Pharoahe Monch ghostwrite on Diddy’s Press Play?

You know the drill, send your answers to therapup at gmail dot com.

Update: Contest is over. Thanks for playing.

Who else you know with three hot videos, zero audience,and still inked to a major? Seriously though, there’s no way Pharoahe has been eating off cereal and ghostwriting checks from Diddy for the past six years. I’m gonna double-check with my peeps in Queens to see if he’s been “Pushin’” coke all along.

This has been another SmashTube presentation.

Cover art for Pharoahe Monch’s Desire (due out May 1st), obviously inspired by Ask a Ninja.

This is an effective cover in the sense that it’ll definitely not go unnoticed on the shelf.

Related Post:
Pharoahe Monch - Desire Tracklist

I’m having a one-on-one with one of the illest MCs alive. Besides how much Diddy paid him for his ghostwriting services on Press Play, what else should I ask the Monch Man?

(Photo flagrantly jacked from The Fader)

I’m positive that Desire will finally see the light of day on 05-01-07. I also have high expectations for this album. I don’t know, maybe it’s because every time I hear track 4 on my ringtone, I’m reminded of Pharoahe’s versatility. Funny, that song is not event vintage P-Monch.

Monch on his worst day >> Dwayne Carter

Desire Tracklist
1. The Resurrection
2. Free
3. Desire
4. Push
5. Welcome to the Terror Dome
6. What It Is
7. When the Gun Draws
8. Let’s Go
9. Body Baby
10. Bar Tap
11. Hold On
12. So Good
13. The Trilogy