Pharoahe Monch to Release New Album W.A.R. with Duck Down Records

I know it’s starting to seem like I work for Duck Down or something, but I can’t help posting about them if they keep making moves like this! Legendary Organized Konfusion member Pharoahe Monch has hooked up with Duck Down to release his third album “W.A.R.” (We Are Renegades) the anticipated follow up to his 2007 banger “Desire.” His 1999 solo debut “Internal Affairs” was a classic album that was fueled by the popular Godzilla-sampled underground single “Simon Says.”

His debut was part of what I considered the “Rawkus Records Renaissance” and was in constant rotation for me back then. With the release of “W.A.R.” and the KRS-One/Buckshot album “Survival Skills” Duck Down shows that they can reel in legendary veteran MCs as well as talented new blood, and with the demise of Def Jux and the failed attempt to re-launch Rawkus Duck Down is fast becoming the definitive underground Hip Hop record label. You can download the free Clinton Sparks/Pharoahe Monch mixtape “The Awakening” and peep his tour dates after the press release:

"I'm incredibly excited about my upcoming release W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) and my new partnership between my company W.A.R. Media, LLC, and Duck Down Music,” Monch told AllHipHop.com. “This album deals with conflicts and resolutions of the spirit, the soul, the government, and the industry among other things.”

Pharoahe goes on to reveal what guests he has in store so far:

“Thus far it features Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, Jean Grae, Styles P, Phonte, Black Thought, with more to come…It also features production from M-Phazes, Marco Polo, Mike Low, Fatin, Lee Stone, Exile and others to be announced. I am working diligently to finish the work for a summer release and I am honored to join forces with the Duck Down family during their 15 year anniversary." -via Allhiphop.com

(click pic to download the free mixtape)

Tomorrow (March 19) Pharoahe Monch will be a part of Duck Down’s 15 Year Anniversary Concert at the SXSW Showcase, located at The Scoot Inn on East 4th Street in Austin, TX. Doors open at 8PM.

Here are his upcoming April tour dates with SLAUGHTERHOUSE!:
April 3 Saint John, NB Evolution Nightclub
April 4 St. John's, NF Club One
April 5 Halifax, NS Paragone Theatre
April 7 Ottawa, ON Ritual Nightclub
April 8 Toronto, ON Venue TBC
April 9 Cornwall, ON Rangatangs Nightclub
April 10 Montreal, QC Telus Theatre
April 12 Thunder Bay, ON Roxys Nightclub
April 13 Winnipeg, MB Pyramid Cabaret
April 14 Saskatoon, SK Odeon Events Centre
April 15 Calgary, AB The Whiskey Nightclub
April 16 Edmonton, AB Starlite Room
April 17 Lethbridge, AB Venue TBC
April 18 Nelson, BC Spirit Bar
April 21 Victoria, BC Element
April 22 Vancouver, BC Venue TBC

*Little known fact: Pharoahe Monch took his name from an old tv cartoon from the 80’s “The Monchhichis.” Monch was a nickname given to him in high school, I vaguely remember seeing this cartoon when I was a kid.

Pharoahe Monch Myspace: www.myspace.com/pharoahemonch

Duck Down Website: http://www.duckdown.com/