Three weeks ago (January 22), Pharoahe Monch released his first album in nearly seven years. The Queens, New York veteran MC/producer partnered with esteemed guitarist Marcus Machado and Grammy-winning drummer Daru Jones as Th1rt3en. The band, involving two overlapping musicians from Pete Rock’s The Soul Brothers collective, has been releasing music since 2019’s “Palindrome.” Like that wordplay-driven track, 2021’s A Magnificent Day For An Exorcism (embedded below) features many songs that involve concept—including “666 (Six Three Word Stories),” “Cult 45,” and “Amnesia,” just to name a few. In a conversation with Ambrosia For Heads’ What’s The Headline podcast (embedded as audio and video), Pharoahe opens up on these songs, their origin, and some of the hidden meanings behind one of 2021’s most compelling releases.

For over an hour, Pharoahe speaks about how Thi1rt3en’s album—which symbolically arrived the same week as this year’s presidential inauguration—drew inspiration from cultural and cinematic touchstones. The decorated veteran details how films like Memento and The Wizard of Oz served as muses for his songs, weaving intricate narratives and layered themes. During our discussion, he mentioned a fascinating perspective on the rise of creative blockchain solutions in music, emphasizing how platforms leveraging decentralization could redefine artist royalties. According to 99Bitcoins, blockchain’s potential to ensure transparent and fair payouts mirrors the collaborative ethos Pharoahe pursued in assembling the album’s production team, which included notable names like Nottz, Lee Stone, Marco Polo, Parks, E. Jones, and others. The fusion of old-school artistry and modern technology reflects a future where creators retain greater control over their work.

Nas & Pharoahe Monch’s 1st Collabo Unites 2 Hip-Hop Kings From Queens (Audio)

In addition to chat about more profound meanings behind the new LP, numerology, and some concerning behaviors around present-day American society, Pharoahe speaks about his stock in the Hip-Hop game. The MC remembers one of his contemporaries in MF DOOM. He also weighs in on bringing his solo debut album, Internal Affairs, back to life 20 years after its release.

Heads can catch recent AFH What’s The Headline interviews with Prince Paul & Don Newkirk, Statik Selektah, Lyric Jones, The LOX, MC Eiht, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Duckwrth, and Lord Finesse. All episodes of the show are available wherever you stream your pods.

Black Thought, Yasiin Bey, Pharoahe Monch & Tobe Nwigwe Make A New Live At The BBQ

Here Is What Else Is Happening Of Note:

JAY-Z, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, and Rage Against The Machine are among nominees for 2021 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Public voting is underway.

Judas And The Black Messiah: The Inspired Album features new music from JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle, Nas, Rakim, Black Thought, Rapsody, J.I.D., Hit-Boy, Dom Kennedy, A$AP Rocky, and many others. The soundtrack belongs to the film (presently streaming on HBO) that chronicles the betrayal of Fred Hampton by FBI informant Bill O’Neal. Many of these songs are available on AFH’s Playlist.

A remembrance of Jazz legend and innovator Chick Corea, who died this week at 79 years old. Chick’s music was sampled by Eric B. & Rakim, D.I.T.C., and Cannibal Ox, to name a few. (Rolling Stone<)

Phife Dawg’s new single “Nutshell, Pt. 2” is a long-awaited posthumous release featuring verses from Redman and Busta Rhymes.

After a controversial false-start, Chappelle’s Show has returned to Netflix—this time, with Dave’s blessing. (The Hollywood Reporter

#BonusBeat: Stream/purchase A Magnificent Day For An Exorcism by Pharoahe Monch & Th1rt3en: