This year, Melbourne hip hop fans have already welcomed the likes of Public Enemy, Lupe Fiasco, Atmosphere, Murs, Brother Ali, EPMD, Wutang Clan and a solo Ghost Face Killer. Then, just when we were all ready to hang up our live chains for the year, Pharoahe Monch finishes the year on a high note, marking the end of one of the most exciting years of live hip hop in Oz.

Those who saw the Brooklyn rapper at Good Vibrations two years ago witnessed a ripping set displaying just how hungry Monch was after nearly a decade out of the spotlight.

Presiding over the show throughout the night was Australia’s own super producer M-Phazes, whose musical interludes between acts were nothing but tasty.

Support acts Briggs and The Tongue were solid with the short time slots they were given, especially
The Tongue, whose nimble flow and intelligent lyrics found a very responsive audience. Backed by DJ Skoob, The Tongue put on a good display, peppering his set with the well known Bad Education, Animal Crackers and The Punch. He also threw in some choice free styles and a pleasant remix of Common’s Universal Mind Control.

Monch’s latest return to Australia was a celebration of his career thus far. His previous album, Desire, was lauded as one of the best releases in 2008, and his live performances cemented his place as one of hip hop’s most technically gifted emcees. Brought along for the ride was the same live team which came to Oz previously with backing vocalists Showtyme and MeLa Machinko. X-Men scratcher Boogie Blind also made the trip to stand behind the faders.

The three-quarter-full capacity crowd at the Prince was made up of old skool heads clamoring for Organized Confusion, those who were vibing with Internal Affairs before it’s hit single Simon Says took off, and those who were only recently acquainted with Monch when Desire dropped.

It was the newer fans which won out in the end, with a hefty selection of tracks from Desire, including title track, Agent Orange, Push, Free and Lets Go.

Monch’s backing vocalist did a great job producing the soul vibe which was crucial to _Desire_’s success, particularly Showtyme, whose manic performance on the title track all but stole the attention from his fellow emcee.

Monch also delivered the crowd favorites such as the gangster nursery rhyme F*&^ You, as well as other hard hitters Oh No and Right Here.

The set was closed with Simon Says, eliciting a stage explosion which saw beer and water bottles showered into the crowd.