The latest releases reviewed.

PHAROAHE MONCH Desire SRC/Universal ****

Who knew that Troy Donald Jamerson, of all people, would turn in the hip-hop album of the season? Eight years have passed since the former Organized Konfusion rapper's Internal Affairs album was snagged by legal problems over the originality of its Simon Says track. Desire is a blast because of its infectious sounds and the ease with which Monch rocks the mic. From the razor-sharp bounce of Body Baby to the quick-witted snap and crackle of Free, Monch rarely misses a chance to grandstand. Even a frantic cover of Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome weaves a spell. Desire is truly one of the few hip-hop joints where weighty world affairs rub cheek to jowl with fun and freaky splashes of colour. Best of all, the fact that Desire sounds so downright fantastic will mean that Monch won't have to take any future calls from P Diddy looking for a dig-out with his lyrics. www.pharoahe-monch.com JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Free, Body Baby