The Pharcyde is a hip hop group from South Central Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1989 by four members: Slimkid3 (Trevant Hardson), Imani (Emandu Wilcox), Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson), and Fatlip (Derrick Stewart). The Pharcyde was known for their innovative and humorous approach to hip hop, blending jazz and funk influences with playful, witty lyricism.
Their debut album, “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” was released in 1992 and was an instant classic. The album’s lead single, “Passin’ Me By,” became a hit, whichg sampled Quincey Jones’ Summer in the city of course and helped establish The Pharcyde as one of the most exciting new groups in hip hop.
Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is also notable for its use of sampling and live instrumentation, with the group incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and soul into their sound. The album has since been praised as a landmark in the evolution of West Coast hip-hop and has influenced generations of rappers and producers.Despite their success, tensions within the group began to rise. In 1995, Fatlip left the group, citing creative differences. The remaining members continued to make music, releasing two more albums, “Labcabincalifornia” in 1995 and “Plain Rap” in 2000.
After a hiatus, The Pharcyde reunited in 2008 and have continued to perform and release music. They remain celebrated pioneers of alternative hip hop, known for their inventive production, irreverent humor, and poignant storytelling.
If you like The Pharcyde give these a try:
1. A Tribe Called Quest
2. De La Soul
3. Jurassic 5
4. Digable Planets
5. Blackalicious
6. Souls of Mischief
7. The Roots
8. Wu-Tang Clan
9. Public Enemy
10. Outkast
11. Gang Starr
12. Mos Def
13. KMD
14. Arrested Development
15. Hieroglyphics
