The Pharcyde: Hip Hop Legends

The Pharcyde is an American hip hop group from South Central Los Angeles that formed in 1989. The current members consist of Trevant Hardson, Imani Wilcox, Romye Robinson and Derrick Stewart. They are known for their witty lyrics, innovative production, and highly entertaining live shows. The Pharcyde have collaborated with many notable artists in the hip-hop world such as J Dilla, Busta Rhymes, Kool Keith and Slum Village.

The Pharcyde's Musical Style

The group gained its fame by blending conscious rap with a jazzy, upbeat sound. Their style was a stark contrast to the gangsta rap that was popular at the time. They were able to capture the attention of both mainstream and underground fans while still maintaining their individuality. They also had a knack for taking old-school samples from obscure records and flipping them into something new.

Breakthrough Albums

In 1992 The Pharcyde released their debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured the classic singles “Passin’ Me By” and “Ya Mama” which showcased the group’s unique brand of humor and clever lyricism. The album showed their ability to blend conscious rap with a jazzy, upbeat sound while still maintaining their individuality. In 1995 they followed up with their sophomore album Labcabincalifornia which featured production from J Dilla and featured the hit singles “Runnin'” and “Drop”. Both albums are considered classics in the hip-hop world.

Legacy

The Pharcyde have been credited for pioneering alternative hip-hop in the early 1990s and their influence can still be heard today in modern hip-hop acts such as Oddisee, Aesop Rock and Little Brother. They have been able to transcend generations by staying true to themselves and not conforming to mainstream trends. Their music is still relevant today and will continue to be an influence for years to come.