The Pharcyde are an American hip hop group formed in Los Angeles in 1989 — Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, and Fatlip — a witty, jazz-leaning counterpoint to the city's gangsta rap era. Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992) is the classic; Labcabincalifornia (1995), with early J Dilla production, runs it close. Shop The Pharcyde vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Pharcyde formed in Los Angeles, California in 1989. The original lineup was Imani, Slimkid3 (Tre Hardson), Bootie Brown, and Fatlip. Emerging from the early-1990s alternative rap scene, the group offered a witty, irreverent counterpoint to the gangsta rap dominant in Los Angeles at the time, and became one of the most respected acts in jazz-influenced alternative hip hop.
The Pharcyde are known for jazz rap and alternative hip hop built on humor, intricate wordplay, and inventive, sample-rich production. Their debut is celebrated for its loose, playful energy, while Labcabincalifornia, featuring early production from J Dilla, showcased a smoother, jazzier sound. Both albums are widely regarded as classics of the era.
Original Delicious Vinyl pressings of Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde and Labcabincalifornia are highly collected, and both have appeared in anniversary and colored-vinyl reissues. The J Dilla connection adds particular collector interest to Labcabincalifornia.
Listeners new to The Pharcyde almost always start with Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992). For related listening, see and .
