The Pharcyde

The Pharcyde is an American hip-hop group formed in South Central Los Angeles in 1991. Its original lineup brought together Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, and Fatlip. DJ Mark Luv was the group’s first DJ, followed by producer J-Swift and later J Dilla. Their 1992 debut, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, featured the crossover hit “Passin’ Me By” and has since been cited as one of the greatest albums in alternative hip-hop.

Labcabincalifornia followed in 1995, pushing the group further commercially with “Drop” and “Runnin’.” Reviews were initially mixed, but the album later earned retrospective acclaim. Fatlip exited in 1997; the remaining members released Plain Rap in 2000. After Slimkid3 also left, Imani and Bootie Brown continued with Humboldt Beginnings in 2004. The group never again regained its former commercial or critical peak. A 2008 reunion at Rock the Bells brought all four back together, though legal disputes over the group’s name led to various touring configurations. In the 2020s, The Pharcyde reformed as a trio and returned to touring and new music, with Bootie Brown declining to participate.

Discography

• Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde (1992)
• Cydeways: The Best Of The Pharcyde (2001)
• Runnin’ / 4 Better Or 4 Worse (Remixes) (2008)
• Soul Flower (Aaron Lacrate & Debonair Samir Present: Remixes) (2009)
• Love (2012)
• Labcabincalifornia (2014)
• Phroduced By J Dilla (2025)
• Timeless (2025)