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In 1992, amid the negativity and violence of an emerging gangsta rap scene, The Pharcyde released their first album, “Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde.” The album, filled with innovative beats and spirited, tongue in cheek rhymes went gold in spite of the new trend in rap rewarding artists for their swear heavy depictions of violence, sex, crime and life on the street. “Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde” represented a final stand for the west coast underground scene and for hip hop purists dismayed by the lack of innovation in the new breed of L.A. rappers.
Following the success of “Bizarre Ride …,” The Pharcyde took a three-year hiatus to record and produce their next album, “LabCabinCalifornia.” Having been disillusioned by the music industry and the west coast rap scene, The Pharcyde cultivated an album that would offer an alternative and freestyle sound to the hip hop fan-base they had thrilled in 1992.
The highly anticipated second album brought a newer, more mature sound for the group and solidified their presence as hip hop purists, not bowing to the pressures of the industry.
Now after almost 10 years in the industry, and after a third album, “Plain Rap,” The Pharcyde has released a Best-of collection entitled “Cydeways.”
“Cydeways” compiles tracks from The Pharcyde’s first two albums and presents a history of the group from their days as fresh faced kids having a good time, through their matured years as industry veterans offering up a non-gangster alternative for the purists. Like A Tribe Called Quest’s anthology album, “Cydeways” tells a story of the group through its presentation of 15 of their better tracks.
The first six tracks of “Cydeways” highlight what could be seen as the hip-hop equivalent of early 90′s alternative rock tracks from Pearl Jam and Nirvana. The tracks, nine years after their original release, still provide influence for underground and hip-hop artists like Jurassic 5, Black Eyed Peas, and Dilated Peoples who are making a resurgence on the music scene today.
“Ya Mamma” and “Passing Me By” are two of the better tracks on the first half of “Cydeways.” The first half of the album showcases The Pharcyde’s early alternative rap and jazz style with irreverent lyrics, and catchy hooks, but the real treat for the listener lies in the second half of the album. “Runnin’,” “Drop” and “Panty Raid,” serve up head bobbing beats, high quality hooks and lyrical ingenuity. The last track on the album, “Panty Raid” is a bonus, previously unreleased track.
The Pharcyde, whose members, Tre “Slimkid” Hardson, Romye “Booty Brown” Robinson, Derrick “Fatlip” Stewart and Imani Wilcox, are longtime friends from South Central Los Angeles have made a career out of setting their own trends. Their musical experimentation and innovation has led them to a successful career, while at the same time, leaving them with respect for their underground roots. If you have never listened to The Pharcyde this is the album to pick up, and if you are a Jurassic 5, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Roots fan or a hip-hop and underground rap purist, “Cydeways” is a must have.
