The Pharcyde

An influential alternative rap quartet from South Central Los Angeles, the Pharcyde came together through MCs and producers Tre "Slimkid" Hardson, Derrick "Fatlip" Stewart, Imani Wilcox, and Romye "Booty Brown" Robinson. Hardson, Wilcox, and Robinson first connected in the late '80s as dancers and choreographers on the L.A. underground club circuit, collaborated on various projects, and later took a turn performing on In Living Color. Stewart had been appearing at neighborhood venues before linking with the trio in 1990. Guided by local high-school music instructor Reggie Andrews, the four gained insight into the recording process and the inner workings of the industry. They secured a contract with Delicious Vinyl in 1991, which led to the 1992 release of their eccentric debut Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde and its gold certification. Following opening dates with De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest plus a notable run on Lollapalooza's second stage in 1994, the group delivered Labcabincalifornia, an album that traded some of the debut's energy for a more restrained yet equally off-kilter approach. After five quiet years highlighted only by Stewart's solo single "What's Up Fatlip," an underground favorite, the Pharcyde resurfaced in late 2000 with Plain Rap. Further splintering over the next three years left just Imani Wilcox and Bootie Brown to record 2004's Humboldt Beginnings.