The Pharcyde

The Pharcyde are an American hip-hop group from Los Angeles, formed in the early 1990s and best known for their debut album «Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde». Distinct from the gangsta rap dominating West Coast hip-hop at the time, the group brought a playful, off-kilter, jazz-influenced sound paired with witty, self-deprecating, and often surreal lyrics.

Singles such as «Passin' Me By», «Runnin'», and «Drop» became defining tracks of alternative hip-hop, showcasing the group's humor and emotional honesty alongside inventive wordplay. «Drop», with its memorable reversed-footage video, further cemented their reputation for creativity beyond the music itself. Members of the group, including Bootie Brown (also known as Frank Friction) and Slimkid3 (also known as Tre Hardson), went on to pursue various projects under multiple stage names.

The Pharcyde are widely regarded as pioneers of West Coast alternative hip-hop, influencing later artists who embraced eccentricity and introspection over conventional rap posturing. Their early-90s output remains a touchstone for fans of jazz-rap and alternative hip-hop.