Pharcyde

The Pharcyde is a West Coast underground/alternative hip hop group. The group was formed in 1991 in South Los Angeles, California, United States, where the group's members grew up. The group was one of the most well known of the first wave of alternative hip-hop acts. The original members of the group are Slimkid3 (Tre Hardson), Fatlip (Derrick Stewart),Imani (Emandu Wilcox) and Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson). The group is best known for their hit singles 'Passing Me By' (which crossed over to alternative rock radio) and 'Runnin' and their debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. After a live performance of their song 'Ya Mama' for Delicious Vinyl record execs, The Pharcyde signed a record deal with the label. 'Ya Mama' was released as their debut single in 1991. The foursome, with producer J-Swift, recorded their debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, released in November 1992. The album was highly acclaimed, and became one of the most praised and influential Alternative hip hop albums of the 90's. Sales were moderate-to-good, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1996. Their second single 'Passing Me By' became a minor Billboard hit, peaking at #52 on the Hot 100. The song was later featured in the hit movie Big Daddy and was also a crossover Modern Rock hit. Problems between the group and producer J-Swift began during the recording of the debut. Swift split from the group before completion of the album. Swift started a crack habit, which he is still trying to recover from.