The Pharcyde is an American hip-hop group formed in South Central Los Angeles in 1991. The original four members are Imani (Emandu Wilcox), Slimkid3 (Trevant Hardson), Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson), and Fatlip (Derrick Stewart). DJ Mark Luv was the group’s first DJ, followed by producer J-Swift and later J Dilla.

The group’s debut album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992), featuring the hit single “Passin’ Me By,” was highly acclaimed and is widely cited as one of the greatest albums in alternative hip-hop. In 1995, the group released its second studio album, Labcabincalifornia, which achieved further commercial success with crossover hits “Drop” and “Runnin’.” Though its initial reception was mixed, Labcabincalifornia has since earned strong retrospective critical acclaim.

Critics have long praised the group’s originality and humor. AllMusic described the Pharcyde as an alternative rap group whose first two albums were “eccentric” and “warped,” while Rolling Stone highlighted Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde for its blend of soul-jazz, funk, and psychedelia. In 2025, “Passin’ Me By” was certified platinum in the U.S. and silver in the U.K., and the group was named one of Billboard’s greatest rap groups of all time.

The Pharcyde’s influence extends across generations, with their music sampled and praised by artists including Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Tyler, the Creator, Ice Cube, and Tupac Shakur. Their songs have appeared in numerous films, television shows, and video games, cementing their legacy as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and enduring groups.