The Pharcyde

The four-man Cali crew became overnight rap heroes with their classic 1992 debut, BIZARRE RIDE II THE PHARCYDE. Imani, Bootie Brown, Fatlip, and Slimkid3 spun accessible and unabashedly comedic narratives over the soul-based production of J-Swift, introducing a unique brand of irreverent and hilarious hip-hop. While the smoother production and more mature lyrics of LABCABINCALIFORNIA (1995) initially left many fans cold, the album spawned two hit singles--"Drop" and "Runnin'"--and its overall merit has since grown in the minds of critics and listeners alike. Two subsequent LPs, 2000's PLAIN RAP and 2003's HUMBOLDT BEGINNINGS, were recorded with adjusted lineups and met with dubious receptions. In summer 2008, the original four reunited for the Rock the Bells tour.

• 1990s