The Pharcyde is a legendary hip-hop group that emerged from the West Coast in the early 1990s. The group’s unique blend of jazzy beats, witty rhymes, and surrealistic lyrics quickly made them stand out in a crowded rap landscape. With four critically acclaimed albums and a string of classic singles, The Pharcyde have cemented their place as one of the most influential and beloved groups in hip-hop history.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at The Pharcyde’s discography and counting down their top 10 best songs of all time. From their early classics like “Passin’ Me By” and “Ya Mama” to their later experimental works like “Runnin'” and “Drop,” we’ll be exploring what makes each of these tracks so special and why they continue to resonate with listeners today. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Pharcyde or a newcomer looking to discover their music, this article is sure to provide some insights into one of hip-hop’s most innovative and enduring acts.
1. Passin’ Me By
“Passin’ Me By” is one of The Pharcyde’s most iconic and beloved songs, and a staple of hip-hop’s golden era. Released in 1992 as a single from their debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” the track features the group’s trademark blend of smooth, jazz-infused production and introspective, self-deprecating lyrics. The song tells the story of missed opportunities and unrequited love, as each member of the group recounts a different instance of falling for someone only to have it slip away. With its catchy chorus, catchy bassline, and memorable music video, “Passin’ Me By” quickly became a hit and continues to be a fan favorite more than 25 years later. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to The Pharcyde’s influence on hip-hop and their ability to capture the complexities of everyday life in their music.
2. Otha Fish
“Otha Fish” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s critically acclaimed 1995 album “Labcabincalifornia.” The song features a mellow, laid-back beat and introspective lyrics that explore the struggles of fame and the toll it takes on personal relationships. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s signature blend of humor and melancholy, with clever wordplay and poignant reflections on the cost of success. The group’s distinct vocal styles are on full display in “Otha Fish,” as they trade verses and harmonize on the chorus. The song’s memorable hook, “It’s like that and you don’t stop,” has become a classic hip-hop phrase and helped cement “Otha Fish” as one of The Pharcyde’s best-loved tracks.
3. Runnin’
“Runnin'” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s third album, “Labcabincalifornia,” released in 1995. The song features a melancholic sample from Brazilian musician Marcos Valle’s “Mentira,” overlaid with The Pharcyde’s introspective and confessional lyrics. The track is a meditation on the challenges of staying true to oneself and one’s art while navigating the music industry’s fickle demands. The verses feature each member of the group offering candid insights into their struggles and insecurities, while the chorus delivers a haunting refrain that has become one of the group’s most memorable hooks. “Runnin'” showcases The Pharcyde’s unique blend of humor, honesty, and experimentation and has become a fan favorite and a touchstone of ’90s hip-hop.
4. Drop
“Drop” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s 1995 album “Labcabincalifornia.” The song features a mesmerizing beat built around a sample of the jazz classic “Hummin'” by Cannonball Adderley, overlaid with the group’s witty and surrealistic lyrics. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s experimental side, with unconventional rhymes and unexpected shifts in tone and tempo. The music video, directed by Spike Jonze, features the group’s members lip-syncing to the song while their bodies morph and contort in strange and surreal ways. “Drop” has become one of The Pharcyde’s most enduring and influential tracks, and its impact on hip-hop and popular culture continues to be felt today. The song’s unique blend of humor, creativity, and experimentation is a testament to The Pharcyde’s enduring legacy as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and boundary-pushing acts.
5. Frontline
“Frontline” is a powerful and socially conscious track from The Pharcyde’s 1998 album “Plain Rap.” The song features a driving beat and urgent rhymes that address issues of police brutality, racial injustice, and political corruption. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s political and activist side, with sharp critiques of the state of the world and calls for change. The group’s lyrics are complemented by a sample of Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” emphasizing the song’s revolutionary message. “Frontline” demonstrates The Pharcyde’s ability to tackle serious issues while maintaining their unique blend of humor and creativity, and has become a fan favorite and a touchstone of socially conscious hip-hop. The song’s enduring relevance is a testament to The Pharcyde’s lasting impact on the genre.
6. Ya Mama
“Ya Mama” is a classic track from The Pharcyde’s debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” released in 1992. The song features a playful and upbeat beat and humorous lyrics that playfully insult the listener’s mother. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s irreverent and tongue-in-cheek side, with clever wordplay and infectious energy. The music video, directed by Spike Jonze, features the group’s members in exaggerated costumes and surreal settings, adding to the song’s playful and absurd vibe. “Ya Mama” has become one of The Pharcyde’s most iconic and enduring tracks, and its influence on hip-hop and popular culture can still be felt today. The song’s humor, energy, and creativity are a testament to The Pharcyde’s enduring legacy as one of hip-hop’s most beloved and innovative groups.
7. Trust
“Trust” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s 1995 album “Labcabincalifornia.” The song features a jazzy and melodic beat, complemented by the group’s introspective and reflective lyrics about the challenges of trust and honesty in relationships. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s vulnerability and emotional depth, with each member of the group offering candid insights into their personal experiences with love and trust. The chorus, sung by guest vocalist J-Sumbi, adds a soulful and melancholic element to the song, enhancing its emotional impact. “Trust” has become a fan favorite and a touchstone of The Pharcyde’s introspective and introspective style. The song’s honesty, vulnerability, and emotional resonance are a testament to The Pharcyde’s enduring legacy as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and emotionally expressive groups.
8. Knew U
“Knew U” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s 2000 album “Plain Rap.” The song features a smooth and soulful beat, built around a sample from Al Green’s “I’m Glad You’re Mine,” overlaid with the group’s introspective and introspective lyrics about the complexities of relationships. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s emotional depth and mature songwriting, with each member of the group offering candid insights into their personal experiences with love and loss. The chorus, sung by guest vocalist Buttafly, adds a haunting and melancholic element to the song, enhancing its emotional impact. “Knew U” has become a fan favorite and a testament to The Pharcyde’s ability to continue to evolve and innovate more than a decade into their career. The song’s honesty, vulnerability, and emotional resonance are a testament to The Pharcyde’s lasting impact on hip-hop and popular music.
9. She Said
“She Said” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s 1995 album “Labcabincalifornia.” The song features a soulful and melodic beat, built around a sample of The Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle,” overlaid with The Pharcyde’s introspective and introspective lyrics about the struggles of relationships. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s emotional depth and mature songwriting, with each member of the group offering candid insights into their personal experiences with love and heartbreak. The chorus, sung by guest vocalist Bart Simpson, adds a playful and irreverent element to the song, highlighting The Pharcyde’s unique blend of humor and vulnerability. “She Said” has become a fan favorite and a testament to The Pharcyde’s enduring legacy as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and emotionally expressive groups.
10. 4 Better or 4 Worse
“4 Better or 4 Worse” is a classic track from The Pharcyde’s debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” released in 1992. The song features a funky and infectious beat, built around a sample of The Headhunters’ “God Make Me Funky,” overlaid with The Pharcyde’s humorous and lighthearted lyrics about the ups and downs of life. The track showcases The Pharcyde’s playful and irreverent side, with clever wordplay and infectious energy. The song’s chorus, “For better or for worse,” emphasizes the group’s message of positivity and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. “4 Better or 4 Worse” has become a fan favorite and a testament to The Pharcyde’s enduring legacy as one of hip-hop’s most beloved and innovative groups.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
