Every few years or so, an argument surfaces that hip-hop has reached a new "golden age." Think-pieces are written, panel discussions at industry conferences are held and major artists write self-aggrandized raps supporting the claim. Yes, we are currently being rewarded with envelope-pushing music from Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, but the history books will show that there has only been one golden age of hip-hop.
At the forefront of the movement was a bunch of wise-ass dancers-turned-rappers from South Central Los Angeles called The Pharcyde. Spitting lyrics full of razor-sharp humor and socially conscious concern over boom-bap drums and vintage jazz, soul and funk samples, they helped usher in a sound that has never wavered in its influence. During the golden age, The Pharcyde released two stone-cold classics in 1992's "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde" and 1995's follow-up, "Labcabincalifornia," which featured production by one of hip-hop's greatest producers, the late Jay Dee (aka J Dilla). Although the group has slimmed down to a duo — Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson) and Imani (Emandu Wilcox) — they've remained a consistent touring act that will visit Japan with a full live band.
According to Brown, the band is all about the MCs having more freedom during their shows.