The Pharcyde - Labcabincallifornia

Released: November 14, 1995

The Pharcyde were a hip-hop group from Los Angeles, California; consisting of Imani, Bootie Brown, Fatlip and Slimkid3 (or Slimkid Tre). While 3 of them met during their short lived dancing career (although Imani and Slimkid were already in a band), they later met Fatlip, who was introduced by J-Swift, a friend of theirs. They decided to become a rap group, instead of a dance group.

So in 1991, they released a demo tape featuring certain songs that would end up on their debut. Delicious Vinyl ended up hearing it and signed them, having them to create "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde". The album was released in November 1992 with major production from J-Swift and was praised of its humour and positivity (similar to the early Native Tongues work), with Gold certification status earned.

The album caused a little bit of controversy with the debut single "Yo Mama", especially with them coming from the West Coast. While the West Coast was getting with the Gangsta Rap scene (NWA, Dr. Dre etc.), The Pharcyde, according to them, were a "anti-west coast gangsta rap group". People wondered why they weren't storytelling or doing "what West Coast rappers were doing", and were rapping about Yo Mama jokes. They later gained more success with "Passin Me By" and "Otha Fish".

In 1994, the group started to record their sophomore project, Labcabincalifornia, releasing "Pandamonium" during the early status of the album. The song was used for the Street Fighter movie soundtrack. Instead of using their humorous rapping and positive vibes, the album saw he group use a laidback concept along with somber themes and worked with other producers other than J-Swift, including Diamond D, M-Walk, and the late J Dilla. When released in 1995, the album had positive reviews, but unlike Bizarre Ride, didn't reach Gold status. But in fact, the album spawned two hit singles.

With its positive reviews and non-Gold status, did the laidback flow suit the group? How well did they do with it? And most importantly, did Dilla do a good job on the album?!

1. Bullshit

The Pharcyde, instead of opening with an interlude, does a motivational song about things in life and "that feeling" you should stop fighting. Each member has a good thing to talk about in this topic, my favourite being Slimkid and Fatlip. The group shows they can rap about other subjects in life than the positive.

2. Pharcyde

Although this could be the type of song used in their debut, The Pharcyde reintroduces themselves by rapping in the order the chorus goes: Imani, Bootie Brown, Fatlip and Slimkid Tre (we do it this way). Bootie Brown gives a dark and funky beat to go along with the song.

3. Groupie Therapy

This song shows that the group can still do positive songs on a laidback/somber-themed albuWhile Diamond D uses a jingle-sampled beat, they talk about situations with groupies and focus on a study of relationships. I find this a good song, as the subject of the song is really successful and interesting to me. However, the track doesn't always suit for me, making this an average song, in my opinion.

4. Runnin

I always liked this track. Dilla's beat, sax and Run-DMC vocal sample made this feel like a masterpiece, in my opinion. The group speaks about standing up for yourself and not running away. The song is more like an anthem for people who got bullied, and later became a hit on the charts, along with it being played on movies such as 8 Mile. While Fatlip talks about how it was like in school until he got older, Slimkid ends up teaching you a lesson, that there are times where you have to deal with it by yourself. No friends to support you. Oh yeah, Imani is on this track too.

5. She Said

She Said is a R&B/hip-hop track where Slimkid and Fatlip rap about the relationship they were in on a certain girl. Slimkid later gives a long singing interlude after Fatlip's verse, taking around 2-3 minutes of singing.

6. Splattitorium

Dilla produces a laidback piano beat for the group with this track. Imani starts with a stoner verse, then repeating a certain lyric with the group for 1 minute (something). Well, this is a track you could just skip. It's a little boring, especially with the repetition after.

7. Somethin that Means Somethin

With Imani nowhere to be found, Bootie, Slimkid and Fatlip makes a song, which I really like a lot. As always, my favourite verse had to be Slimkid and Fatlip, as their flows were on point with the track. Hey, Bootie Brown did well though.

8. All Live (Interlude)

The first seven tracks feature no skits and interludes apart from the opening of "Groupie Therapy". With Dilla doing the drums and a guy doing the organ, the group has fun by saying "all the way live" for nearly 1 minute. Meh.

9. Drop

J Dilla samples "The New Style" by Beastie Boys for the first single off the album, which is a standout to the album. The song has a reverse dark atmosphere and Fatlip is nowhere to be found. Imani, Bootie Brown, and Slimkid raps just for the heck of it, with Imani doing the best on the track. A long interlude of a high-pitched voice talking is following during the instrumental.

10. Hey You

Slimkid produces and works with Imani on "Hey You". The pair raps about love and wanting to get to know their girl. I'm really surprised with this because I liked Imani's verse on this instead of Slimkid. But hey, he still done good.

11. Y?

Bootie Brown produces the beat, with Dilla, which is a funky sampled beat where each member talk about situations with them wondering why it's has to "be like that". Although I prefer the J Dilla remix, this is still acceptable, especially the beat. Oh yeah, Fatlip is here too.

12. It's All Good (Interlude)

Meh, it's just an interlude.

13. Moment of Time

Slimkid raps about the people in his life that passed away and how he grew up with them. He dedicates this by saying "life is just a moment of time". I like the somber sample and the concept of the song. The chorus and the lyrics make the song feel like the type to be played acoustically in a funeral.

14. The Hustle

Bootie Brown brings out 3 (still) unknown rappers on the song: Schmooche Cat, Randy Mack, and Big Boy (not to be confused by the OutKast member or the guy on Big Boy's Neighbourhood). This always used to be my favourite song on the album (other than the singles), especially with the funky new jack swing-inspired vibe that was well-known around 1989-91. This speaks about hustling, but in a classic way. Instead of using a dark atmosphered beat, the beat samples some jolly violin background from an old song, showing that hustling songs don't always use a gangsta dark sample.

15. Little D (Interlude)

Just an interlude.

16. Devil Music

Don't be fooled by the title. With parents seeing it, they would quickly think the song shows you how you can sell your soul to the devil. Here, they talk about the record labels and the rap game and how they can be portrayed as the Devil. The song is very funky in my opinion, and the concept is really interesting, making this good to listen to. The only problem (well... Not really) is the sample. I find it weird to hear it because it sounds like distorted sounds created by Satan. Still a good song though.

17. The E.N.D.

Not to be confused with the album where the Black Eyed Peas fell off (in my opinion), Imani concludes the album with a organ opening (which is likely to be used in church) and a funky vibe with a trumpet in the background. It's really interesting in how Imani does his thing in the song and the chorus being so catchy to sing-along to. A good way to E.N.D the album.

The following are bonus tracks:

18. Emerald Butterfly

Slimkid gets another solo on the album, but as a bonus. Originally used as a b-side on the maxi-single of Runnin, Slimkid talks about being the "Emerald Butterfly" and other stuff. The song is a decent bonus with a stoner/laidback flow. Slimkid's lyrics are really good to bump to and the beat is very smooth.

19. Just Don't Matter

Normally, when Slimkid produces a track, he produces it with someone like L.A. Jay, or M-Walk; so I found it weird that he produced this track on his own, because this song is hot. Imani and Slimkid (with Fatlip on the chorus) collaborates with the Wascals for this track. I found this interesting, mostly because of the beat and the chorus. While Imani starts the track, I always had Slimkid and Buckwheat/Buckweed to be my favourites on this. Slimkid says a lot of motivational and interesting lyrics with an excellent flow, while Buck ends this with a serious note, showing that he may be relevant to the rap game soon. But that got me wondering, where is he now?! I mean, nearly 20 years later, we don't see him on the news, TV or radio. But the song is still hot.

20. Heart & Soul

This is the final bonus track on the album. This track wasn't on most (Bonus Track version) copies, but was on copies in certain countries including the UK and Australia. Using an acoustic guitar sample, this track is a very decent bonus for the album, being my favourite of the bonus tracks, along with "Just Don't Matter". The concept makes this track interesting and the chorus is really catchy. Each member has their time to rap one verse at a time, leading the track to nearly 5 minutes. Anyway, this track is a standout to me, when it comes to bonus tracks.

When Bizarre Ride came out, we actually thought that the sophomore may have another positive vibe to it. We didn't have to say, we just thought. But boy, were we wrong?! Labcabincalifornia is a very good follow up to the classic debut album. Although the album didn't reach Gold certification, the album was really hot; and the somber, laidback flow suited the group. Featuring songs like "Bulls***", "Runnin" and "Drop", the concept was really interesting to see and hear; and it was good to see the group talk about other things in their life such as dealing with death, tough stuff, and record labels etc.

What saved this album from messing up was the one and only J Dilla. Dilla was the man behind the first half of the album and created the singles "Drop" and "Runnin", which were really successful singles from the group and were one of his signature tracks. Without him, this album probably would be a normal sophomore effort, which would have many ups and downs.

Another highlight of the album other than Dilla has to be Slimkid and Fatlip. The two made the album feel like a tag team was about to be made with Slimkid's singing in choruses and Fatlip's interesting lyrics. This was the first and only album where seeing them on many tracks together felt good. Slimkid and Fatlip would later break up with the Pharcyde before their 4th album (Fatlip left after Labcabincalifornia, Slimkid after Plain Rap) and would work together as a duo; later celebrating 20 years of their Pharcyde career (from Bizarre Ride to now) by performing in many venues.

Laidback, interesting and "somethin' that means somethin'", Labcabincalifornia is a classic album, but not like "The Infamous" or "Illmatic" type of way (when I say that, I mean it is not a major classic). The album is the type that differs from other groups and rapper albums in the rap industry, making this stay in its own lane. That's right. I find this a classic in its own lane. Yes, it can be forgettable at times, but it doesn't mean this album can't be remembered for anything. The album is still remembered for having Dilla's early successful work, and its concept probably had inspiration on your favourite rapper and may later have inspiration to upcoming rappers. I recommend a purchase, stream (Spotify, Deezer etc.) or download for this album. This may not be a big classic to hear, but it is a good album.

The Furious 5ive

Drop

Runnin

She Said

Somethin' That Means Somethin'

Y? (preferably the J Dilla Remix)

Honourable Mentions

Hey You

The Hustle

Mobb Deep - The Infamous

Released: April 25, 1995

In 1993, Queens duo Mobb Deep (Albert "Prodigy" Johnson and Kejuan "Havoc" Muchita) released Juvenile Hell, their debut while at their late teens (Prodigy around 17 and Havoc was nearly turning 18). Just a few years before the album, they had met at an art high school in NYC (High School of Art & Design) and both wanted to become rappers; calling themselves the Poetical Prophets before changing it to Mobb Deep, to reflect on the streets. The album was released by 4th & Broadway and ended up being a flop with mixed reviews, causing the duo to get dropped by the label. While this all happened, they decided to record a second album, but first with a demo.

The 1994 demo tape had the duo signed by Loud Records which was known for signing well-known  artists such as Three 6 Mafia, the late Big Pun, M.O.P and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan; a main reason why they wanted to be signed to Loud. They decided to name the album The Infamous mainly because of a friend that dubbed them as "The Infamous Mobb Deep".

First up, they released "Shook Ones (Part II)" a remix of a song that never made the album (while nearly finishing it). The song was (and still is) seen as one of the best songs of hip-hop history inspiring the rap community as a whole.
"Survival of the Fittest" was seen as a great follow up, inspiring a lot of people too, especially with the lyrics...
Finally, the album was finally released on April 25, 1995, with very positive reviews.

The album was seen as a classic. It also had a big legacy with people being inspired by Havoc's raw and gritty beats and Prodigy's killer rhymes; and was also an album showing more of a dark side to New York instead of using upbeat, jazzy beats (which groups like the Native Tongues Posse and Digable Planets are known for).

But this is how everybody sees it though. 19 years later, is it worth listening to? Do I really see this as a classic? Are the songs good? It's time to find out what I think...

1. The Start of Your Ending (41st Side)
Juvenile Hell was a "learning experience" according to P & Hav so it's a really great moment for them to show a very different flow from Juvie. Havoc has a very decent flow to begin while Prodigy's flow and lines was the main moment of the song, bringing us a very good introduction to the album, showing that this won't be like last time.

2. The Infamous (Prelude)
Prodigy just gives the audience a small talk on why you won't want to mess with him, allegedly dissing Keith Murray & Redman when saying not to bring up smoking and that "space s***" as these two bring up those topics. But behind it all, it's just an interlude.

3. Survival of the Fittest
The real griminess of the album kinda begins here. P starts off by talking about the mean streets of New York, and ends up interpolating a bit of the "Shook Ones (Part II)" chorus; while Hav gives a longer verse, but P makes the song one of my favourites to listen to.

4. Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines) [feat. Nas & Raekwon]
Although this song is a good song to me without the 2 guests, the debut of Nas' alter ego, Nas Escobar makes this song very enjoyable. The others do a great job, mostly Hav & P, but Nas did the most on this one.

5. Just Step (Prelude)
Big Noyd raps a quick freestyle with Prodigy to lead to the next track...

6. Give Up The Goods (Just Step) [feat. Big Noyd]
Q-Tip aka The Abstract gives a mid-atmosphere beat that I don't know if it could described as a kinda light beat or a dark one. Anyway, Big Noyd is the main source as this is where the verse is that got him signed (to Tommy Boy). One of my favourite tracks on this album

7. Temperature's Rising (feat. Crystal Johnson)
With another help from Q-Tip, Havoc & Prodigy raps a "letter" to Hav's older brother, Killa Black (who unfortunately a few months later after this song committed suicide) about him getting caught by the police. Focusing on the concept, I feel Mobb Deep was heavily inspired by Nas' One Love (actually another song produced by Tip), as Nas did sort of start the letter rapping with that song. Crystal did annoy me with the repetitive chorus and the long singing ending. Oh well, still a good song.

8. Up North Trip
This song gives me chills... for the reason of this being that it rocks. Dark atmosphere, storytelling and mean rhymes made me like this track a lot.

9. Trife Life

Here, Prodigy and Havoc talk about how they have got into certain set-ups and how they nearly lost their lives. They both learn a lesson from it, making me feel this, especially with the fake instrumental ending (later building back up).

10. QU - Hectic

Weirdly, this is the one of the only songs on the album I don't really feel. The Quincy Jones sample later used in "Shook Ones (Part II)" is used here, but that still don't make me like it any way.

11. Right Back At You (feat. Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and Big Noyd)

This track does stand out to me. The only problem is Rae and Ghost. Unfortunately, the tag team don't work (like it would in Wu-Tang albums) but Noyd comes to save the day with a final verse.

12. The Grave (Prelude)

Another prelude to a song. Here, someone gets shot which leads to...

13. Cradle to the Grave

This is another song I didn't really feel. It's a bit weak, but it's OK.

14. Drink Away The Pain (Situations) [feat. Q-Tip]

Prodigy, Havoc and Tip rap about situations they have got in (not set-ups though). With me being a huge fan of Q-Tip and his work with A Tribe Called Quest, I did like his verse; but when I found out he didn't really drink and he was just "getting with it", I was surprised and didn't really care much (although it does feel good listening to it). But oh well, it's still a good song.

15. Shook Ones (Part II)

Of course everyone's gonna know what I'm about to say about this track. This. Track. ROCKS! Freestyled by your favourite rappers: from Eminem (8 Mile) to Kendrick Lamar, we all know this track changed the whole of Hip-Hop with its lyrics and dark and gritty flow. Behind Electric Relaxation (A Tribe Called Quest), this is my second favourite song of all-time.

16. Party Over (feat. Big Noyd)

Mobb Deep and Noyd comes on the final track, which is a good way to end the album, even with a title like "Party Over". I never really cared for this track, although the beginning was scary with the bottles and an eerie sample. Anyway, the album is over.

April 25, 1995 saw Mobb Deep released "The Infamous", and everyone saw this as a classic. You know, they were right. The Infamous is the best album I've ever heard. Its dark, gritty and raw atmosphere was an influence to every (then) up-and-coming rapper in the world. Every rap junkie has this somewhere in their collection, for the reason that it holds today 19 years later. 

But not every classic has goods at every track. The Infamous did have a few weak tracks like "QU - Hectic", "Cradle to the Grave" and "Party Over" (kinda). Features like Nas, Raekwon, and Big Noyd makes this album listenable with their lyrics and flow. As for Havoc, without his hardcore beats, this would've been an average 90s rap album with jazzy beats and others.

The Infamous, overall, is a classic project that no one will ever forget. Prodigy and Havoc had done one of the most hardest things of (nowadays) rap: release such an amazing album. For anyone, buy, download, stream this album (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Internet). This album blew my mind away, and I hope it blows yours too. You won't regret it!

The Furious 5ive

Shook Ones (Part II)

Survival of the Fittest

Give Up The Goods (Just Step)

Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)

Trife Life

These are my recommended top 5 although I'd recommend every track on my album, even the ones I didn't like.