The Pharcyde is one of the most celebrated underground West Coast alternative hip hop acts. The group was formed in South Central Los Angeles where the group's members grew up. The members of the group are "Slimkid" (Tre Hardson), "Fatlip" (Derrick Stewart), Imani Wilcox, and "Booty Brown" (Romye Robinson).

They signed to the influential Delicious Vinyl label in 1991 (see 1991 in music) and soon released Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, which was critically praised though sales were lukewarm. The Pharcyde soon began touring with A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, two of alternative hip hop's biggest stars, and appeared at Lollapalooza in 1994 (see 1994 in music). Their second album was Labcabincalifornia, which received more mixed reviews than Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. After a five year hiatus the group returned with Plain Rap in 2000 (see 2000 in music). Then in 2004 (see 2004 in music) after creating their own label (Chapter One) The Pharcyde (remaining members Bootie Brown, and Imani Wilcox) released their highly anticipated album Humboldt Beginnings.