Search - Pharcyde :: Labcabincalifornia

Mature, artistic, and focused

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Pharcyde returned in 1995 three years after their debut album, a debut that was one of the best of all time and the most entertaining hip hop album I've ever heard. For their sophomore album, however, the Los Angeles quartet of Booty Brown, Slimkid Tre, Imani Wilcox, and Fatlip showed a totally new and refreshing style. Where "Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde" showed a group of hilarious and immature juveniles joking and discussing issues facing teens over cartoon-style beats, "Labcabincalifornia" displays men who have matured into adulthood and now celebrate the essence of hip hop. Lyrically, the MCs are less frequently humorous and much more intelligent sounding, dropping numerous verses that make you want to check the liner notes and read all the lyrics. They also use their interesting voices more creatively, often harmonizing and singing. But the real treat of this album that makes it stand apart from their debut is the production. This album has a very smooth and focused tone that is very unique, thanks to Jay Dee's influence, the amazing producer who produces most of the cuts on the album. I think that on "Labcabincalifornia," the Pharcyde took some cues from Hieroglyphics and some of the later Native Tongues to make a more mature and artistic album that stands apart but is equally as enjoyable as their debut.



The album begins with the excellent "Bulls...," a laidback sounding cut where the rappers deliver inspirational lyrics that inspire to forget worries and troubles and "stop fightin' that feelin'." The next song, "Pharcyde," is a little more introductory and allows the group to represent themselves over a nice beat. "Groupie Therapy" speaks fondly of the Pharcyde's interactions with women throughout their lives, on a song produced by East Coast producer Diamond D. The true standout of the tracklist is "Runnin'," possibly the best song of the group's catalog. This song has deep lyrics discusses dealing with problems and an awesome, signature-styled musical backing from Jay Dee. I also love "She Said," a slow groove that just sounds happy and makes my head nod. "Splattitorium" and "Somethin' That Means Somethin'" are two good songs that precede the great "Drop." "Hey You" provides more of the tight focused sound that makes "Labcabincalifornia" so excellent, and "Y?" has the MCs asking why life has to be so hard through their struggles. "Moment in Time" is a musical highlight, and "Hustle" is an interesting song where the group lends the microphone to some unknown rappers. "Devil Music" is a humorous and catchy song, and "The E.N.D." ends the album on a good note.



I highly recommend that fans of lyrical and artistic hip hop check out "Labcabincalifornia." Those who liked the Pharcyde's debut or are fans of artists like Souls of Mischief, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Common, and other like-minded rappers will love this album. This is one of the finest works of the awesome underground hip hop wave of the mid nineties and I highly suggest listeners give it a purchase."

Jazzy brilliance with depth in both lyrics and tune

J. Marquette | Essex, UK | 07/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album along with Illadelphi halflife by the roots is my favourite hip hop album. It has depth due to Tre hardson giving it some soulful background vocals and rapping, Bootie Brown with a distinguished style and Slim kid 3 who matches Bootie throughout. The integration of samples into the tunes works superbly as you aren't aware of how much sampling goes on until you look in the CD sleave. Its much more mainstream than other Pharcyde albums released previously and signified the short entry on the big stage. An album which doesn't just talk about the hood in general but covers personal problems such as the most famous "runnin'" which is a true classic. Full of metaphors and intelligent writing that leaves you thinking of inner meanings but at the same time light sounding, soulful, jazzy, vibrant and fresh. If you've been listening to hardcore hip hop for years realised that all of it is the same (as did I) and are looking for a more intelligent album that comes from the soul buy this beauty."