Tha Pharcyde is one of the most underrated and under appreciated West Coast groups …. But not here at WCS! We understand what they brought to the table especially in the midst of all the gangster rap that often overshadowed them. The legendary group has faced its own internal struggles over the years however several members have managed to remain together and continue touring to entertain the fans. WCS’ Todd Davis caught up with Slimkid3 of the group for our HipHop50 special. Read below!
First things first, this year (August 11th) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you all?
For Me I’m excited, and it means that we’ve come a long way, with more possibilities.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you all ever could’ve imagined?
Yes, it was something I could imagine, because it was rooted in something real. Culture is everything when it comes to Communities, and People. It created many Villages of Strength, with a Sounding Board for every City. Our World had a Voice.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories from your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
The Beginnings was everything for us. We Set it off RAW and REAL. Every Stage We touched We treated it like it was the First or Last time We would rock it, so We Went HARD AF, since Day one, up against the Best, but We weren’t thinking about Competing not one time. Just going into our Zone, the Pharcyde (The furthest We could take it), and always landed in a High Spot. I think one of the First Shows We did that Went hard was on Sunset & La Brea, at a Private Event for Quincy Jones, alongside Black Sheep, and LL Cool J, I believe. Black Sheep for Sure tho.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2023, going right into ‘24?
Our plan is to really Open up More of the Pharcyde Doors that We can. Continuing to Rock Shows, and Record More Music with Our Peers.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you all want people to get from your music?
I want them to feel like they are Celebrating Life, and just giving them a Vibe to Sail on. I want them to feel the Magic. We are definitely in a positive place right now.
On a more serious note, are you all happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I think Hip Hop is in a place where it used to be in a sense where you have to do some digging to find the Gold. And I have found some Gems! So I’d rather do that than complain. There has always been wack shit, but if it wasn’t My Groove, it wasn’t My Groove. Also, everybody has an Ugly stage and then next thing You know, they’re GREAT. So… There’s that. Ha Ha!
What do you all feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Side-stepping suckas, focus on Your goals, stay in Your lane. Build a good Team, tend to Your Garden, or take care of Your Fanbase, keep the content coming with Good Quality.
Do you all have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
At the Moment I just like Making Music and DJ’ing, anything involving shared experiences through Music, is right up My Alley.
What’s an average day like for you all?
I’m a Dad, so… Dad shit. Nawmean?
Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans…
We are really cool with our Fans. We Talk about Music, and what it made them feel like, and who they like. We get the chance to learn something new, hear some new music, or Make a New Friend. But not everyone is cool tho, Some folks are Ape Shit, and they gotta Bounce. Not with the Fuckery.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
It’s all My Favorite part. We’re Making Magic, just like our Forefathers, Peers and other Creatives in the Game. It’s awesome to Talk to somebody like, Pete Rock, T-3, or Yasiin Bey, about Music, and production or whatever, musically. We are Fucking Geeked about it.
Least Favorite is, Fast Talkers, and Stans… I don’t have time to mess around with energy stealers, and time wasters.
What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Find Yourself, be YOU, Unapologetically, and the Magic will follow. The More honest about who You are, that you become, the Faster You will be on your way. The faster You’ll find Your Tribe.
Y’all semi-recently performed a one night only anniversary show out in L.A., alongside Tha Liks and Souls — How was it? And, why not a full fledged tour?
The Show was AMAZING!! Everybody ROCKED the HOUSE! Hard AF!! It was Definitely a Top Notch Event. EVERYONE in L.A.was THERE. LiT!!!
Why not a Full Tour? Man… These Questions… Let Time do what time does. I’d Love that.
Any new music (solo and / or group) in the works?
Lot of New Music, I would advise folks to stay Tuned in with us at @ThePharcydeLives, on IG, YOUTUBE, TikTok, etcetera.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?
Ballin’ Like a Muther-Fucker!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
All sounds good to Me.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Keep on Rocking with us, and let’s Celebrate Life.
Thank You!
