Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is the debut album by alternative hip hop group The Pharcyde, released on November 24, 1992 through Delicious Vinyl Records. The album is produced by former group member J-Swift, and features only one guest appearance, provided by little known Los Angeles rapper Bucwheed (known then as "Buckwheat" from The Wascals). In the years after its release, Bizarre Ride was hailed by critics and alternative rap fans, and appeared in "best albums" lists in several publications.
Released during the dominant Gangsta rap era of West Coast hip hop, Bizarre Ride was described as "refreshing,"due to its playful, light-hearted humor and lush, jazzy production. Along with albums like To Whom It May Concern... by Freestyle Fellowship, and I Wish My Brother George Was Here by Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Bizarre Ride helped establish a new alternative scene on the West Coast, followed by artists such as Hieroglyphics, The Coup and Jurassic 5. Despite the wide acclaim, the album produced only moderate sales, peaking at #75 on the Billboard 200 album chart in 1993. However, on the strength of the second single, "Passing Me By," the album was certified gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America on March 28, 1996. The album is broken down track-by-track by The Pharcyde in Brian Coleman's book Check the Technique
I have a confession, I haven't always loved hip hop. I didn't always know the difference between rap and hip-hop. It was 1998 and there was an influx of gangster rap that I couldn't relate to nor did I want to even try. I was dating a guy who loved hip-hop at the time, however, and would constantly turn off my funk or soul to put on his music. At first, I fought. Then, I listened as he put on Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde by The Pharcyde. This is hip hop?, I asked increduously. … more
