LA hiphop legends the Pharcyde treated their fans at the Key Club with a show to remember on Oct 3, 2009. The reunion featured all four original members on stage that made the night even more special. Fatlip, Tre, Bootie Brown, and Uncle Imani collectively rocked Sunset with their playful wordplay and pure energy.
The group kicked off their set with “Runnin,’” a fitting metaphor for the group’s ability to withstand and overcome adversity as their calling to remain in the game did not waver. Imani summed it up best with his verse: “it ain’t never easy / to do any type of maintaining cuz all this gaming and famin’ from / entertainin’ is hella straining to the brain and… / But I can’t keep runnin I just gotta keep keen and cunnin’…”
“Runnin’” definitely set the tone for an amazing night with the Pharcyde, but it was the group’s effectiveness to transition from one classic to another without losing a beat that kept the crowd wildin’ out. The group pulled together a plethora of timeless cuts that yielded somatic responses. The floor of the Key Club was literally moving from all the excitement emanated by the fans when they delivered some of their staples like “Drop,” “Ya Mama,” “She Said,” and “Passin’ Me By.”
The group’s collective performance was a spectacle. Each member weaved in and out of his verses while maintaining the concept of group. Interestingly this led to highlighting each member’s distinct style: Tre with his fluid dance moves on stage that left many blushing, Fat Lip with his conversational delivery, Bootie Brown with his recognizable high pitch, and Imani with his cool and calm presence.
The show certainly brought out a nostalgic quality. However, it would be asinine to categorize the Pharcyde to mere nostalgia. The group, regardless of what era, goes beyond their time as evident with the eclectic age group present at the show. Overall, even after a long hiatus from hiphop, it is clear that the group has maintained their identity as the Pharcyde.
Photos and videos of the show below:
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