Emo's gets a Fatlip
During the '90s, Derrick Stewart was a key member of possibly the most influential Los Angeles hip-hop group outside of NWA.
Under the pseudonym Fatlip, he joined Tre "Slimkid" Hardson, Romye "Booty Brown" Robinson, and Imani Wilcox, to form the Pharcyde. The South Central quartet made its official debut in 1992 with the alt-rap classic Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. Eccentric cuts like "Oh Shit," "Soul Flower," and "Ya Mama" established the group as the West Coast's answer to the Native Tongues, and helped them develop a devoted cult following. The guys returned two years later with the highly anticipated Labcabincalifornia, which featured more mature tracks like "Runnin'" and "Moment in Time." This sophomore effort relied more on laid-back mid-tempo numbers that lacked the urgency of their debut, leaving many fans confused and disappointed.
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| Fatlip |
Fatlip left the Pharcyde shortly after Labcabincalifornia to embark on a solo career. His 2000 single "What's Up Fatlip?" and the B-side "Goldmine" showcased his ability to flip from self-deprecating humor to raunchy sex raps and resulted in a quirky 2002 short documentary from acclaimed filmmaker - and unabashed Fatlip admirer - Spike Jonze. These days, Fatlip is completing his long-awaited full-length debut titled The Loneliest Punk. The project is said to chronicle his four-year comeback effort and mark a return to the wit and whimsy of Fat Lip's early Pharcyde output. Widely recognized for his surrreal sense of humor and ability to work a crowd, Fatlip should not disappoint.
- M. Solis
