The Pharcyde
Bizarre Ride II (Parental Advisory)
Play Bizarre Ride II (Parental Advisory)
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MOG Editorial Review
Part of the jazzy renaissance experienced by early '90s hip-hop, Bizarre Ride II found the Pharcyde in fun-loving top form. More than anything, the LA rappers reminded listeners that having a good time has been a huge part of hip-hop from the beginning, something that fellow jazz-loving emcees seemed to forget occasionally. A track like the upbeat "Soul Flower" is guaranteed to put you in a good mood, while even what should be a throwaway skit like "It's Jigaboo Time" will make you nod your head despite the silliness. Even when the group makes a statement on songs like "Officer," they don't let the message completely overpower the good vibes, and it's to their credit that they can take a stand without missing a positive beat.
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AMG Review of Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
John Bush
All Music GuideThe cover shot of a Fat Albert-ized Pharcyde roller coasting their way into a funhouse makes perfect sense, as the L.A.-based quartet introduced listeners to an uproarious vision of earthy hip-hop informed by P-Funk silliness and an everybody-on-the-mic street-corner atmosphere that highlights the incredible rapping skills of each member. With multiple voices freestyling over hilarious story-songs like "Oh Shit," "Soul Flower," the dozens contest "Ya Mama," and even a half-serious driving-while-black critique named "Officer," Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde proved Daisy Age philosophy akin to De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest wasn't purely an East Coast phenomenon. Skits and interludes with live backing (usually just drums and piano) only enhance the freeform nature of the proceedings, and the group even succeeds when not reliant on humor, as proved by the excellent heartbreak tale "Passing Me By." The production, by J-Sw!ft and the group, is easily some of the tightest and most inventive of any hip-hop record of the era. Though Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde could have used a few more musical hooks to draw in listeners before they begin to appreciate the amazing rapping and gifted productions, the lack of compromise reveals far greater rewards down the line.








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