The Pharcyde Album: “Cydeways: The Best of the Pharcyde [PA]”

This is where the real hip-hop is at. Back when The Pharcyde was busting rhymes in L.A., gangster rap on the death row label was at its apogee. Sadly, this unique band has often been overlooked, and they never garnered the commercial success that artists like Tupac and Dr. Dre got. This greatest hits disc is comprised of the best songs from Labacab and Bizarre Ride (plus a few unreleased tracks), certainly the best Pharcyde cds. Otha Fish, Runnin', and Passin' Me By are three classic songs that should be regarded in the upper echelon of rap music along with huge rap hits like What's My Name, California Love, Nothin But A G Thang, etc. If you like hip-hop at all and you don't own anything by The Pharcyde, this is a good place start.

Although this cd contains great songs, it fails to captue the wizardry and true talents of the Pharcyde. If you do not have a Pharcyde Cd, do not get this so you have the best songs, this album just doesn't cut it. Pick up "Bizarre Ride...." before anything. This Cd just leaves out too much, using over 4 of thier interludes and skits to fill up the 18 tracks, they are very funny skits though.

The Good: Representing westcoast rap for more than a decade, Pharcyde has the kind of flow that hip hop heads everywhere can appreciate, but appeals especially to those from California, or better yet, L.A. Pharcyde celebrates all aspects of life in California and it all comes together on this compilation. This upbeat attitude of their experiences can be found in songs such as the whimsical and jig, "Oh Shit", or, "Pack The Pipe", and "It's Jiggaboo Time." Other songs, such as the bluesy, "Passing Me By" and "Otha Fish" are great to chill to, or listen when your girlfriend leaves you because you can't find a job, but you told her that you're looking for one, and is that good enough for her? NOOO... Anyway, don't forget about the hit singles "Drop" and "Runnin" that put Pharcyde on the map.

The Bad: If you already own the first two Pharcyde albums, you already have all but two unreleased songs. Find that guy who has the CD burner, and tell him you'll give him his bike back if he'll put the songs together for you.

The Ugly: Question: How do you drop a new LP and then drop a "Best of..." CD two months later? Answer: Cydeways.

Early Novemeber, Pharcyde's newest CD, "Plain Rap," hit stores. It had about 3-4 really good tracks. Unfortunately, This compilation has none of the them. I guess they didn't want to take sales away from the still new album by putting all its good tracks on "Cydeways."

Oh well, still a good CD to have in your collection.

Awesome Album with some of the greatest tracks by The Pharcyde. A must for your music collection recommended for anyone

I really enjoyed the Pharcyde when I was in highschool. I was cruising through some music and saw this cd. I would say if you like these guys GET THIS CD!! I listened to it every day for a month after I bought it. Roll a phatty take a drive and listen to the Pharcyde!!