The Far Side (Imani, Fatlip & Slimkid3 of the Pharcyde) at The Ground

The Far Side (formerly of the Pharcyde)

We’re not going to talk about how IMANI, Slimkid3, and Fatlip created two of the most classic back-to-back Hip Hop albums in the 1990s as the Pharcyde (Bizarre Ride II: The Pharcyde and Labcabincalifornia). We’re not going to talk about how the Pharcyde was one of the most popular Hip Hop acts of that era nor are we going to talk about the necessary lineup changes needed to move forward.

No. We’re going to talk about where they are now and how IMANI, Slimkid3, and Fatlip made what was once only a dream finally come true. Officially reunited as The Far Side (formerly of the Pharcyde), the talented West Coast trio is preparing to embark on a six-week spring tour in April.

But before that was even a possibility, IMANI had to go through some spiritual transformations that took him to a place of forgiveness and acceptance. After all, in a 2015 interview, IMANI said it would essentially take an act of God for him to reunite with Slimkid3 and Fatlip, who’d been performing as Bizarre Ride following the Pharcyde’s split. But after the death of his grandmother, life looked different.

“That’s just really what it was, just to keep it real,” IMANI says. “I was dealing with issues inside my own head, and I thought it was the world, but it was inside my own mind. I created my own demons.

“I asked myself, ‘What do you want if you don’t have to worry about what anybody else’s wants or to make anybody else happy?’And the first thing that came up to me, the universe said, ‘You got to make it right with your brothers.’And the universe didn’t say, “Make music with them.” It said, ‘Make it right.’”

And that’s precisely what he did. The Far Side (formerly of the Pharcyde) is currently working on new music and a 30th-anniversary project to commemorate the release of Bizarre Ride II. A limited-edition producer’s tape was released on January 22nd featuring The Far Side (formerly of the Pharcyde), Wu-Tang Clan luminary Inspectah Deck and more. Executive produced by Spear of the Nation, the tape kicks off yet another colorful chapter in IMANI, Slimkid3, and Fatlip’s story, one that’s just beginning and the guys are back in business!

The Ground is now cigarette free. We thank you for not smoking cigarettes at The Ground.