Live Review: The Pharcyde Brings 90s Alternative Hip-Hop to Mempho Fest 2025

If there’s one performance that surprised and completely won me over at Mempho Fest 2025, it was The Pharcyde. Their set was pure energy from start to finish, carrying that signature 90s swag that’s both raw and effortlessly smooth. Imani, Slimkid3, and Fatlip transformed the stage into a shared experience, inviting the audience to rap along and truly become part of the performance.

The group, originally four members, came together in Los Angeles in the early 90s. They met in high school, all with aspirations of becoming dancers, which makes perfect sense after seeing them live. Every song in their set was accompanied with magnetic energy and expressive dance moves that made the crowd dance along with them.

Carving out their own lane during a time when West Coast was being dominated by gangsta rap, The Pharcyde quickly became known as alternative hip-hop pioneers. Their style emphasized wordplay, humor, and introspection, offering a fresh perspective on what hip-hop could be. They stood out because they weren’t afraid to be themselves and to talk about real-life emotions, much like their musical cousins A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.

The Pharcyde’s collaborations with J Dilla also left a lasting mark on their sound. He produced several tracks on their second album, Labcabincalifornia, infusing the songs with soul through clever sampling of jazz, funk, and classic R&B. During their performance of Runnin, they paid homage to Dilla, and the crowd erupted at the mere mention of his name.

I’ll admit, I was new to The Pharcyde before Mempho Fest, but seeing them live has sent me down a rabbit hole of their catalog ever since. My favorites so far include Timeless, Runnin, Drop, and of course Passin Me By, which I recognized from Joe’s sample in Stutter. Their music blends jazz, funk, and soul effortlessly, feeling both familiar and fresh at the same time. The Pharcyde reminded me that hip-hop can still be soulful, expressive, and deeply human.

Beyond the performances, Mempho Fest offered a fully immersive experience. There was something for everyone to enjoy, from food and drinks to music and merch. Festivalgoers could grab local favorites like Gus’s Fried Chicken or sweet treats from Mempops. A vinyl lounge catered to crate diggers featured soul albums from legends like Mavis Staples, Al Green, and Ann Peebles. Multiple tables displayed festival and performer merchandise, with many different styles and designs to choose from.

The Stax Soul Mobile added another layer to the festival, celebrating Memphis’ musical legacy with posters, memorabilia, prizes, and educational information for visitors. Another standout attraction was the Silent Disco inside the Incendia Dome, where flames shot from the top as attendees danced to music only they could hear through headphones. Watching it from the outside was equal parts hilarious and mesmerizing.

Overall, Mempho Fest 2025 was a 1,000 out of 10 experience! Over three days, it delivered a perfect blend of discovery, community, and celebration of music. From The Pharcyde’s unforgettable set to the vibrant festival atmosphere, it was a weekend full of joy, creativity, and connection. Much love and gratitude to Mempho Fest, The Pharcyde, and all the artists who brought much needed joy to the city!