Hip-hop aficionados are aware of Fatlip's — once a member of the Pharcyde — importance to the genre. The Pharcyde's 1992 gold debut, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, continues to appear on lists of the most influential hip-hop albums of the '90s. Fatlip's mid-'90s departure from the group is rumored to have been caused by drug-induced, erratic behavior. His 2005 autobiographical and redemptive solo album, The Loneliest Punk, captures his true-to-life journey into addiction, insanity and reform.
Understanding the Influence: Spike Jonze compiled the documentary What's Up, Fatlip? while shooting the similarly titled music video in 1999. It's recommended that you view both for a glimpse into the life of this under-the-radar artist before you see him DJ.
