Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2012

Spliffs and laidback beats will be on the menu when old school LA hip-hop posse The Pharcyde perform for the posh crowd at Roppongi’s Billboard Live. Formed in LA’s notorious South Central in the early ’90s, the group’s Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde was one of the alternative hip-hop gems of the era on the strengths of the delicious stoner outing “Passin’ Me By,” a huge hit in Japan. After a period of ups and downs and the loss of producer J-Swift to crack addiction, the group is back in contention, now touring with a live band for added flava.

Billboard Live, Sep 8-9 (listing).