The group is perhaps best known for the hit singles "Drop", "Passin' Me By" and "Runnin''", as well as their first album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. Pharcyde continues to tour and record, both collaboratively and in solo projects—the most recent being Hardson's collaborative EP with the award-winning DJ Nu-Mark (of Jurassic 5) released in 2014 on Delicious Vinyl.
Pharcyde group members Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, and Imani met as dancers in the late 1980s and dancing was their main ambition as late as 1990. Around this time, Imani and Slimkid3 were in a group called "As Is" and later a group called the "Play Brothers", whilst Bootie Brown was a backup dancer for Fatlip (Fatlip being the last member to join the group). Bootie Brown recalls that their earlier dancing careers influenced their rapping – "sometimes the way I rap is almost like the way I used to dance". The group met Reggie Andrews, a local high-school music teacher who worked with the Dazz Band and Rick James, and who was a major musical influence on their debut album. The group also met producer J-Swift around this time, as he was Reggie Andrews's "star pupil" according to the book Check the Technique.
Though Humboldt Beginnings is to date the last Pharcyde album, its members have since been keeping busy with various contributions and projects. A compilation of The Pharcyde was released in 2005, titled Sold My Soul: The Remix & Rarity Collection, featuring a number of remixes and rare songs. Former member Fatlip released his solo debut in 2005, titled The Loneliest Punk, and Tre Hardson's second full-length solo album SLIMKID3's Cafe was released on April 4, 2006.
2012 saw the twentieth anniversary of The Pharcyde's debut Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde, and to mark the event Fatlip and SlimKid3 teamed up with the album's producers, J-Swift and L.A. Jay, as well as record label Delicious Vinyl, to play the album in its entirety at a tribute show at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. The performance was intended to be a one-off, but due to overwhelming success and reception, the group began touring the show 'Bizarre Ride Live', and, along with MC K-Natural, working on original music under the moniker The Bizarre Ride. In December of that year, The Pharcyde released the Amerigo Gazaway-produced "Still Got Love (Bizarre Tribe Megamix)" garnering significant praise. 2015 marked the twentieth anniversary of Labcabincalifornia, resulting in a similar tour through Europe and Japan. The group continued touring Europe through 2017.
I'm That Type Of Nigga
The Pharcyde Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Well I am the nigga in charge over here
Sack the quarterback to make a cheerleader cheer
I fix my funk like Thelonious Monk
Stayin' true to the game 'cause I ain't no punk
Never been a bitch so I don't act bitchy
Smooth on the vinyl like Lionel Richie
And for creeps that's asleep you better ring the alarm clock
Don't dig what I'm kicking? You can suck on a warm cock
Originate trends, My rhymes they get paid
So making ends and beginnings
See, I'm never afraid
Of a pancake MC 'cause I'm flip when I sways this
Housin' motherfuckers like a real estate agent
Douse you with my lyrical liquid for this hip-hop era
So I suggest you fetch an umbrella for my reign of terror
'Cause you can get your posse and your armored brigade because I am not afraid
Oh, 'cause I'm the type of nigga that you never forget (What?)
And I'm the type of nigga that can shake my shit (What?)
'Cause I'm the type of nigga with nothin' to hide
What's your name?
Fat Lip from The Pharcyde and you know what's up
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here?
Well I'm dark like chocolate and flow like milk
Slicker than oil smooth like silk
Please give me some room because it's me you're gonna suffocate
The fly-ass brother is Imani the Great
You fuck with me I'll be the nigga who be slanging them dogs on
Arms like sticks hands like bricks niggas be be droppin' like logs
I used to be the nigga never down but doin' dirt
Now I got your girl callin' when she's down with doin' work
'Cause I'm the type of nigga that'll rock them drawers
Straight to a party, tuggin' on my balls
I used to be the nigga that'd keep you happy
Go ask your moms 'cause I might the nigga you callin' pappy
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Well I'm the nigga in charge-in
E.X. Large-in
Captain of a ship pretender no never no sergeant
See I'm the type of nigga to catch a bullet in my teeth
Then call you Saint Nick dick 'cause you'll get hung like a wreath
Snap chin check is what I do to put your head out
Ja like a don't de sneak detective roughly 'fore they get out
I'm the type of nigga that'll serve you on a platter
Like the piece of glass when I drop it you shatter
I'm the type of nigga that'll kick yo ass (What?)
I'm the type of nigga that's built to last (What?)
Yep the type the nigga that'll say what's up
To a brother but a devil would just get fucked up
And it's like that, alright black?
I pick up the mic and strike at
Your ego 'cause motherfuckin' negro is awesome
Beat junky is the cue Buckwheat's my name and I'm a (Sucker)
So you better get off my dick
'Cause if you ain't a beat junky
Then you ain't said shit
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
You better watch your hide
'Cause this sound ain't big enough for the two of us
It's a must that I bust actually
See I'm the type of nigga that likes to breathe
And I'm the type of nigga that'll roll my sleeves
Ah but if there's a tussle I'm down to kick some butthole
Nigga crash nigga bash with very little muscle
Hustler in my heart so I'm a play the part
Of that type a nigga with the ice cold heart
Chilly Willy, don't be silly
I'll take ya Philly and I'll bone her
Make her disown ya
Change her name to Mona
Put her on my throne oh yeah
See I'm the type of the nigga so you better beware
The nigga is on I'm putting it on like Al Capone I'm all that
The only difference between me and Alsy palsy is I'm black, jack
King me
No clownin' 'cause I'm crownin' like a Jew
And when I spit my shit it's 190 proof
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Well I shut them down like P.E
That's what they try to be me
I only sat in Nike and I kick you in your pee-pee that's me
I am the one that kicked your daddy in your nuts
That's why your mental state was fucked before you hit your mama's guts
'Cause I'm the nigga and the boss
I flip it and I toss
This time there was a quarter only a dollar was what they cost
'Cause niggas on my Snoopy like the bird Woodstock
Getcha hands off my dick because I hold this cock
It's like a waitin' in the distance
Resisted from persistence
I'm Dirty Harry and I take your mama just for instance
'Cause I'm the type of nigga to make the fat lady sing
Hour after my flow she wasn't shocked with my swing
But a little too much weight to be a new jack man
Got more rhythm in my toe than a whole blues band
'Cause when I rock the people roll when I recite from my scroll
Play the beat nigga forever mind body and soul
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um well excuse me
Um um
The Pharcyde's "I'm That Type of Nigga" is a bravado-filled rap song performed by the various members of the group. The lyrics are an ode to Black excellence and strength, where each rapper exclaims their prowess and dominance in the rap game. The song begins with the repetitive phrase "Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?" which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The opening verse, by Fat Lip, talks about him being the man in charge, who fixes his funk like Thelonious Monk, and stays true to the game. He also says that he's never been a coward and deals with his enemies harshly. He warns his detractors that he'll pour his lyrical liquids on them, and they should get an umbrella for his reign of terror.
In the second verse, Imani The Great describes himself as dark like chocolate and smoother than oil. He warns people not to mess with him as he can take them down with his arms like sticks and hands like bricks. He also says that he used to be the guy who'd keep you happy, but now he's the type of guy who'll rock your drawers straight to a party, tugging on his balls. Bootie Brown's verse talks about his bravery and how he's built to last. He also references Al Capone and says that he's the new king, and the only difference between him and Al Capone is that he's black. Lastly, SlimKid3 describes himself as Dirty Harry and how he takes your mama just for instance. He's got rhythm in his toe more than a whole blue band, and he plays the beat forever with his mind, body, and soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Who is the nigga in charge over here? Who is the nigga in charge?
Who holds the authority in this place? Who is the one in control?
Well I am the nigga in charge over here
I am the one who has the power and control in this situation
Sack the quarterback to make a cheerleader cheer
I am skilled at executing strategies in order to achieve a desired outcome, just like a football player sacking the opposing team's quarterback and sparking excitement from the cheerleaders
I fix my funk like Thelonious Monk
I refine and perfect my unique style and sound, similar to how Thelonious Monk, a jazz musician, perfects his distinctive form of music
Stayin' true to the game 'cause I ain't no punk
I remain authentic and loyal to the hip-hop genre and its principles because I am not weak or easily intimidated
Never been a bitch so I don't act bitchy
I have never been cowardly or weak, so I do not display any signs of such behavior
Smooth on the vinyl like Lionel Richie
I possess exceptional skills when handling vinyl records, similar to how Lionel Richie, a musician, has a smooth and seamless style in his music
And for creeps that's asleep you better ring the alarm clock
For those who are unaware or ignorant of my presence and talent, they should wake up and recognize me by sounding an alarm
Don't dig what I'm kicking? You can suck on a warm cock
If you do not appreciate or enjoy the content of my music, you can engage in a vulgar act involving a warm penis
Originate trends, My rhymes they get paid
I am innovative and influential in creating new trends within the hip-hop community, and my lyrics generate financial success
So making ends and beginnings
I manage to both start afresh and maintain financial stability
See, I'm never afraid
I lack fear or hesitation in pursuing my goals and expressing myself through my music
Of a pancake MC 'cause I'm flip when I sways this
I am not intimidated by amateur or lesser-skilled MCs because I confidently and skillfully change the direction of the rhythm and flow when I perform
Housin' motherfuckers like a real estate agent
I dominate and overpower other people in a manner similar to how a real estate agent effortlessly handles property dealings
Douse you with my lyrical liquid for this hip-hop era
I shower you with my metaphorical and creative lyrics that are relevant and representative of this current era of hip-hop music
So I suggest you fetch an umbrella for my reign of terror
I advise you to prepare for my powerful and intimidating presence in the hip-hop scene, symbolizing my reign of terror
'Cause you can get your posse and your armored brigade because I am not afraid
Even if you gather your group of supporters and attempt to intimidate me with force, I remain unafraid and undeterred
Oh, 'cause I'm the type of nigga that you never forget (What?)
I am the kind of person that leaves a lasting impression and is memorable to others
And I'm the type of nigga that can shake my shit (What?)
I possess the ability to confidently and skillfully showcase my talent and abilities
'Cause I'm the type of nigga with nothin' to hide
I am an open and transparent individual, with no secrets or hidden motives
What's your name?
What is your identity?
Fat Lip from The Pharcyde and you know what's up
I am Fat Lip, a member of The Pharcyde, and I am well aware of what is happening and relevant in the hip-hop community
Well I'm dark like chocolate and flow like milk
My skin color is dark like chocolate, and my rap flow is smooth and velvety like milk
Slicker than oil smooth like silk
I am incredibly smooth and slick in my delivery and performance, similar to the texture and appearance of oil and silk
Please give me some room because it's me you're gonna suffocate
I request that you allow me space and not overwhelm or stifle me, as you will end up suffocating yourself by trying to suppress my talent and presence
The fly-ass brother is Imani the Great
I am Imani the Great, a cool and stylish individual with immense talent
You fuck with me I'll be the nigga who be slanging them dogs on
If you provoke or challenge me, I will become the person known for selling and distributing drugs illegally
Arms like sticks hands like bricks niggas be be droppin' like logs
My arms are thin like sticks, but my hands are strong like bricks, causing other individuals to fall or collapse like logs
I used to be the nigga never down but doin' dirt
In the past, I was the type of person who always avoided getting into trouble or engaging in illegal activities
Now I got your girl callin' when she's down with doin' work
Currently, I have the attention and interest of your girlfriend, who is willing to engage in sexual activities with me
'Cause I'm the type of nigga that'll rock them drawers
I am the kind of person who can thoroughly impress and excite someone, even to the point of causing them to remove their underwear in excitement
Straight to a party, tuggin' on my balls
I confidently attend social gatherings and parties, proudly exhibiting my masculinity and sexual prowess by grasping my genitals
I used to be the nigga that'd keep you happy
I was once the person who always aimed to fulfill your desires and keep you content or satisfied
Go ask your moms 'cause I might the nigga you callin' pappy
If you are unsure of your true biological father, you should ask your mother because I may be the person you refer to as your father
Well I'm the nigga in charge-in
I am the individual who holds the power and authority
E.X. Large-in
I am extra large in terms of my skills, presence, and impact
Captain of a ship pretender no never no sergeant
I am the leader and captain of my own metaphorical ship, and I am not one to pretend or take a subordinate role
See I'm the type of nigga to catch a bullet in my teeth
I am the kind of person who fearlessly takes risks and displays incredible bravery, such as catching a bullet with my teeth
Then call you Saint Nick dick 'cause you'll get hung like a wreath
If you oppose or challenge me, I will metaphorically hang you like a Christmas wreath, comparing you to Santa Claus's genitalia
Snap chin check is what I do to put your head out
I swiftly and forcefully strike your chin as a form of punishment, causing you to retract or withdraw
Ja like a don't de sneak detective roughly 'fore they get out
I confront and expose those who attempt to deceive or manipulate others, taking preemptive action before they have a chance to escape or avoid consequences
I'm the type of nigga that'll serve you on a platter
I have the ability to effortlessly defeat or outperform you, as if presenting you as a meal on a platter
Like the piece of glass when I drop it you shatter
Similar to a fragile piece of glass that breaks upon impact, my actions or words have the power to shatter your confidence or composure
I'm the type of nigga that'll kick yo ass (What?)
I am the kind of person who can physically dominate or defeat you with my strength and fighting skills
I'm the type of nigga that's built to last (What?)
I have durability and longevity, both physically and metaphorically, indicating that I am resilient and enduring
Yep the type the nigga that'll say what's up
Indeed, I am the kind of person who confidently and blatantly expresses greetings or acknowledgment
To a brother but a devil would just get fucked up
I am friendly and welcoming towards fellow Black individuals, but I would violently confront any malicious or evil person
And it's like that, alright black?
This is the situation or reality, my friend
I pick up the mic and strike at
When I hold the microphone and begin to perform, I am making a powerful and effective impact
Your ego 'cause motherfuckin' negro is awesome
I attack and challenge your ego because I, as a Black individual, am exceptionally impressive and awe-inspiring
Beat junky is the cue Buckwheat's my name and I'm a (Sucker)
I am heavily addicted to the beats and rhythms of music, as if it is my drug, and my name is Buckwheat, an endearing term, but also acknowledging my foolishness at times
So you better get off my dick
You should cease and desist from obsessively seeking my attention or approval
'Cause if you ain't a beat junky
Unless you share my passion for music and beats
Then you ain't said shit
Your opinions or statements hold no importance or relevance if you are not knowledgeable or invested in the world of music and beats
You better watch your hide
You should be cautious and mindful of your own protection and well-being
'Cause this sound ain't big enough for the two of us
There is not enough space or recognition within this particular music scene for both of us to coexist
It's a must that I bust actually
It is necessary and imperative for me to deliver my rhymes and showcase my talent
See I'm the type of nigga that likes to breathe
I am someone who values freedom and the ability to express myself openly without restrictions or obstacles
And I'm the type of nigga that'll roll my sleeves
I am the kind of person who is ready and willing to put in physical effort or work
Ah but if there's a tussle I'm down to kick some butthole
However, if there is a conflict or fight, I am fully prepared and determined to physically attack or defeat my opponent
Nigga crash nigga bash with very little muscle
I can forcefully crash into or attack someone with minimal physical strength, relying more on strategy and tactics
Hustler in my heart so I'm a play the part
I possess a strong sense of ambition and determination, allowing me to convincingly perform the role of a hustler or hard worker
Of that type a nigga with the ice cold heart
I am the individual who appears tough and emotionally detached, similar to a person with a heart that is cold and unfeeling
Chilly Willy, don't be silly
My nickname is Chilly Willy, and I advise you not to underestimate or make foolish assumptions about me
I'll take ya Philly and I'll bone her
I will successfully seduce and engage in sexual activities with a woman from Philadelphia
Make her disown ya
As a result of my charm or sexual prowess, she will reject or sever her connection with you
Change her name to Mona
I have such a strong impact on her that she will even change her name to Mona
Put her on my throne oh yeah
I will elevate her position or status by making her my partner or lover
See I'm the type of the nigga so you better beware
I am the kind of person you should be cautious and wary of due to my skills and influence
The nigga is on I'm putting it on like Al Capone I'm all that
I have a strong presence and impact, similar to the notorious gangster Al Capone, and I possess exceptional qualities and abilities
The only difference between me and Alsy palsy is I'm black, jack
The main distinction between Al Capone and myself is the fact that I am Black
King me
Recognize my authority and superiority, as if in a game of chess when the king piece is surrounded
No clownin' 'cause I'm crownin' like a Jew
I am not joking or playing around, as I am establishing my dominance and power similar to how a Jewish person wears a crown
And when I spit my shit it's 190 proof
When I rap or deliver my lines, it is potent and powerful, similar to an alcoholic beverage that is 190 proof and highly concentrated
Well I shut them down like P.E
I effectively silence or defeat my opponents, similar to the hip-hop group Public Enemy (P.E)
That's what they try to be me
Others attempt to imitate or emulate my style and presence
I only sat in Nike and I kick you in your pee-pee that's me
I only wear Nike brand clothing, and I have the ability to physically attack or hurt you by targeting your genitals, demonstrating my power or dominance
I am the one that kicked your daddy in your nuts
I am the person responsible for delivering a physical blow to your father's testicles
That's why your mental state was fucked before you hit your mama's guts
This is the reason why your psychological well-being was negatively affected even before you were born
'Cause I'm the nigga and the boss
I am both a Black individual and the one in charge or with authority
I flip it and I toss
I manipulate and control the situation to my advantage
This time there was a quarter only a dollar was what they cost
Previously, the cost was a measly quarter, but now, due to my influence and impact, it has significantly increased to a dollar
'Cause niggas on my Snoopy like the bird Woodstock
People are obsessively interested and fascinated by my actions or behavior, similar to how fans were captivated by Snoopy and the bird Woodstock in the Peanuts comic strip
Getcha hands off my dick because I hold this cock
Stop trying to exert control or dominance over me, as I am the one in control and hold the power
It's like a waitin' in the distance
There is a sense of anticipation or expectation in the air
Resisted from persistence
Despite persistent efforts or attempts, resistance or opposition remains strong
I'm Dirty Harry and I take your mama just for instance
I metaphorically embody the character Dirty Harry, a tough and fearless cop, and I have the ability to seduce or attract your mother
'Cause I'm the type of nigga to make the fat lady sing
I have the power or ability to bring a situation or event to its dramatic or conclusive end, even to the point of making the traditionally overweight female opera singer perform
Hour after my flow she wasn't shocked with my swing
Continuously after hearing my rap flow, she remains unfazed or unimpressed by my singing style or rhythm
But a little too much weight to be a new jack man
However, she possesses a physical appearance or weight that exceeds what would typically be associated with a young and inexperienced man
Got more rhythm in my toe than a whole blues band
Even the slightest movement of my toe contains more rhythm, musicality, and soul than an entire band specializing in blues music
'Cause when I rock the people roll when I recite from my scroll
When I perform and deliver my lyrics, it intricately moves and captivates the audience, similar to how people roll or dance to the rhythm of music, and my lyrics are derived from my personal written collection
Play the beat nigga forever mind body and soul
I engage with and appreciate the rhythm and beat of music, shaping my entire being, including my thoughts, physicality, and spirituality
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Um um well excuse me
I apologize for interrupting or speaking out of turn
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DERRICK LEMEL STEWART, EMANDU IMANI RASHAAN WILCOX, ROMYE ROBINSON, TREVANT JERMAINE HARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind