Fatlip

Most underground rappers have a hard time staying underground -- if they're talented, eventually they draw the spotlight. Somehow, Fatlip hasn't had that problem. Once a member of acclaimed West Coast quartet the Pharcyde, the Angeleno's hilarious, insane genius disappeared into obscurity and rumors of crack addiction. His brazen honesty...

By Jonathan Zwickel

January 13, 2005

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Most underground rappers have a hard time staying underground -- if they're talented, eventually they draw the spotlight. Somehow, Fatlip hasn't had that problem. Once a member of acclaimed West Coast quartet the Pharcyde, the Angeleno's hilarious, insane genius disappeared into obscurity and rumors of crack addiction. His brazen honesty and high-stepping flow made him a lost legend, but it's been years since anyone heard from him. The pre-release tracks from his comeback album The Loneliest Punk dump a bucket of funk over his loopy, inebriated lyrics. And now that he's touring, he just might get some well-deserved recognition. Still, I wouldn't expect the Fatlip line of sneakers anytime soon.

Fatlip plays at 10 p.m. Friday, January 14, with Mikah 9 of Freestyle Fellowship and local rappers Bluebird, the Leftoverz, and Secondhand Outfit, at I/O Lounge, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. Tickets cost $15. Call 305-358-8007.

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