Born Derrick Stewart, Fatlip was a member of the influential underground hip-hop group the Pharcyde and has also settled into a solo career. In the early '90s, Stewart was working at local clubs around L.A. when he formed the Pharcyde with Romye "Booty Brown" Robinson, Imani Wilcox, and Tre "Slimkid" Hardson, who were members of a dance troupe known as "242." By the time they were all 21, the Pharcyde had signed a record deal with Delicious Vinyl and produced three albums filled with sharp lyrics and tight tracks that managed to achieve commercial success while still maintaining a distinct underground flavor.

Fatlip left the Pharcyde shortly after the release of their 1995 album, Labcabincalifornia, due to creative differences, personal problems, and the desire to start a solo career. As a solo artist, Fatlip continued his innovative work with his loopy first single "What's up Fatlip?" from Prime Cuts, Vol. 1, a collection of new songs and artists on the Delicious Vinyl label. A full-length, titled The Loneliest Punk, was released in 2005.