Eugene is home to many musicians, from country and western to hip-hop and R&B artists, most of whom have established their own following of fans. The Phormula, a self-described “thought-provoking hip-hop” group, is no exception. Along with Tre Hardson, former member of the Pharcyde, I’Chele & the Circle of Light and Genus Pro, The Phormula will be performing at Diablo’s Downtown Lounge at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The Phormula, one of the three opening acts for Hardson, calls Eugene its home. Composed of three different artists, including Philosophy, DJ Phonics and Examine, The Phormula has been working together to create music for the Northwest hip-hop scene for more than five years, and in that time has developed a solid fan base and a reputation as one of Eugene’s finest live hip-hop acts. It has opened for professional performers such as Saul Williams, Cappadonna, the Typical Cats and KRS-One and has released a CD titled “Sound Proof,” which has garnered national attention for a distinctive sound that some credit to the Eugene scene.
“For fans of Pharcyde, The Phormula is one of the best hip-hop picks all around,” according to a review from CD Baby. “Thick, heavyweight hip-hop that’s always about the groove, these guys are turning heads all over the place … They wrap up the boom of the city with the chilled out, kicked back vibes of a progressive college town. Wrapping in soul, jazz and lounge, every track is a killer.”
Gabriel Sechrist, a.k.a. Philosophy, began his work in the Eugene hip-hop scene as a student at the University, where he was the founder of the University’s first hip-hop organization. Sechrist, along with other students, worked to promote and organize live musical events for Eugene artists. Sechrist continued his work well after graduating in spring 2003 and developed a company named Groundwork Productions, a non-profit organization that has successfully promoted artists, musicians, writers and local businesses. His love for hip-hop also led to the formation of The Phormula, where Sechrist turns his love of and talent for poetry into a funky and flavorful hip-hop sound.
Genus Pro is another Eugene based hip-hop group. According to its Web site, “local cats Genus Pro are going to be the ones to put Eugene on the map for hip hop. Fresh out of shows opening for KRS-One and Living Legends, the guys just celebrated the release of their debut CD, Grow. The disc is quality, positive, independent hip hop music. The three very distinct emcees (Marv Ellis, Metric and Elea’zar) gel well, passing the mic with ease while DJ C4 holds it down on the wheels of steel.”
Hardson, who The Phormula lists as one of its main influences, will be the main act Saturday night. Founding member of Los Angeles rap quartet Pharcyde, Hardson released his solo debut album “Liberation” in 2002 and has been making the solo rounds ever since. “Liberation” features guest artists such as Williams, Jurassic 5 rapper Chali 2na and former Brand New Heavies’ vocalist N’Dea Davenport. And along with his new-found solo fame, Hardson has put behind his “Slimkid Tre” days and is looking into the future.
Limited pre-sale tickets will be available for $15 at Midtown Pipe and Tobacco. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door for $20. The doors open at 9 p.m.

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