FEATURED HIP HOP GROUP: SOULS OF MISCHIEF

[D. MARQUIS]

Photo by DoLA

Souls of Mischief is a hip hop group that emerged from Oakland, California in the early 90s. Composed of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto-D, and Tajai, the group was part of the larger Hieroglyphics Collective, which included fellow Bay Area artists like Del the Funky Homosapien and Casual.

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The group's debut album, "93 'til Infinity," released in 1993, is widely considered a classic of the genre. The album's title track, with its laid-back sample and smooth rhymes, is a landmark of West Coast hip hop. The album also featured collaborations with other Hieroglyphics members, as well as appearances by Wu-Tang Clan members and others.

On a personal note I feel it is one of the best Hip Hop songs of all time.

Despite the success of their debut, Souls of Mischief never achieved the same level of mainstream recognition as some of their peers. Nevertheless, they continued to release music throughout the 90s and 2000s, with albums like "No Man's Land" and "Montezuma's Revenge." - which has at least 4 tracks that I still listen to right now in 2023. The video below incorporates some amazing art being created for the "Montezuma's Revenge" album cover as the group raps on an amazing track-check it out:

One of the things that sets Souls of Mischief apart from other hip hop groups is their emphasis on lyricism and storytelling.  The group is supremely talented at freestyle performances. Each has their own unique style of delivery and you look forward to listening as they drop masterful verses.

Check out this Freestyle performance they did on Sway in the Morning Podcast Show: 

They often rap about the struggles of growing up in inner-city Oakland, as well as their own personal experiences with relationships, drugs, and politics. Their lyrics are often introspective and thoughtful, eschewing the braggadocio and materialism that can be found in other hip hop music. If you listen closely you'll surely enjoy the metaphorical gems they continually drop.
Photo by Stephen Niemeier:  https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-silver-mixing-board-63703/
In addition to their music, Souls of Mischief have also been active in various social and political causes over the years. They have spoken out against police brutality and mass incarceration, and have been involved in efforts to improve education and access to healthcare in their community.

Today, Souls of Mischief continue to tour and release music, both as a group and as solo artists. They remain an important part of the Bay Area hip hop scene, and their influence can be heard in the work of younger artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.

 I recommend checking out Souls of Mischief TIL INFINITY- a  documentary that tells the story of the group's origins and their rise to stardom  It was great to see the other side of performing through the eyes of these Uber- Talented Artists.

To close it out-Souls of Mischief is a group that deserves more recognition for their contributions to the hip hop genre. Their emphasis on lyricism and storytelling, as well as their commitment to social and political activism, make them stand out from their peers. If you're a fan of hip hop and haven't listened to their music before, do yourself a favor and check them out.

If you're looking to pick up Music or Merchandise from Souls of Mischief -CLICK HERE

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