Souls Of Mischief, the group at hand, is already a fairly large group consisting of four members, but they're also part of an even more massive group called Hieroglyphics. When Heiro isn't creating music, members Tajai, Opio, Phesto, and A-Plus decided to branch out and create their own little side stable, Souls Of Mischief. This is another case where a large majority of success came from the chemistry of the artists. Every group had their fair share of problems, but I can't remember any of these guys having beef with each other. A lot of that comes from their tight friendship, as the quartet have been making music since their days in high-school.
Even though I just made it look like Hieroglyphics was some mega group that had been releasing projects for years, this was actually the first full length album to come out of the camp. Aside from their huge single, "93 Til' Infinity", the album didn't achieve huge sales at the time of it't release, but has since seen it's status grow to the point where numerous critics claim it to be legendary and a hip-hop classic. Nas opened all the doors for having multiple producers, but this wasn't far behind. Domino, Del The Funkee Homosapien (legendary moniker), Jay-Biz, Casual, and A-Plus (the lone producer in the actual group) all contributed to the production in some way or another. To an almost shocking degree, everyone brings their A Game, making one of the most unique and cohesive albums you'll ever hear out of Oakland. I guess that isn't the best title, as I can't name another artist from Oakland, but the point is that isn't really damn good.
Sorry, couldn't think of a clever way to ease into the tracks...
1. Let Em' Know
The pure fact that this album actually starts with a song guarantees it at least two stars, but lets hope that's not the case. Tajai, Opio, Phesto, and A-Plus get right into things, showing off their crazy lyrical abilities. Instead of just saying they're better than us, they actually explain why they can tear us to shreds. Each turn in fine performances, with no one being a standout level below the others. Domino is first up to bat with the production and he doesn't disappoint isn't the slightest. It really surprises me that none if the members aside from A-Plus makes beats. Its hard to imagine this sounding more in sync. The hook was pretty below average, but its not worth complaining about.
2. Live And Let Die
Fairly disappointing way to follow up the opener, as the second track contains no memorable qualities. Domino does a nice job throwing in those piano loops, but other than that, his beat is merely average. Similar to the beat, most of the lines are technically proficient, but I couldn't quote very many lines. By no means is this a bad song, but I'll make sure the skip button is close by for my next listen.
3. That's When Ya Lost (Feat. Pep Love)
Apparently its a common theme throughout the underground (ish) to act like they're big Doors fans. It might be that Tech N9nes album is stuck in my mind, but I was really feeling that sampling work courtesy of Del The Funkee Homosapien (I forgot to mention his shared bloodline with fellow rapper Ice Cube, so here you go). The crew show some emotion in their voice, giving the song a dramatic feel, while there's actually a normal hook provided by Pep Love. I love these type of albums but I don't see how you can make an argument in favor of the choruses.
4. A Name I Call Myself
I almost forgot that it was a requirement for a sex rap back in 93, which are always hit or miss. I've never heard one of these things and just been like "meh". Oddly enough, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now. You all know my love for jazz sampling, so I was pleased by that addition, while the lyrics were also substantially comical. I really like almost everything about the song, but I can't break the "meh" feeling.
5. Disseshowedo
Jay Biz makes his production debut, assisting Domino, making more one of the more bland tracks on the album. Tajai's verse was especially nice, but no one else brought all that much from the table. All I really got from the fifth entree is the title, which showcases his Jay Z syndrome. What's up with all these rappers breaking their space bars? I know you have to throw down your fingers with authority sometimes, but sheesh...
6. What A Way To Go Out (Feat. Casual)
See guys, I told you there would be at least one song where we discuss the topic of extreme violence. Each member plays their role of a gang member well, but make joining the gang seem like one of the more frivolous things on the whole damn album. The story's not all that engaging, but it at least had a twist, as the main character ends up dying. Casual makes a quick little appearance, but provides no real addition to the song. As always, I appreciated the EPMD sample, even though they decided on "I'm Housin". Not sure why but I find tat to be very comical.
7. Never No More
Similar to the previous track, A-Plus takes control of the instrumental. In this case, its a much better case than the last effort. As a fan of underground music, I'm used to hooks being boring, bland, and ultimately unneeded. Not to keep harming on it, but this song really could have improved with a better choice, but I'll stop. I'm bringing a negative vibe to a song that is actually very good. Not saying the last tracks were bad, but they weren't up to par with the status this album holds. Thankfully, this track gets them right back on track.
8. 93 Til' Infinity
Before we get any farther into the album, its essential that you check out the video for this single. Its a classic song that's only made better with its equally classic music video. Cars and bitches are fine with me, but you can't beat a group of guys just going out into a national park and spotting some rhymes. You may have already heard this, as it single handedly put Souls Of Mischief on the maps of hip hop fans everywhere. In a rare case, it ends up living up to all its supposed hype. Joey Bada$$ did a good job on "95 Til' Infinity" but one listen will show why he's trying to resemble these guys.
9. Limitations (Feat. Casual & Del The Funkee Homosapien)
I'll admit right now that I'm severely lacking in my knowledge of Del (that's more of a crime that most of you would think), as this is still one of the only times I've heard him rhyme. His voice is just badass, but does a considerably bad job on the hook. As for the song in general, its not bad, but when you're listening to it in the context of this album, I'll give you five minutes before you forget everything you head. That's a compliment directed towards the surrounding songs.
10. Anything Can Happen
As blasphemous and and unexpected as this might sound, I'm going to take a chance with this one: this is the best song on the album. Yeah, I know man, that totally includes the title track. A-Plus comes through big time and delivers what is easily the best beat in his entire career. Its simple enough to make you think you could make it (you can't) but hits you in the face at the same time. All four members are in on the story, which contains a message that is actually relevant towards the song titles. You rappers need to learn how to make a song title that slightly resembles what you'll hear in the track.
11. Make Your Mind Up
Well that's certainly change of pace in comparison to "Anything Can Happen", but that's a good thing, as it would be foolish to try to match the last one. If you listen hard enough (hard enough basically means "at all" but listening to lyrics seems to be a lost art nowadays), you'll find that these guys are really fucking funny. Not as straight up as you're accustomed to, but in more of a sardonic manner.
12. Batting Practice
Like I said, alternative is a strong and misused word. We've already heard their crime tales, showcasing their ability to appeal to the east, but we have to remember that these guys are from California. That being the case, you knew there would be at least one gangsta ass song. The production fits the theme as well, provided by Casual. Since this was his lone beat, I'm sure they just told him to try out something like this. Oddly, it world quite well.
13. Tell Me Who Profits
Not like this album has been an opus of shits and giggles, but the group decides to make one song where there are completely serious. Decent song topic, but Dominos beat does nothing to help the song make a case for being anything other than filler. Unfortunately, this bored me considerably.
14. Outro
I just love when song titles do my job for me...
Rating: 3.5/5
93 Til' Infinity may be the best case of blending sounds from all regions of the hip hop map, while not sounding like a disjointed piece of shit. Of course there's a few west coast characteristics, but most of the rapping has heavy influences from the east coast. The instrumentals are what made this albums so unique, and most of that includes jazz. As we've seen, Souls Of Mischief took all they knew and combined it for one great debut album. As much as I enjoyed the album, I sadly have to admit that it doesn't hold up as well as I may have liked. The beats tend to feel awfully similar at times, which makes it very hard to tell one song from another. However, when this album clicks, holy hell this shit bangs. The best songs in here are some of the best you'll ever here from this era. You should really pick this one up, you'll enjoy it.