Band

Souls Of Mischief

Mapped through Rap, Hip Hop influences; 8 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Souls Of Mischief
Biography

Souls Of Mischief: history and sound

Souls of Mischief is a hip hop group from Oakland, California, that is also part of the hip hop collective Hieroglyphics.
Exploring the Soulful Tunes of Souls of Mischief
When it comes to West Coast hip hop, the Souls of Mischief are considered to be essential listening. The group, which started in Oakland, California in the early 90s, has been active for over three decades, and their distinctive blend of funk, jazz, and boom-bap beats has won them a dedicated fanbase. Despite having released a slew of fantastic albums, there's still plenty of people who don't know much about them. So, in this blog post, we're going to take a deep dive into the Souls of Mischief's biography, music genre, best songs, famous concerts, and a critic that undoubtedly has influenced their career.
The Souls of Mischief consists of four rappers – A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai – who grew up together in Oakland's hip hop scene. They first came to the public's attention when they collaborated with Del the Funky Homosapien on the classic album No Need for Alarm. However, it was their debut album, 93 'til Infinity, which they released in September 1993, that solidified their position in the hip hop pantheon. The title track is a hallmark of the genre, with its infectious sample-driven beat and memorable lyrics. The album as a whole is considered one of the best hip hop albums ever and established Souls of Mischief as one of the most talented and innovative groups of their time.
Musically, Souls of Mischief mixes funk, jazz, and soulful samples with a distinctly West Coast, boom-bap sound. Their beats are infused with an upbeat, lively energy that's perfectly matched by their charismatic delivery, as each of the MCs brings their unique flow to the table. Their style may be rooted in the 90s, but it's also timeless, and their music still sounds fresh and vibrant decades later.
Talking about the best songs of Souls of Mischief, it's tough to pick only a few given the great records they produced over the years; still, here are a select few. First 93 'Til Infinity, the opening track of the album of the same name, a soulful track that instantly transports you back to the golden age of hip hop. Next, Never No More, a slow-burning track that showcases the group's versatility and their ability to craft an emotional song without losing their signature sound. Finally, Cab Fare, a cut off their latest album There Is Only Now, which features Snoop Dogg and speaks to the group's eclectic influences; It's a fun jam that summarizes the Oakland feeling of the group.
The Souls of Mischief have been prolific touring artists, having shared stages with hip hop icons such as Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube. They are well known for their live shows, which are a high-energy affair, with plenty of crowd participation and a mix of old-school bangers and new tracks. A notable performance was when they shared the stage with Wu-Tang Clan, impressing the New York crowd with their Oakland sound, proving their unique appeal outside of their home turf.
The Souls of Mischief have received critical acclaim throughout their career, inspiring a range of esteemed publications to write about their work. Probably their most acclaimed album is 93 til Infinity, which garnered an impressive 9.3 rating on Pitchfork. Still, the group continued to release outstanding albums throughout the years, with the likes of No Man's Land and There Is Only Now, receiving recognition from major publications worldwide.
In conclusion, the Souls of Mischief is an essential piece of the West Coast hip hop canon, one that any music listener should have in their collection. They have stayed true to their sound throughout their careers and continue to put out exciting new music even in their third decade. Their upbeat party style, combined with their soulful and jazzy sounds, sets them apart from their peers and continues to inspire new generations to follow in their footsteps. Listening to their records and attending one of their live shows is an undeniable experience from which you won't regret getting lost in.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Time Stopped
Souls Of Mischief Time Stopped
Another Side Of You - Remix
Souls Of Mischief Another Side Of You - Remix
All You Got Is Your Word
Souls Of Mischief All You Got Is Your Word
That's When Ya Lost (feat. Pep Love)
Souls Of Mischief That's When Ya Lost (feat. Pep Love)
Step Off
Souls Of Mischief Step Off
Fourmation
Souls Of Mischief Fourmation