Biography
Souls of Mischief — Tajai Massey, Adam Carter (A-Plus), Opio Lindsey, and Damani Thompson (Phesto) — formed in Oakland in the late 1980s and became a foundational force in West Coast hip-hop. The four MCs met as teenagers and developed a chemistry defined by interlocking flows, jazz-infused production, and an unmistakable Oakland sensibility.
Their 1993 debut album ’93 ’til Infinity — released on Jive Records — is universally recognized as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. The title track, built on a looped Joe Zawinul sample, became a timeless anthem of youthful freedom and West Coast cool. The album sold over 500,000 copies and made SoM one of the most beloved groups in underground hip-hop history.
When Jive failed to support their second album, SoM joined the broader Hiero crew in going fully independent — helping establish Hieroglyphics Imperium as a model for artist-owned hip-hop labels. Three decades later, they continue to perform worldwide and create new music.
Selected Discography
‘93 ‘til Infinity
1993 — Jive Records
No Man’s Land
1995 — Jive Records
Focus
1998 — Hieroglyphics Imperium
Trilogy: Conflict, Climax, Resolution
2000 — Hieroglyphics Imperium
Montezuma’s Revenge
2009 — Clear Label Records
There Is Only Now
2014 — Linear Labs
Locus
2015 — Independent