A-PLUS
Adam Carter, known by the stage name, A-Plus, is a Jamaican-American rapper and producer. He is one of the founding four members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip hop group Souls of Mischief and, with SOM, a part of the eight-person, alternative hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics.
Born in Denver, CO as the son of Jamaican immigrants, A-Plus moved to Oakland, CA with his family when he was 5 years old. In the first grade, A-Plus met future Hieroglyphics members Del, Casual and fellow Souls of Mischief member Tajai. Tajai eventually introduced A-Plus to future SOM members Phesto and Opio, and the group formed in high school before releasing their debut album, 93 'til Infinity on Jive Records in 1993. After A-Plus and the SOM left Jive, the group was incorporated into the Hieroglyphics in 1995, at the urging of Damien "Domino" Siguenza.
A-Plus has contributed to all 7 Souls of Mischief albums, as well as the three Hieroglyphic studio albums. He has also produced or performed on solo projects of various Hieroglyphics members.
In 2005, A-Plus released a remix album, Pleemix, Vol. 1, through Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings. On May 1, 2007, A-Plus released his debut solo album, My Last Good Deed through Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings. Since then he's release Pepper Spray, Molly's Dirty Water, Grow Theory, Think Tank Vol 1-2, Legrowlize It! Vol. 1-3, Free Dope, Chamber Games, Blvck Switzerlvnd, Cold Country, Cigano Road Instrumentals Vol. 1-2 and more.
OPIO
Opio Lindsey, also known simply as Opio, is a multifaceted artist hailing from the vibrant city of Oakland, California. Born and raised in Oakland, Opio's roots in the Bay Area's rich hip-hop culture have had a profound influence on his career as a rapper and lyricist.
Opio is best known as one of the founding members of the legendary hip-hop group, Souls of Mischief, which emerged from the iconic Hieroglyphics collective. His distinctive flow and lyrical prowess have made him a standout figure in the world of underground and conscious hip-hop.
With Souls of Mischief, Opio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of hip-hop during the '90s. The group's debut album, "93 'til Infinity," remains a timeless classic in the genre, celebrated for its innovative production and thought-provoking lyrics. Opio's verses on tracks like the title song "93 'til Infinity" showcase his lyrical dexterity and insightful storytelling.
Beyond his work with Souls of Mischief, Opio has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums that further showcase his evolution as an artist and wordsmith. His solo projects reflect his commitment to social and political commentary, often delving into issues of equity and justice, in line with his goal to make the world a more equitable place.
In addition to his contributions to hip-hop, Opio's diverse artistic talents extend to his work as a visual artist and photographer. His creative endeavors reflect a holistic approach to storytelling and expression, capturing the essence of his experiences and the world around him.
Opio's dedication to his craft, combined with his passion for social change, makes him a unique and influential figure in the world of hip-hop and art. As an Oakland native who continues to travel the world, his artistic journey embodies the essence of both local roots and global impact.
Phesto
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In the dynamic realms of Oakland, California, a hip-hop mastermind emerged from humble beginnings. Damani Thompson, aka Maniphesto bka Phesto, a founding member of the iconic Souls of Mischief and the larger collective Hieroglyphics, began his journey amidst the gritty and vibrant streets of Oakland. His early experiences in this diverse cultural melting pot fueled his artistic growth, blending street wisdom with lyrical sophistication.
In the world of hip-hop, Phesto is akin to a seasoned operative in an espionage film. His work with Souls of Mischief is marked by tactical lyricism and rhythmic precision, reminiscent of the cunning intelligence of a shadowy spy. He began his artistic journey as a Bboy, honing his skills in breakdancing. He then transitioned to Graf Writing, where he expressed his creativity through graffiti art. As his passion for music grew, he ventured into the world of Emceeing and Production.
His debut in the industry was marked by his contribution to the seminal classic 93 til Infinity, which has since served as a guidebook for aspiring rappers, even decades later.
His contributions as a solo artist (Background Check, Granite Pedigree, Infrared Rum, Phestrumentals 1) further cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the genre. As both a producer and emcee, Phesto's influence extends beyond his own discography. His collaborations within the collective are testaments to his multifaceted talent, weaving narratives and beats with a spy's intrigue and a storyteller's grace.
Phesto's artistic journey, from the streets of Oakland to the forefront of hip-hop, is a narrative of transformation and mastery. In the ever-evolving landscape of music, he stands as a beacon of innovation, a word wizard in rhythm and rhyme whose missions have left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop.
TAJAI
Raised in Oakland, California, Tajai first met fellow Souls of Mischief member A-Plus in elementary school and the duo began their nascent rap careers. Tajai and A-Plus combined forces with childhood friends Opio and Phesto in high school to form Souls of Mischief before releasing their debut album, 93 'til Infinity on Jive Records in 1993. He graduated from Stanford University in 1997 with a degree in anthropology. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a master's degree in Architecture. Souls of Mischief is one half of the crew Hieroglyphics, along with Del the Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino and DJ Touré. Tajai has contributed to all six Souls of Mischief albums, as well as all three Hieroglyphics studio albums.
In 1999, Tajai and the Hieroglyphics' then-webmaster, StinkE, formed the conceptual group SupremeEx and the Entity, which released an enhanced CD, Projecto2501, and in 2005, released the album Nuntype.
Tajai is also a member of Crudo, a project featuring Mike Patton and Dan the Automator, who made their live debut in 2008. Recently Tajai created Rap Noir, a hip hop duo with producer Unjust from Chosen Few. They released two albums in 2018: Rap Noir and Trap Noir.
Currently, he is working on two studio albums, one with super producer The Architect called BLKTEK and another with the legendary Breakbeat Lou.
