In 1991, the group Souls of Mischief was formed out of Oakland, California. The group was created in High School, and consisted of A-Plus, Opio, Phesto D, and Tajai. Two years later, the teens dropped a west coast underground classic 93 ‘Til Infinity. The album was acclaimed a classic, and is still a major influence to independent Hip-Hop today. Hieroglyphics was formed two years later.
If you’re a fan of Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde or LabCabinCalifornia, then I’d imagine you’re also a fan of 93 ‘Til Infinity. These albums embrace superb jazz/funk production, silly yet clever lyrics, and enough creativity to last a lifetime. At the time, west coast Hip-Hop was in their prime, and it was hard for the underground groups to receive reputation without being in the gangsta rap genre. However, Souls of Mischief tackled this obstacle, and released one of the year’s best records (although it wasn’t noticed until several years later). This is quite impressive considering all of the other classic material released in 1993: Midnight Marauders, Enta Da Stage, Return Of The Boom Bap, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and west coast classics Black Sunday, Doggystyle, and Lethal Injection.
“93 ‘Til Infinity” was the first single released off the album. The smooth deliveries and perfect sample (used on the beat) helped the album reach the top 30 on 1993’s billboard chart. The track is unquestionably in my top 100 songs of all time. “That’s When Ya Lost” and “Never No More” were the two other singles released off the record. Five of my other favorites include: “Live And Let Live”, “Name I Call Myself”, “What A Way To Go Out”, “Limitations”, and “Make Your Mind Up”. The group goes on to rhyme about almost anything… emceeing, violence, sex, and just about everything else an Oakland native went through during high school. What makes 93 ‘Til Infinity standout to other superior albums is the group’s chemistry and consistency. All of the members have their own style. Nevertheless, their lyrics and flow bond together perfectly.
In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s Top 100 Rap Albums. The record is still considered to be one of the most slept-on records released in the 90’s.
Tracklisting:
“Let ‘Em Know” (produced by Domino)
“Live And Let Live” (produced by Domino)
“That’s When Ya Lost” (produced by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien)
“A Name I Call Myself” (produced by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien)
“Disseshowedo” (produced by Domino & Jay Biz)
“What A Way To Go Out” (produced by Domino)
“Never No More” (produced by A-Plus)
“93 ‘Til Infinity”(produced by A-Plus)
“Limitations” (featuring Casual) (produced by Jay Biz)
“Anything Can Happen”(produced by A-Plus)
“Make Your Mind Up” (produced by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien)
“Batting Practice” (produced by Casual)
“Tell Me Who Profits” (produced by Domino)
“Outro” (produced by Domino)
Download: Souls Of Mischief – “93 ‘Til Infinity”