"While the San Francisco Bay and Oakland areas may have been put on the hip-hop map by cries of "b-aitch" and "Hammer Time," those who think that the Oaktown sound is exclusively comprised of "hoe" lyrics, heavy 808 drum kicks and genie pants are in for a rude awakening. From the streets of Oakland come an army of kids sporting 'fros, locks and slick heads, baseball bats and angry grins who are ready to claim a spot on the hip-hop wall of fame by tagging it up with a fat marker - Hieroglyphics '93. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien was the first slang talker to represent for the Hieroglyphic lyrical society. Now come four soulful kids (A-Plus, Opio, Tajai and Phesto) who have a penchant for maiming MCs who doze on their ability to articulate their definitions of self and proclamations of self worth. The title of their debut lets you know right away that these kids plan to be in the game for the long haul. With producers like Del, Domino, Casual and Jay Biz behind the boards the Souls can't lose. True to the Oakland sound, the funk is employed but it's more of an East Coast / Meters groove than the Zapp or P-Funk flavor that you might be expecting. Still, the bass on most tracks is so deeply inaudible that it can be felt quaking your chest." Cont'd below...
"These kids have so many lyrics it's ridiculous. It would be an insult to try and give a sample of their breathless flow in print. Just imagine a nasal Organized Konfusion with a Daisy Ager's humble sensibility. Because of the weight given to the lyrics, most cuts will be most appreciated in your Walkman rather than in your jeep (just make sure you invest in your headphones that can handle the deep bass). For straight flavor skills check for "Disseshowedo." "Batting Practice," the incredible "Make Your Mind Up," and "That's When Ya Lost," which employs the talents of their potnah, Pep Love. When you combine the album's fifteen fat tracks with its many guest appearances and inevitable B-side remixes, it is clear that the Souls will be a force to be reckoned with from '93 till."
