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One thing is certain about Souls of Mischief, the razor- sharp quartet at the center of Oakland's Hieroglyphics crew (which includes Del the Funky Homosapien, Extra Prolific, and Casual): These people live and die for hip-hop. But the question on
No Man's Land, the follow-up to an excellent debut,
93 'Til Infinity, is whether Souls of Mischief have sold their mischievous souls to the devil for a crack at a larger piece of the rap pie. Though they've long been favorites of rap purists, multiplatinum status has eluded the group for any number of reasons--sadly among them the antigangster, college-level rhymes of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai. A quick listen to
No Man's Land's tougher stance and gunshot sound effects, however, would cause anyone to guess the Hiero crew had compromised their just peace for a little chart action. A closer inspection of the new album, though, will put at ease those who see Souls of Mischief as defenders of an unadulterated, showmanlike rhyme tradition. Even the group's slightly hardened attitude can't nullify the fact that Souls of Mischief's brand of old school hip-hop formalism resides far outside current rap fashions. In the face of today's smooth R&B flavors,
No Man's Land comes without a single melodic hook. Tracks like "Rock It Like That" and "Ya Don't Stop" are as retro as their titles imply: Beats and spare jazz loops serve as shells for the raw exchanges of the verse and intricate interplay of the chorus. Even more than on their debut, Souls of Mischief focus less on what they're saying than on how they say it--the lyrics, therefore, are liable to be branded superficial. Ask the four Souls, though, and they'll tell you to leave the message to the preachers--in rap, it's all about the flow.
--Roni Sarig
Reader Reviews
People and critics too often tend to judge sophomore albums in comparison to their first releases. This is simply an unfair and ignorant approach. Each album should be judged for what it is...an album, reflecting the artist(s) at that time. Cast in the shadow of a groundbreaking debut LP; No Man's Land, Souls of Mischief's (A-Plus, Opio, Phesto & Tajai) sophomore LP is everything a follow-up album should be. It's creative, lyrically brilliant and the beats are incredible. Most importantly, SOM didn't try to fashion "No Man's Land" after the much celebrated "93 'til Infinity." 2 years later ('95), SOM has matured and marinated in supreme success of their debut, and they've shown that they've improved themselves. The vibe of this album as a whole is much darker and serious than "93", while SOM still manages to stun everyone with their creativity and talent. They get even more props on the fact that they've managed to do it a second time. Every track is sick, and if you don't feel it at first, it grows on you in no time. As an entire album, it's not as good as "93", but this LP does contain my three favorite Souls tracks ever: "Ya Don't Stop" (track #11), amazing beat and rediculous rhyming. This track is "No Man's Land"'s "93 'til Infinity" (single) equivalent. "Freshdopedope" (#5), one of the best dark beats I've ever heard. The dirty rhymes over the beat is hypnotic. "Time's Ain't Fair" (#16), my favorite SOM track. A feel good track...just listen. Production is kept in the family, with A-Plus and Opio taking most of the credit. Other producers include, Del, Jay-Biz, Toure, Casual & Snupe of Extra Prolific. Guest Appearances by Del, Pep Love and Snupe. Bottom Line: Mad props to SOM, they've done it again. If you've heard bad things - don't believe the ignorant, this album is amazing. 4.5 stars. Peace.
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