The group consists of rappers from the hip-hop group Souls of Mischief including A-Plus, Tajai, Opio, and Phesto Dee as well as rappers such as Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual, and Pep Love. Domino is their in-house producer with A-Plus performing production duties from time to time. As a group Hieroglyphics has released three albums, 3rd Eye Vision (1998), Full Circle (2003) and The Kitchen (2013). They have also been featured on numerous compilation albums and have collaborated with the likes of Planet Asia and 9th Wonder.
In 1996, Del was ready to release his Future Development album. However, just before its release, Del was released from his recording contract with Elektra Records. Around this same time, Souls of Mischief, Extra Prolific and Casual were all released from their recording contracts with Jive Records. Frustrated, Del and the rest of Hieroglyphics decided to start their own record label, called Hieroglyphics Imperium. The group has a spiritual down to earth mindset and smooth jazzy beats. They often rhyme about the third eye which is featured on their logo. For those who know and understand what the third eye is about will understand the underlying messages better than those who do not.
The mistreatment of Del & Hieroglyphics by their record labels became infamous in hip-hop circles, as a perfect example of "industry rule #4080" (record companies are shady). After Hieroglyphics' successful reemergence with their own independent label, Del & Hieroglyphics became an inspiration for some rap artists to start their own labels while keeping the lion's share of the money for themselves. Arguably the efforts of Del & Hieroglyphics paved the way for other famous independent rap labels known today, such as Roc-a-Fella Records or Rawkus Records.
Through their own independent label's (Hieroglyphics Imperium) website, http://www.hieroglyphics.com, the group releases singles, albums, and EPs from the group as well as its members and other artists who are signed to the label.
A-Plus
Hieroglyphics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, yes, yes; yes
Ha, ha, ha, ha
Aha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Aha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Whoa!!!
Hoo Hoo!!!
Shit, shit
Only so much is critical
in my relation to the individual
I remain hieroglyphical, ripping it for
Fans appreciating, flows, not depreciating
I'll try not to keep you wanting, but I can peep you hating
The situation so degrading, and pitiful
So many butt ass tapes out man, so much shit to do
I been to you MC's, stead you think you got the room
I sock it to 'em
Like a flamer getting his ass beat in the locker room for peeking
You'll never forget the day I sent you there
To intensive care
On the respiratory, get some air
Breathe deeply
Listen to advice, you need beats see
Plus skills you missing on the mic
It's like something about my rational and analytical lobes
To make me gifted with flows
That'll get ripped fa' sho
On the mic I never act like I was born hard
Telling lies for cash or selling my ass like a porn star
In Cali, the jealous rally in hundreds
We went from signed to independent
And they offended cause they ain't done shit (Busters)
But we in though, popular like indo, in the "O"
Where they throw your weak ass tape straight out the window
Cause it's weak as fuck
I want my money back
Wack ass shit
Shit hella butt
Hella butt
The song A-Plus by Hieroglyphics/ Del the Funky Homosapien is a rap/ hip hop song that starts with a joyous exclamation of "Yes, yes, yes; yes" indicating that the singer is happy about something. The song has a fast-paced beat and rhyming lyrics that are metaphoric, full of analogies and criticism, and at times explicit. The singer talks about how he remains hieroglyphical or symbolic, which suggests his music has a deeper meaning beyond the surface. He states that he raps for his fans who appreciate his talent and skill but can also see through the fake rappers who are only interested in money and fame. He references the jealousy and hate that he gets from fellow rappers who are not successful in the industry and highlights the discrimination and biases he faces as an independent artist.
The lyrics also talk about the quality control that exists within the music industry, where music is scrutinized for its standard and originality. The line "Cause it's weak as fuck, I want my money back" emphasizes how disappointing it is to listen to low-quality music, which is a waste of time and money. The singer derides artists who tell lies for money or sell their bodies like porn stars. He also takes a dig at MC's who think they are great but have a lousy room presence. The line "Hella butt" used as an insult in the song is derived from the slang used in the Bay Area, where the Hieroglyphics crew is from. Overall, the song is an energetic, self-assured rap that uses wordplay and inflections to convey its message.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, yes, yes; yes
Affirming and agreeing with something
Ha, ha, ha, ha Aha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha Aha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Laughing out loud with amusement
Whoa!!!
Expressing shock or surprise
Hoo Hoo!!!
Making a sound of excitement or enthusiasm
Shit, shit
Exclaiming in frustration or disappointment
Only so much is critical
Not everything is important or essential
in my relation to the individual
In my personal connection or interaction with someone
I remain hieroglyphical, ripping it for
I continue to use complex and mysterious language, delivering it with skill and intensity
Fans appreciating, flows, not depreciating
My fans enjoy my musical style, recognizing and valuing its worth
I'll try not to keep you wanting, but I can peep you hating
I will do my best not to disappoint you, but I can sense your negative feelings or criticism towards me
The situation so degrading, and pitiful
The circumstances are shameful and unpleasant
So many butt ass tapes out man, so much shit to do
There are a lot of low-quality recordings around, but I have better things to focus on
I been to you MC's, stead you think you got the room
I've toured with other rappers, but you still act like you're the best around
I sock it to 'em
I hit them hard with my verbal attacks
Like a flamer getting his ass beat in the locker room for peeking
Like someone who is punished for being nosy and inappropriate
You'll never forget the day I sent you there
You will always remember the time when I bested you
To intensive care
To a medical facility for serious treatment
On the respiratory, get some air
Focusing on breathing and taking a break
Breathe deeply
Inhale strongly and exhale completely
Listen to advice, you need beats see
Pay attention to suggestions, you require better music
Plus skills you missing on the mic
You lack the abilities needed for rapping
It's like something about my rational and analytical lobes
It seems there is something unique about my intellectual and logical capacity
To make me gifted with flows
Making me naturally talented in delivering rhymes
That'll get ripped fa' sho
That will definitely be performed with great skill
On the mic I never act like I was born hard
I don't exaggerate my toughness or aggression when rapping
Telling lies for cash or selling my ass like a porn star
I don't compromise myself for money or fame
In Cali, the jealous rally in hundreds
In California, the envious gather in large numbers
We went from signed to independent
We changed our musical label or status from being contracted to being self-managed
And they offended cause they ain't done shit (Busters)
They are resentful because they haven't accomplished anything meaningful (Idiots)
But we in though, popular like indo, in the "O"
But we are successful, famous like high-grade marijuana, in Oakland (California)
Where they throw your weak ass tape straight out the window
Where people discard low-quality recordings without hesitation
Cause it's weak as fuck
Because it is extremely inferior in quality
I want my money back
I expect a refund for buying such a substandard product
Wack ass shit
Terrible and unimpressive stuff
Shit hella butt
Absolutely dreadful and unacceptable
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind