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.
It's About Time
Hieroglyphics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
Del the MC with the Midas touch
On the microphone hook up the beat and thus
I'm appearing with the lyrics that make your brain bust
Thrust through the crust of the earth underground plus
the track is so funky ain't no need to discuss
Trust me, leave it to the technician
of texts and parralax towards the next expedition
industry, only two ways out death or prison
Hi tech with my vision, it's called focus
approximately so my and my crew won't be lost in the sea
of crap that we live in is costing me, loss of sleep
but I endure with rhymes so pure
It's a law for MCs who bite they're premature
I see a sickening hip-hop and del will be the cure
but the bickering non-stop it's either or
Talking about a glass ceiling but you can't see the floor
Talking about our music but you can't read the score
We the lords of lyrics, rhymes hundred fold
Having fun with soul ain't guaranteed to run the show
You know rock the house blow up your bungalo
Wonderful, matter of fact, underground peep the undertow
drag you down deeper than anyone would go
radioactive bite this and your tongue will glow
My antonyms will shatter rims and blood will splatter ribs
More adjectives and popularity like cabbage kids
Hip hops our life our lyrics not average
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
Hey feel me
Talking trash about women is dead in general
It occurs when a fool's thought train is minimal
Forget being a criminal I'm trying to reach the pinacle
Box of ????? 200 years from now legends
Encased in glass rhymes created by my brethren
cause we all know hiero got the bump that leave em beggin
it's heaven on earth cause music soothes the savage
I'm past those dreams of trying to live super lavish
It's longevity a lot of rappers don't have this
Add this to your list of bliss you can't miss
a one time offer and it's all from the abyss
When a fault festers at all it sell like this
Del's intense intelligent repelant
for MCs on tape who wanna brag about their felons
or their murderous villians well then why the hell you tell it
The youth is in chaos, continual they lost
the opportunity to grow what they learned is way off
It's be down fool, or be a punk and stay soft
like the hair spray there's a dare quadruple dare
No scruples here, I'm just claimin neutral here
Cause I remember when black folks used to care
but enough of that you know whats up with that I run em up with tracks
Why you still corrupt the facts, I distrust the whack
creativity's the dough, but I see that you ain't up to that
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
It's about time, we exercise your mind
You may be surprised, at what you will find
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
The song "It's About Time" by Hieroglyphics is a call-to-action for individuals to exercise their minds, explore new ideas, and push for change. The lyrics suggest that it's time for people to wake up and take control of their lives. The song is seen as an inspirational piece of music that encourages people to think outside of the box and explore their full potential.
The first verse of the song is performed by Del the MC, who is known for his intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. He raps, "He's the nicest causin crisis with a clutch / On the microphone hook up the beat and thus / I'm appearing with the lyrics that make your brain bust." Del's lyrics are filled with references to science fiction, technology, and philosophy. He encourages individuals to focus on their goals, avoid negativity, and strive for success.
The second verse is performed by Pep Love, who is known for his smooth flow and introspective lyrics. He raps, "It's longevity a lot of rappers don't have this / Add this to your list of bliss you can't miss / a one time offer and it's all from the abyss." Pep Love's lyrics suggest that it's important to have a long-term view of life and to focus on the things that truly matter. He encourages individuals to be mindful, positive, and open-minded.
Overall, "It's About Time" is a powerful and motivating song that encourages individuals to think for themselves, pursue their goals, and push for change. The song's lyrics are filled with references to science fiction, technology, and philosophy, which make it an intelligent and thought-provoking piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's about time, we exercise your mind
We need to challenge and stimulate our intellect
You may be surprised, at what you will find
Discoveries beyond expectations are possible when we expand our mental capacity
I don't know about ya'll, but it's about time
I cannot speak for others, but I believe it is crucial to engage in mental exercise
Del the MC with the Midas touch
Del is an exceptional rapper with a natural talent for making hits
He's the nicest causin crisis with a clutch
Del is a skilled rapper causing a commotion in the music industry
On the microphone hook up the beat and thus
With his microphone, Del connects with the beat and creates exceptional music
I'm appearing with the lyrics that make your brain bust
My lyrics are so powerful and impactful that they can blow your mind
Thrust through the crust of the earth underground plus
Penetrating through the surface, my music lives deeper underground
the track is so funky ain't no need to discuss
The beat is so good that it doesn't require any explanation
Trust me, leave it to the technician
Believe me, I am a master at this
of texts and parralax towards the next expedition
I'm constantly innovating my music and moving forward
industry, only two ways out death or prison
The music industry can be dangerous and difficult to navigate
Hi tech with my vision, it's called focus
My forward-thinking mindset is sharp and unwavering
approximately so my and my crew won't be lost in the sea
We aim to stay on track and not get lost in the chaos of the music industry
of crap that we live in is costing me, loss of sleep
The music industry's negativity is causing me stress and lack of sleep
but I endure with rhymes so pure
I persevere with my genuine and authentic lyrics
It's a law for MCs who bite they're premature
It's unacceptable for rappers to copy my style prematurely
I see a sickening hip-hop and del will be the cure
I observe disturbing trends in hip-hop and believe my music is the solution
but the bickering non-stop it's either or
Despite the arguments, there are only two options
Talking about a glass ceiling but you can't see the floor
We discuss issues with no clear answers or solutions
Talking about our music but you can't read the score
We discuss music without truly understanding its components and intricacies
We the lords of lyrics, rhymes hundred fold
We are the masters of creating complex and diverse lyrics
Having fun with soul ain't guaranteed to run the show
Creating music with passion and meaning doesn't always ensure success
You know rock the house blow up your bungalo
Our music will rock your house and leave you mesmerized
Wonderful, matter of fact, underground peep the undertow
Our underground music is amazing and has a powerful impact
drag you down deeper than anyone would go
Our music takes the listener on a deep and profound journey
radioactive bite this and your tongue will glow
Our music is so exceptional that it can have a noticeable effect on the listener
My antonyms will shatter rims and blood will splatter ribs
My opposite words in my lyrics will have a visceral impact on the listener
More adjectives and popularity like cabbage kids
I use more descriptive words than a children's toy to enhance my popularity
Hip hops our life our lyrics not average
Hip-hop is our passion and our lyrics are not mediocre
Hey feel me
Listen and understand my message
Talking trash about women is dead in general
Insulting or denigrating women is unacceptable
It occurs when a fool's thought train is minimal
Only those with limited intelligence or narrow-mindedness would disrespect women
Forget being a criminal I'm trying to reach the pinacle
I have higher aspirations than a life of crime and strive for excellence
Box of ????? 200 years from now legends
Our music will be remembered and revered for centuries
Encased in glass rhymes created by my brethren
Our lyrics will be protected and preserved as a masterpiece
cause we all know hiero got the bump that leave em beggin
We are confident in our ability to make amazing music that leaves the listener wanting more
it's heaven on earth cause music soothes the savage
Music has a calming and therapeutic effect on people
I'm past those dreams of trying to live super lavish
I am beyond the desire for extreme wealth and extravagance
It's longevity a lot of rappers don't have this
Many rappers do not have the staying power to remain in the music industry for a long time
Add this to your list of bliss you can't miss
Our music is a must-listen and a source of joy
a one time offer and it's all from the abyss
Our music is a unique and rare opportunity from the unknown depths of creativity
When a fault festers at all it sell like this
When a flaw exists, it becomes a prominent feature of something
Del's intense intelligent repelant
Del's intellect is so intense that it discourages those who cannot match it
for MCs on tape who wanna brag about their felons
Del disapproves of rappers who glorify their criminal activities on recorded tracks
or their murderous villians well then why the hell you tell it
If you're going to boast about committing murder or being a villain, why would you advertise that fact in your music?
The youth is in chaos, continual they lost
Young people are struggling and disoriented
the opportunity to grow what they learned is way off
The chance to learn and develop is not within reach for many young people
It's be down fool, or be a punk and stay soft
The only options are to conform to societal expectations or be seen as weak
like the hair spray there's a dare quadruple dare
Challenging others to take risks or do something dangerous is as common as using hairspray
No scruples here, I'm just claimin neutral here
I have no moral standards in this situation, I'm only being impartial
Cause I remember when black folks used to care
I recall a time when African Americans were more united and invested in their community
but enough of that you know whats up with that I run em up with tracks
But I digress. You know what I'm capable of, I can impress with my music
Why you still corrupt the facts, I distrust the whack
Why are you still lying about the truth? I don't believe anything that sounds fake or insincere
creativity's the dough, but I see that you ain't up to that
Creativity is the key ingredient, but I don't think you have the talent or ability to be truly creative
Contributed by Carson D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.