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.
Mics of the Roundtable
Hieroglyphics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What? Hieroglyphics crew, ya don't stop
[Intro/Chorus: x2]
All nightin, all dayin, crusadin
Invadin, tryin to find out who's Satan
Hieroglyphics on the conquest, move makin
A man dies once, but a coward dies a thousand deaths
Man you must know how to step with no power left
Those words are words of the prophetess of the powerless
as she professed, we became incensed, set up on a quest
Totally entrenched in every flow that we dispensed
Any foe'll be a cinch, cause we know that we been sent
By the divine, universal mother and father to rhyme
You pre-millenium MC's are far behind
So we off to find, the holy mic it's only right
Hieroglyphics mics of the round table can hold it tight
Keep it stable, collectin, scriptures and secrets
Projectin the cohesive, beam like graviton
with the avalon, Hiero is dope ask God
And evil-doers on the mic you have done your last fraud
This ain't no practical joke, or anti-factual hoax
But something each breath in my avioli sacs'll promote
Opposing MC's will be stomped in the process or taken hostage
until it is accomplished and you can't stop us
Draw down the drawbridge, cross the moat, let's go
Hieroglyphics adventures in the Twilight Zone
[Chorus]
[A-Plus]
Rumor has it, in a far away land
The enemy's partly a devil and he's partly a man
Now we, on a crusade, and I, got a new blade
from the blacksmith, plus some chainmail that fits my frame well
Three Knights walking, Knights stalkin for the Holy Mic y'all
Sun up to night fall
Despite all efforts from the sacreligious interlopers
Mountains, snows, swamps, even bridges we will venture over
We were amazed it took
only a mere, three hundred sixty days on foot
Now we, better be brave 'fore we enter the cave
If we don't our people will either be dead or be slaves
[Tajai]
I've got a, vague, feeling he's here somewhere
Feeding off rage, villiany, tears and fears
Hob nobbin with Hobgoblins, drinkin blood out of golden goblets
Waitin for us to throw the gauntlet
And start some conscience, so it can locate then squash us
Lest we stay cautious, remembered our spells
Only kept the strongest on parchment
Excellent swordsman and marksmen
Who's souls have been tarnished, but still escaped the demon's harness
Treading intrepantly upon a course
So many mornings, noons and nights no snoozing
Following the Northern Lights
Does this Holy Mic, really exist?
Or is it I'm risking my life, following visions?
The Knights got my back, original is black
I keep thinking that, it strengthens my attack
We blaze the final sack, tribuning, then start up the stone stairs
to the inner sanctum, to do our duty
[Phesto D]
We're prepared to shed blood and die as mortals for the Round Table
If we just happen to get slaughtered, depart our coil deep in soil
Her royal highness was boiled alive in turpentine
Right in line with the serpentine skirt, she died cursed
The whole Oligarch was torn apart before the Dark Ages eclipsed the planet
So the Holy Septum known as the microphone would be in sole control
We'd unfolded the scroll that told us where to go
Through the mongols, the concrete jungles
slipped in The Man From UNKLE, was swashbuckling
beat shuffling, acrobatic attack with titanic force
Back and forth, trading slashes and gashes
The torch dwindled, then rekindled with flashes
Right again, then I put my scimitar right up in em
Venom is like a scorpion sting, retrieve the age old relic
Now, I'm back to the Round Table...
[Chorus]
Hieroglyphics crew, ya don't stop!
Hieroglyphics crew, ya don't stop!
Yeah, we shall continue
"Mics of the Roundtable" by Hieroglyphics is a powerful and poetic ode to the pursuit of artistic greatness, set against the backdrop of a medieval quest for a holy microphone. The lyrics are filled with vivid details of the journey, including battles with mythical creatures, treacherous landscapes, and supernatural forces. Throughout the song, the members of Hieroglyphics position themselves as warriors on a mission to discover and wield the power of the microphone, using their skills as MCs to vanquish all who stand in their way. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "All nightin, all dayin, crusadin," serves as a rallying cry for the crew and a reminder of their unwavering commitment to their craft.
The song draws heavily on themes of honor, bravery, and spiritual enlightenment, and uses a variety of metaphors and allusions to create a rich and dynamic narrative. The lines "Man you must know how to step with no power left / Those words are words of the prophetess of the powerless" serve as a potent reminder that true power comes not from physical strength, but from inner resilience and moral fortitude. Similarly, the references to the Round Table and the knights' quest for the Holy Grail evoke a sense of chivalry and nobility, underscoring the importance of pursuing one's goals with honor and integrity.
Line by Line Meaning
All nightin, all dayin, crusadin
We're constantly on the move and we won't stop until we reach our goal.
Invadin, tryin to find out who's Satan
We're searching for the source of all evil and corruption, in order to vanquish it.
For the holy mic you takin
We're on a quest for the ultimate symbol of power and influence in the rap world: the microphone.
Man you must know how to step with no power left
You have to dig deep and push through the toughest situations, even when you feel completely drained and powerless.
Those words are words of the prophetess of the powerless
The wisdom being shared here comes from someone who knows what it's like to be helpless and oppressed.
We became incensed, set up on a quest
We were inspired and motivated by these words, and decided to embark on a mission.
Any foe'll be a cinch, cause we know that we been sent
Thanks to our divine mission, we have confidence that no obstacle or enemy can stand in our way.
with the avalon, Hiero is dope ask God
Our rap crew is amazing and blessed, and even God himself would vouch for our talent.
Opposing MC's will be stomped in the process or taken hostage
Anyone who stands in our way will either be defeated (crushed underfoot), or captured and held captive.
until it is accomplished and you can't stop us
We won't rest until the goal is achieved, and no one can prevent us from reaching it.
Hieroglyphics adventures in the Twilight Zone
Our journey is like a surreal, fantastical adventure full of mystery and danger.
Rumor has it, in a far away land
There's a distant, mysterious land with its own legends and rumors, where part of our mission might take us.
Despite all efforts from the sacreligious interlopers
Even though there are forces and individuals who oppose and obstruct us on religious grounds, we won't be deterred.
We were amazed it took only a mere, three hundred sixty days on foot
We were surprised at how quickly we were able to navigate through difficult terrain and reach our destination.
If we don't our people will either be dead or be slaves
Our mission is a matter of life and death, and if we fail, our people will suffer and be oppressed.
Feeding off rage, villiany, tears and fears
The ultimate source of our enemy's power and influence is the negative emotions of others.
Who's souls have been tarnished, but still escaped the demon's harness
Even though some of us may have been corrupted or damaged by evil, we've managed to avoid being consumed by it.
So many mornings, noons and nights no snoozing
We've been on the move for so long and so hard, we haven't even had time to rest or sleep much.
Does this Holy Mic, really exist?
There's some doubt and uncertainty about whether this ultimate symbol of power really exists or not.
Now we're prepared to shed blood and die as mortals for the Round Table
We're willing to fight and even die for our cause, just like the knights of Arthurian legend.
If we just happen to get slaughtered, depart our coil deep in soil
Even if we end up dying in battle, we will still have fulfilled our mission and be remembered as noble warriors.
Her royal highness was boiled alive in turpentine
One of our allies suffered a terrible fate, being burned alive in a gruesome way.
The whole Oligarch was torn apart before the Dark Ages eclipsed the planet
In the past, a powerful and oppressive group was destroyed before a time of even greater darkness and evil descended.
Now, I'm back to the Round Table...
After all our trials and adventures, we can now return to our base of operations and regroup, having completed an important step on our journey.
Contributed by Emma V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.