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.
Prelude
Hieroglyphics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
we ahead of the charts
man we better than smart
we going get up in this industry and tear it apart
we the hierpariants
and you rappers is fuckin' parrots
I get 'embarrassed
When I hear it
Hierogyphics is your worst nightmare
since inseption
and I know that hurt right there
but accept it
we inherit the Earth right here
in the present
ressurrecting the first idea
Full Circle
The lyrics of "Prelude" by Hieroglyphics, featuring Pep Love, are a powerful message to the music industry. Pep Love boldly proclaims that the Hieroglyphics crew is ahead of the charts and better than smart. They are going to enter the industry and tear it apart with their unique sound and originality. Pep Love takes a specific jab at other rappers, branding them parrots and saying that he gets embarrassed when he hears their music. Despite this, he grins and bears it.
Hieroglyphics is a group of rappers from California, known for their distinctive style, political messages, and positive lyrics. The lyrics of this song suggest that they are confident in their abilities and believe they can make a significant impact on the music industry. They are here to resurrect the first idea, which suggests they are going back to the roots of hip-hop, the essence of the genre.
In conclusion, "Prelude" by Hieroglyphics is an upbeat and confident message from the group. It speaks to their belief in their abilities and their unique sound. It is a call to arms for other rappers to step up their game and to embrace the spirit of hip-hop fully. This song sets the tone for their album, "Full Circle," and demonstrates their creativity and passion for music.
Line by Line Meaning
we ahead of the charts
We are at the forefront of the music scene.
man we better than smart
We are not only intelligent, but also have something that can't be learned.
we going get up in this industry and tear it apart
We are going to shake up the music industry and make a name for ourselves.
we the hierpariants
We are the unique members of Hieroglyphics crew.
and you rappers is fuckin' parrots
Other rappers are only copying what they hear without any originality.
I get 'embarrassed
I am ashamed for other rappers when they can’t create fresh rhymes.
When I hear it
Whenever I hear other rappers copying styles or rhymes.
but still I grin and bear it
Although it can be frustrating to hear imitation, we continue to persevere and maintain our individuality.
Hieroglyphics is your worst nightmare
We are the big competitor that everyone is afraid to face.
since inseption
We have always been formidable since the very beginning.
and I know that hurt right there
Our superiority may sting, but it's the truth.
but accept it
Other rappers need to acknowledge and recognize our talent.
we inherit the Earth right here
We have laid claim to our place in the industry.
in the present
We are making our mark right now at this very moment.
ressurrecting the first idea
We are reviving and honoring the original concept of hip hop music.
Full Circle
We have come full circle and returned to the roots of hip hop, while also pushing it forward in new ways.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Damian Siguenza, Pallo Peacock
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind