East Oakland native Tajai began rhyming with future bandmate A-Plus at age 8, while both were in elementary school. Tajai and Phesto met later in junior high school. Tajai recruited his best friend Phesto in middle school and A-Plus brought Opio into the budding act in high school before making its major-label debut on Jive Records with the group's well-received album 93 'til Infinity, in 1993.
The group is part of the hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, along with emcees Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Jaybiz, and producer Domino. The group participated as full members in all three of Hieroglyphics' studio albums: 1998's 3rd Eye Vision, 2003's Full Circle, and 2013's The Kitchen.
93 ’til Infinity is the group's highest charting album to date (#17 Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums; #85 Billboard 200) and, in January, 1998, was named one of the Top 100 Rap albums by The Source magazine.
The group stayed with Jive for one more album, 1995's No Man's Land, before being released from the label during the same year.
The group released two albums on Hiero's self-owned independent label, Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings: 1999's Focus, and 2000's Trilogy: Conflict, Climax, Resolution.
On October 30, 2006, Hierocast (Hieroglyphics' official podcast), Del tha Funkee Homosapien reported that the Souls of Mischief was currently working on its next studio album with Prince Paul (De La Soul, Gravediggaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School). On January 6, 2009, Souls of Mischief released the Tour Stories EP produced by Domino and co-produced by Prince Paul. The song is taken from the group's fifth studio album, Montezuma's Revenge, released on Hieroglyphics Imperium.
In 2013, a documentary about the band was released entitled Til Infinity: The Souls of Mischief. Produced and directed by Shomari Smith, it reflected on the 20 year anniversary of the band's debut album 93 'Til Infinity and includes over 50 interviews with prominent MCs, DJs, and producers of the era.
During the 2017 NBA Playoffs, Gatorade released a television commercial promoting Gatorade Flow, which featured Indiana Pacers star forward Paul George and the instrumental music of Souls of Mischief' 93 'Til Infinity.
Intro
Souls of Mischief Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is only there is only now
Ah, good evening Oakland
I'm your host Ali Shaheed Muhammad
If you know like I know
Stay inside tonight and avoid the dark showers
'Cause anything can happen
You are listening to K-NOW
The lyrics of Souls of Mischief's song K-NOW Intro reflect a sense of urgency and immediacy, as suggested by the repetition of the phrase "there is only now". This could be interpreted as a call to live in the present moment and avoid procrastination or delay, as time is finite and fleeting. The reference to Oakland and the warning to "stay inside tonight and avoid the dark showers" could indicate a sense of danger or violence within the community, heightening the need for vigilance and awareness. The words "anything can happen" emphasize the unpredictable nature of life and the need to stay alert and prepared for anything that may come.
As the introduction to the album, K-NOW sets the tone for the rest of the project, conveying a sense of urgency and social consciousness. The lyrics and delivery of the song reflect the group's commitment to telling stories from their community and calling attention to the struggles and injustices faced by black Americans. The use of a radio announcer's voice adds to the sense of immediacy and importance, as if the message being conveyed is breaking news that cannot be ignored.
Line by Line Meaning
There is only there is only
The moment we are living in right now is the only significant time.
There is only there is only now
No other time matters but the present moment.
Ah, good evening Oakland
A greeting to the residents of Oakland.
I'm your host Ali Shaheed Muhammad
I am the person leading this event, Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
If you know like I know
If you are knowledgeable like I am,
Stay inside tonight and avoid the dark showers
It's advisable not to go out in the dark and rainy weather to remain safe.
'Cause anything can happen
Anything unpredictable can occur at any moment.
You are listening to K-NOW
The radio station being broadcasted at the moment is K-NOW.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADAM CARTER, OPIO LINDSEY, TAJAI MASSEY, ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD, DAMANI THOMPSON, ADRIAN YOUNGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind