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.
Limitations
Souls of Mischief Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The mighty dreaded niggaz step and get beheaded
Shredded left a battered broken man
Chosen hand busted from the tussle from the mic which I ignite
Like a pyromaniac don't play me that's
Not recommended you're winded your girl lays me back
And I attack the twat viciously
Got it twitchin' she's a bitch to the dopefiend beat
For the strife I'm, the nigga with the better rhyme
Hoes think I'm adorable, MC's think I'm oracle
Foolish mortal, I got the flows so call your crew
And crush the earth's crust because I bust
Thunderous, I'm breakin' niggaz down to dust
The rhyme sorceror forces you to shout my praises
Phenomenal phrases hit you like exploding razors
Now who put the West up on the map?
Perhaps you should run laps, you're wack with a stack of dumb raps
Thumbtacks mark your headquarters
You're dead when I slaughter, and now your head's leaking red water
You shoulda been a donor, I'm prone to bone ya hoe
Though she know I can flow, 'cause I showed her
And now she's up on my shit, I'm slick
I rhyme quick, and I'm the shit, dick
Hieroglyphics in the house like punishment
Who is running shit, A-Plus is the one to get
Foul, if you think I'm flippin' on the man with the skills
Niggaz get the dills, still
Hieroglyphics sound the lights, surround the mics
I pound the lights 'cause they haven't found the light
But I never taught ya discipline, feel my fist again
If it's in your face, get a taste, 'cause you commit the sin
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
MC's should know their limitations
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
MC's should know their limitations
When Captain Tajai throws his weight it's hard
The verbs they scourge I fly nerds while I be fine
Put on your radar, I don't stay far
That's why men are noid, I irritate like hemmaroids (ouch)
You made the proper preperations, I still ate ya
I hate ya, I rate the
Mindstate of niggaz that I'm greater, none of that later
We can do this I wreck blocks like Brutus
It's not a chore ta, make you come up shorter
'cause niggaz know I'm sure to serve without takin no orders
So here's a tip from the hip to your dips
Get with the man who rips, stop being stalled by them drips
I'll do you swell, I got better aim than Willie Tell
I rung so let me ring your bell
DING-DONG! My sing song swells like a Samolian
Stuck in my pocket, I simply rock it
Call it splat on your face when you try to face the match
You're tripping you're slipping you're sliding off my fly blend
Of wording, soon to be hurting, a nerd teen rabbit
Peace to the niggaz who got my back and
Everyone else can get the dills
I hit your skills up, like my tag
You rag and boast about your coast but it really don't phase me
You're style's lazy, you must be drinkin that Crazy
My thinking's phat and it pays me!
Your days be decreasing be-cause we beats men
I seen at least ten enemies daily!
But what you'll get bold, and try to play me maybe that
Imbecile, while my bat, is sensible
His brain I got ta beez giving niggaz lobotimes
I trife with these, individuals criminals of my own rap
On behalf of Phesto, I like to laugh
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
MC's should know their limitations
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
MC's should know their limitations
Yeah, now I got something to say, on the behalf of Hieroglyphics
This the D-E-L, and umm, I'm sick of all you weak-ass
Booty-ass motherfucking rappers
And uhh, next time I see you on the motherfucking street
I'ma bust your motherfucking nose
Uhh, fuck you!! Peace
The lyrics of "Limitations" by Souls of Mischief are a boastful declaration of the group's lyrical prowess and their ability to dominate any competition. The opening verse describes the power and skill of their lead rapper, who is a dangerous force to be reckoned with. He dominates the microphone, igniting it with his pyromaniacal flow and leaving other rappers battered and broken. The second verse calls out other MCs who try to compete, portraying them as weak and wack, while Souls of Mischief maintain their position as the top dogs in the game. The chorus repeats the title phrase "MCs should know their limitations" as a warning to anyone who tries to challenge them.
The rappers use an aggressive, confrontational style to assert their dominance over others. They attack their opponents using violent imagery, such as beheading and busting hands. They revel in their sexual conquests, claiming to leave women twitching and viciously attacking the "twat". They also use slang and wordplay to show off their cleverness and wit, such as "foolish mortal" and "you're dead when I slaughter, and now your head's leaking red water". The lyrics are full of swagger and bravado, suggesting that Souls of Mischief are not to be messed with.
Line by Line Meaning
Understand this man is the grand est
Recognize that I am the greatest
The mighty dreaded niggaz step and get beheaded
Those who oppose us will face a deadly consequence
Shredded left a battered broken man
We will leave our opponents beaten and defeated
Chosen hand busted from the tussle from the mic which I ignite
My talent with the microphone has caused me to become injured
Like a pyromaniac don't play me that's
I am dangerous and unpredictable, do not mess with me
Not recommended you're winded your girl lays me back
It is not advisable to challenge me, your girlfriend is attracted to me
And I attack the twat viciously
I am aggressive and violent when it comes to women
Got it twitchin' she's a bitch to the dopefiend beat
My music is so good that it has a physical effect on people
Hope we meet in the next lifetime
I hope to continue my success in future lives
For the strife I'm, the nigga with the better rhyme
I am the best rapper and will continue to be so
Hoes think I'm adorable, MC's think I'm oracle
Women find me attractive, rappers consider me a wise master
Foolish mortal, I got the flows so call your crew
You are foolish to go against me, and I am confident enough to challenge entire crews
And crush the earth's crust because I bust
My rhymes are so powerful that they can shake the Earth
Thunderous, I'm breakin' niggaz down to dust
My rhymes are so strong that they can completely overpower my enemies
The rhyme sorceror forces you to shout my praises
I am a master of rhyming and force people to praise me
Phenomenal phrases hit you like exploding razors
My rhymes are sharp and intense
Now who put the West up on the map?
Who made the West Coast a major player in the rap game?
Perhaps you should run laps, you're wack with a stack of dumb raps
You are not talented and I suggest you exercise instead of rapping
Thumbtacks mark your headquarters
We have marked your territory with thumbtacks, indicating our ownership
You're dead when I slaughter, and now your head's leaking red water
I will kill you and your head will bleed
I'm prone to bone ya hoe
I have a tendency to have sex with women
Though she know I can flow, 'cause I showed her
Women know I am a talented rapper because I have demonstrated my skills to them
Hieroglyphics in the house like punishment
We are here to punish our opponents like the ancient Egyptians punished their enemies with hieroglyphics
Who is running shit, A-Plus is the one to get
A-Plus is the leader among us
Foul, if you think I'm flippin' on the man with the skills
You are mistaken if you think I am disrespecting a talented rapper
Niggaz get the dills, still
Our opponents will experience disappointment and regret
Hieroglyphics sound the lights, surround the mics
We are dominating the music scene and taking over stages
I pound the lights 'cause they haven't found the light
I am trying to enlighten my audience and open their minds
But I never taught ya discipline, feel my fist again
You need to learn discipline and respect, or else face physical violence from me
If it's in your face, get a taste, 'cause you commit the sin
If you disrespect me or commit a crime, you will face the consequences
When Captain Tajai throws his weight it's hard
I am a talented rapper and my impact is significant
The verbs they scourge I fly nerds while I be fine
I am a skilled wordsmith and my rhymes are impressive
Put on your radar, I don't stay far
Pay attention to me, because I am always around
That's why men are noid, I irritate like hemmaroids (ouch)
My presence is bothersome and uncomfortable, causing stress and anxiety
You made the proper preperations, I still ate ya
Even if you prepared for me, I still came out on top
I hate ya, I rate the
I dislike you, and assess your worth as a rapper
Mindstate of niggaz that I'm greater, none of that later
I am superior to other rappers and it is evident immediately
We can do this I wreck blocks like Brutus
I am a powerful force and can destroy anything in my path
It's not a chore ta, make you come up shorter
It is easy for me to make you feel inferior
'cause niggaz know I'm sure to serve without takin no orders
People know I am a talented rapper who does not need direction from others
So here's a tip from the hip to your dips
Here is some advice from me to your group of friends
Get with the man who rips, stop being stalled by them drips
Come hang out with me, the talented rapper, and stop wasting time with lesser artists
I'll do you swell, I got better aim than Willie Tell
I can do better for you than anyone else, and my aim is precise like the legendary William Tell
I rung so let me ring your bell
I have made an impact, let me make an even bigger one
DING-DONG! My sing song swells like a Samolian
Like a legendary singer from Somalia, my rhyming will make a big, long-lasting impact
Stuck in my pocket, I simply rock it
I have the talent and skill that always stays with me
Call it splat on your face when you try to face the match
You will fail if you oppose me or try to challenge my skills
You're tripping you're slipping you're sliding off my fly blend
You are losing your footing and failing to keep up with my style
Of wording, soon to be hurting, a nerd teen rabbit
I am a skilled artist and will soon surpass anyone trying to challenge me, even if they are a young, inexperienced rapper
Peace to the niggaz who got my back and
Thank you for supporting me
Everyone else can get the dills
Those who oppose me will feel regret and disappointment
I hit your skills up, like my tag
I am criticizing your skills as a rapper
You rag and boast about your coast but it really don't phase me
Your pride in where you come from does not impress me
You're style's lazy, you must be drinkin that Crazy
Your rapping is unimpressive and it seems like you are not making an effort to improve
My thinking's phat and it pays me!
My talent and skill are highly regarded and it has earned me success and wealth
Your days be decreasing be-cause we beats men
Your career is going downhill because we are superior to you
I seen at least ten enemies daily!
I am constantly facing and defeating my opponents
But what you'll get bold, and try to play me maybe that
If you are foolish enough to challenge me, you will regret it
Imbecile, while my bat, is sensible
You are foolish while I am making reasoned, logical decisions
His brain I got ta beez giving niggaz lobotimes
I am dominating my opponents and making them look stupid
I trife with these, individuals criminals of my own rap
I enjoy going against criminals in my music
On behalf of Phesto, I like to laugh
Phesto and I enjoy our success and like to have fun
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
Rappers should be aware of their own skills and not try to compete with those who are more talented
MC's should know their limitations
Do not overextend yourself as a rapper
MC's should know their limitations, their limitations
You should be aware of when to stop trying to compete with a more talented rapper
MC's should know their limitations
Don't push yourself too far as a rapper
Yeah, now I got something to say, on the behalf of Hieroglyphics
I, D-E-L, have something to declare on behalf of my group
This the D-E-L, and umm, I'm sick of all you weak-ass
This is D-E-L and I am tired of rappers who are not talented
Booty-ass motherfucking rappers
Rappers who are not talented and will not succeed
And uhh, next time I see you on the motherfucking street
When I see you in person
I'ma bust your motherfucking nose
I will physically attack you
Uhh, fuck you!! Peace
I have nothing further to say to you
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD, OPIO LINDSEY, TAJAI MASSEY, DAMANI THOMPSON, ADAM CARTER, JAMIE SUAREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind