Love Letter to Oakland
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Adam Carter, also known as A-Plus, is a rapper, producer, and founding member of the Oakland-based, underground hip hop group, Souls of Mischief, and a member of alternative hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics. Born in Denver, Colorado to Jamaican immigrants, A-Plus moved to Oakland with his family at the age of 5 and began rhyming with future Souls of Mischief member, Tajai, in elementary school. In high school, they formed the Souls of Mischief with Phesto and Opio, releasing their critically-acclaimed debut album, 93 ‘til Infinity, on Jive Records in 1993. Recognized for its lyrical content, rhyme scheme, and funk-infused beats, the album is the group’s highest charting album to date. In addition to his verses, A-Plus produced 3 songs on the album, including the seminal title-track which has been referenced and sampled by numerous artists over the years. The Souls of Mischief broke new ground in the golden age of hip hop, defining a distinct West Coast sound heavily influenced by the culture of Oakland with its sample-based, lyric conscious sound. In 1995, the group joined the Hieroglyphics under Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings which has become a template for independent hip-hop. With their eclectic style, the group has made an impact on skate, punk, and other countercultures, and the Hiero logo has become ubiquitous in hip-hop iconography. A-Plus has released 3 solo albums and contributed to 7 Souls of Mischief albums, 3 Hieroglyphic albums, and various projects of Hieroglyphics members. In 2012, the Hieroglyphics founded Oakland’s annual Hiero Day festival, a free all-ages festival that showcases the best of the city: live music, food vendors, artisans, comedy, and literary events. The collective is committed to Oakland community development and supporting underserved communities, partnering with local organizations and nonprofits on Hiero Day. Their long term goal for the festival is to fund local housing, farming, and independent business programs. In 2023, the Souls of Mischief celebrated the 30th anniversary of 93 ‘til Infinity with a 93 date world tour.
www.soulsofmischief.com | www.hieroglyphics.com