Love Letter to Oakland
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Rapper, producer, and visual artist Opio Lindsey, also known as Opio, is a founding member of the Oakland-based, underground hip hop group, Souls of Mischief, and a member of alternative hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics. Growing up in East Oakland, Opio began rapping at the age of 8. In high school, he joined Tajai, A-Plus, and Phesto to form Souls of Mischief, 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 and its seminal title-track 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. Opio has released 4 solo albums and contributed to 6 Souls of Mischief albums, 3 Hieroglyphic albums, and various collaborations. He is known for his distinct flow and lyrical storytelling with his solo projects reflecting a passion for social justice. He is also a skilled visual artist and photographer. 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