“Took Control” is the lead single from Sean Armstrong’s debut album, Marble Cake Diaries. The song and video features Tajai from Souls of Mischief and pHoenix Pagliacci with production from !llmind. The video was directed, shot & edited by E Major.

The Hieroglyphics (Pep Love, Casual, Domino, Opio, Tajai, APlus) break down Bay Area Hip-Hop, talk new projects, explain their influencers, legacy of Hieroglyphics.

From Casual’s new LP, He Think He #RapGod, in stores today.
]]> http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/11/02/casual-rap-god-feat-tajai-pep-love-video/feed/ 3 http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/01/25/tajai-of-souls-of-mischief-nio-the-gift-freestyle-video/ http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/01/25/tajai-of-souls-of-mischief-nio-the-gift-freestyle-video/#comments Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:22:19 +0000 http://64.79.68.122/?p=29357

Nio Tha Gift & Tajai of Souls of Mischief spitting to a DJ Toure production. Directed by Casual/Wetfoot Filmworks.

“For the ‘Wake Up Show Anthem,’ it’s just usually people or artists that we respect, who are known spitters that innovated their own styles,” Sway explained of the posse cuts. “Someone like the RZA a.k.a. Bobby Digital, there’s something really distinct about when he came out early in his career as Prince Raheem and then into the Wu-Tang Clan. He’s always had a distinct voice and distinct way that he spit his lyrics.

2009 may not yet be a distant memory, but Hiero Imperium Records is already looking to the future with their energetic plans for the new year. The Oakland based label is poised to be at the forefront of underground hip-hop in 2010 with releases from Tajai, Chosen Few, Opio, Pep Love, Casual, and more.

Hiero Imperium Records triumphed in 2009 with the celebrated album, Montezuma’s Revenge from West Coast legends, Souls of Mischief. The album, lauded by both fans and critics alike, not only cemented Souls of Mischief’s stature in the hip-hop community but also sparked off a string of successful global tour dates. Fans were also enthusiastic to show their love for the Soul’s legacy, as a ’93 Til Infinity’ inspired tee shirt made in conjunction with streetwear staple Adapt sold out within 24 hours of its release. Eager to build upon its hip-hop hot streak, Hiero is now gearing up for an equally successful 2010 with an extensive slate of offerings from its famed roster.

The new year kicks off with music from trio Chosen Few, who will dropping the Opio laced single “Elevation” on February 9th, followed by the release of their debut album New World Symphony on April 6th. Fans will be excited to learn that the Opio extravaganza continues with the summer release of his highly anticipated album, Vulture’s Wisdom Volume 2, sure to extend the emcee’s linguistic legacy. Label-mate Pep Love plans on keeping busy in 2010 with a one-two sonic combo in form of pre-album project, The Rigamarole, and full-length album, Reconstruction, while Phesto Dee readies the release of his long-awaited Background Check for the masses.

Also on deck for Hiero is a new Casual project and a release from Tajai, who plans on dropping Rap Noir by years end. Not content to rest on their lyrical laurels, the label is also looking to unite its hip-hop superpowers and put out a Heiro-crew album, and, to top it all off, Tajai promises that more surprises are soon-to-come courtesy of the mighty Souls of Mischief. “2009 was a fantastic year, and we’re thankful for that,” explains Tajai. “There’s plenty more goodness to come in 2010 from the legendary Hiero Imperium Records.”

    On “Raindance”, Tajai starts his album off a little different with more of a “chant rap”, summing up what the Power Movement album is all about. It’s a good introduction, as it sets the mood for the entire 14 track LP. This may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for. “Who Got It?” features loopy, synthetic sounding production that seems to be typical for this album. “Do Not Touch” is most likely the first track on the album that is bump-worthy, as Tajai is joined by fellow Hiero MC Pep Love. The new voice to the mix is a welcoming break from Tajai’s over-pronouncing delivery. Not to say that his voice is annoying or tiring, but rather that you know what to expect when Tajai is on the mic. This is the reason why the production is the deciding factor of hit or miss on Power Movement.

    “The Dum Dum” is the undeniably best track on the album, featuring an infectious loop courtesy of A-Plus. The beat is the type that Tajai sounds the best over, and it’s no surprise that the best track is the one where the production stands out the most among the rest of the beats on the album. “Do It!” sounds like Busta Rhymes will interrupt Tajai at any moment to ask for his beat back. The song does provide some of the more entertaining lyrics on the album, along with “Dedication”, where Tajai vents from everything from rap critics to record label execs to thug rappers. As probably some of the most entertaining verses on the album, it gives good insight into where Tajai finds himself within the industry. Is Power Movement album of the year? Probably not, but it not will doubt satisfy those looking for their latest Hiero fix.