Hieroglyphics

Hieroglyphics is a pioneering hip-hop collective hailing from Oakland, California, known for their intricate lyricism, underground ethos, and influential role in shaping alternative West Coast hip-hop. Formed in the early 1990s by Del the Funky Homosapien—a cousin of Ice Cube and former member of Da Lench Mob—the collective includes Souls of Mischief (A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai), Pep Love, Casual, Domino (the group’s manager and producer), and Del himself. Each member contributes a distinct style, but collectively, Hieroglyphics is celebrated for their jazz-influenced beats, thought-provoking rhymes, and innovative approach to hip-hop, steering away from the commercial gangsta rap that dominated the West Coast scene at the time. Their iconic three-eyed logo and debut group album, 3rd Eye Vision (1998), became a hallmark of independent hip-hop culture.

Say the name Agallah the Don to anyone in the music business and it instantly rings bells.

The influence that sparked recording artist Cam’ron’s mutli-platinum group The Harlem Diplomats signature production and the creative genius behind Jim Jones super group “The Purple city/Byrd Gangs” sound is back with his own movement which is known as the PROPAIN CAMPAIN It was 1996, at the CMJ Convention where an epic battle between Supernatural and Craig G had torn the roof off the place. Still frenzied from the legendary performances, the crowd watched as a fresh young Emcee took the stage. Few MC’s could have followed that. Little did the audience know that they were about to witness history. Agallah crushed it like no other. The crowd was stupefied at the brilliance that poured forth from Agallah – he is the real deal, and now everyone knew that. Soon, so would the rest of the world.

The community demanded a record. Little did they know Agallah had in fact been signed over to Elektra West records in 1995 where he had already released his first single ghetto girl It all started in 1992, where a heavy hitting 18-year-old Brooklyn native then known as 8-Off, inked a deal with Tommy Boy Records as an artist. In November of the same year, Source Magazine recognized him as the “Unsigned Hype”. Agallah’s sound has a classic flow, yet fresh buzz that has carried him to success. He is a highly regarded pillar of hip hop that reflects longevity in an industry famous for short careers.