New to Hieroglyphics? Here are twenty tracks that will give you the full picture — the groundbreaking debut material, the collective anthems, the Del solo classics, and the deep cuts that devoted fans have been quoting for decades.

Start With These Five

1. ’93 ’til Infinity — Souls of Mischief (1993)

The beginning. The most instantly recognizable Hiero track, built around a Dave Grusin jazz sample and four distinct MC voices that complement each other perfectly. If you hear only one track, it’s this one.

2. Clint Eastwood (feat. Del tha Funkee Homosapien) — Gorillaz (2001)

Del’s verse introduced him to millions of people who’d never heard of Oakland underground hip-hop. His contribution is the musical and lyrical core of the track.

3. You Never Knew — Hieroglyphics (1998)

From 3rd Eye Vision. The collective firing on all cylinders, a track that demonstrates what a full-crew posse cut sounds like when everyone’s at their peak.

4. 3030 — Deltron 3030 (2000)

Del’s Deltron Zero character states his case. One of the most technically impressive rap verses of its era, over Dan the Automator’s atmospheric production.

5. At the Helm — Hieroglyphics (2003)

From Full Circle. The collective at their most confident, a mission statement delivered by artists who had proven their model worked.

The Souls of Mischief Deep Cuts

6. Step to My Girl — Souls of Mischief (1993)

One of ’93 ’til Infinity’s most beloved tracks — playful, rhythmically precise, and a perfect showcase for the group’s individual voices.

7. Limitations — Souls of Mischief (1993)

A quieter, more introspective moment on the debut that shows the group’s range beyond the head-nodding anthems.

8. Yo Head Rush — Souls of Mischief (1995)

From No Man’s Land, the overlooked second album. Harder and darker than the debut, this track is one of A-Plus’s finest production moments.

Del Solo Essentials

9. Mistadobalina — Del tha Funkee Homosapien (1991)

Del’s debut single — playful, surreal, and completely unlike anything else being made in 1991. His relationship with Ice Cube (executive producer on the debut) is evident in the West Coast aesthetics, but the content is entirely Del’s own imagination.

10. Virus — Del tha Funkee Homosapien (1993)

From the second album. Del’s lyricism in its most concentrated form — dense, rapid, packed with unexpected imagery.

11. Proto Culture — Del tha Funkee Homosapien (2000)

From Both Sides of the Brain. Del at maximum playfulness and technical display simultaneously.

Casual

12. That’s How It Is — Casual (1994)

Introduction to one of underground hip-hop’s most technically precise MCs. The flow architecture is evident from the first listen.

13. I Didn’t Mean To — Casual (1994)

A different mode from Casual — more personal and emotionally direct than his technical showcase tracks.

Pep Love

14. High Powered — Pep Love (1996)

From Ascension. Pep Love’s spiritual approach in its most accessible form.

Collective Cuts

15. The Who — Hieroglyphics (2003)

The group introducing themselves to anyone who needs to know. Every member present, everybody delivering.

16. All Things — Hieroglyphics (1998)

From 3rd Eye Vision. Quieter and more contemplative than the collective’s showier moments, this track rewards patience.

Memory Loss — Deltron 3030

17. Memory Loss — Deltron 3030 (2000)

The most melodically accessible track on Deltron 3030, featuring Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur). Beautiful and melancholy in a way that most hip-hop doesn’t attempt.

Recent Work

18. Black Magic — Casual (2024)

Proof that the technical quality hasn’t diminished in three decades. Current Casual is still delivering at a level most younger MCs can’t match.

19. First Issue — Smoking Word (2024)

Recent collaborative project featuring Hiero collective members in a new context. Shows the collective still actively creating rather than coasting on legacy.

20. Acres of Diamonds — Pep Love (2025)

The most recent addition to the catalog. Vinyl and cassette only, which means you have to commit to the experience. Worth it.

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