Hieroglyphics records are among the most sought-after vinyl in the West Coast underground hip-hop catalog. Albums like 93 ’til Infinity, 3rd Eye Vision, and Deltron 3030 appear consistently on collector wishlists, and original pressings command real money in the secondary market. This guide covers what exists, what it costs, and the best ways to find it.
The Essential Pressings
Souls of Mischief — 93 ’til Infinity (1993, Jive Records)
The most wanted Hiero-adjacent record. Original pressings on Jive are not rare but are always in demand. The album has been reissued multiple times, including a 25th anniversary pressing that is more accessible. Expect to pay $30–80 for a clean original depending on condition; anniversary editions run $25–45 new.
Hieroglyphics — 3rd Eye Vision (1998, Hieroglyphics Imperium)
The collective debut. Original 2xLP pressings are genuinely harder to find than 93 ’til Infinity because distribution was handled independently. This is where prices can jump — clean originals can run $60–150 in collector markets. Check whether Hieroglyphics Imperium has reissued this; direct purchase from the label is always the best option financially and ethically.
Del tha Funkee Homosapien — I Wish My Brother George Was Here (1991, Elektra)
Del’s debut has been pressed multiple times on different labels. Original Elektra copies are collectible. Later independent reissues are more accessible. A great place to start a Del collection.
Deltron 3030 — Deltron 3030 (2000, 75 Ark)
The sci-fi concept album with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala. One of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of its era, and the vinyl reflects that. Original pressings are increasingly hard to find at reasonable prices. A reissue from ITMNOTB/Entertainment One has made it more accessible — that pressing is widely available and sounds excellent.
Del tha Funkee Homosapien — Both Sides of the Brain (2000)
Del’s most polarizing and arguably most ambitious solo album. Vinyl is scarcer than his debut. Worth hunting for fans who want the complete Del solo catalog.
Where to Buy
shophiero.com — The official Hieroglyphics store at shophiero.com stocks Hiero merch and periodically has vinyl. This is the best place to look first — purchasing direct supports the artists directly rather than the secondary market.
Discogs — The largest secondary marketplace for vinyl. Use the catalog section to identify pressings before buying. Pay attention to seller ratings and pressing notes. Discogs is also invaluable for identifying which pressings exist and which are considered definitive.
Record Fairs and Local Shops — West Coast underground hip-hop vinyl tends to surface at record fairs in the Bay Area, L.A., and urban markets nationally. If you are near Oakland, local shops are worth checking — this music was made here and finds its way back here.
eBay — More variable than Discogs in terms of seller knowledge and pricing consistency, but sometimes turns up rarities that are not on Discogs.
Condition Grading
When buying used vinyl, condition matters significantly. The standard Goldmine grading scale runs from Mint (M) through Very Good Plus (VG+), Very Good (VG), Good Plus (G+), and below. For listening, VG+ is the practical minimum. For display copies, VG+ or better. Original inner sleeves and inserts add collector value.
Building a Complete Hiero Collection
If you are building from scratch, a suggested acquisition order: start with 93 ’til Infinity (most accessible), add 3rd Eye Vision, then Deltron 3030, then work outward into solo catalogs and collective releases. Casual’s Fear Itself and Pep Love’s Ascension are worth hunting for serious collectors.
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