Opio of Souls of Mischief: The Underrated Voice at the Center of West Coast Hip-Hop

Opio Lindsey is one of four members of Souls of Mischief — but he might be the most underappreciated of the quartet. Here’s why that’s a mistake.

The Four Corners of Souls of Mischief

When people talk about Souls of Mischief, they often lead with Tajai’s authority, A-Plus’s technical precision, or Phesto’s unpredictable cadences. Opio Lindsey tends to be the fourth name mentioned — but that’s a reflection of fan tendencies toward whoever drops the first verse, not a reflection of quality.

Opio is a complete MC. His voice has a warmth and groundedness that balances the more kinetic styles of his groupmates. On a group this technically demanding, being the anchor is a form of mastery.

Opio on Record

Across the Souls of Mischief catalog — from 93 ’til Infinity (1993) through There Is Only Now (2014) and beyond — Opio has been a consistent, indispensable voice. His verses tend toward the introspective and observational: where A-Plus goes for pure technical display and Tajai for commanding authority, Opio brings a storyteller’s eye.

His solo output continues that tradition. Albums like Triangulation Station (2003) show an MC fully in command of his own sonic world — jazz-inflected, lyrically demanding, uninterested in anything that doesn’t serve the craft.

Essential Opio Moments

  • “Anything Can Happen” (93 ’til Infinity) — Opio and Phesto in a back-and-forth that feels telepathic.
  • “Step to My Girl” (93 ’til Infinity) — A lighter track that shows his range beyond pure lyrical flexing.
  • “Cab Fare” (93 ’til Infinity) — Opio in storytelling mode, painting a scene with cinematic clarity.
  • Solo work: Triangulation Station — The definitive document of what Opio sounds like when he’s running the whole show.

The Chemistry Factor

Here’s what separates Souls of Mischief from almost every other rap group: no member is dispensable. Most rap groups have a star and supporting players. Souls of Mischief genuinely has four stars, each with a distinct voice, and the group functions as a unit where every member matters equally.

Remove Opio from 93 ’til Infinity and the album loses its center of gravity. That’s not a knock on the other three — it’s a testament to how essential each voice is to the whole.

See Opio Live at Red Rocks 2026

Souls of Mischief — all four members, including Opio — will be performing as part of the Hieroglyphics set at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2026. Get show details and tickets →

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