Hieroglyphics Imperium
Thirty Years
of Hiero
1995 — 2025 and beyond. 100% artist-owned from day one.
Oakland, CA · Hieroglyphics Imperium · Independent Since 1995
In 1995, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and the Souls of Mischief took a radical step: they formed their own label. No major deal. No outside ownership. Just the music, the artists, and the community they were building in Oakland.
Thirty years later, Hieroglyphics Imperium is still standing — still 100% owned by the people who made it. This is that story.
1991
Formation
Souls of Mischief — Tajai, A-Plus, Opio, Phesto — form in Oakland. Del tha Funkee Homosapien’s influence shapes the West Coast underground.
1993
93 ’til Infinity
Souls of Mischief drop 93 ’til Infinity. One of the most influential hip-hop albums of its era — still heard everywhere 30+ years later.
1995
Hiero Founded
Hieroglyphics Imperium founded in Oakland. Artists own their masters, their publishing, their brand. A template for independent hip-hop.
1998
3rd Eye Vision
3rd Eye Vision drops as a fully independent record — distributed without a major label deal. Proves the model works.
2000
Deltron 3030
Del collaborates with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala to create Deltron 3030. A cult masterpiece. Still referenced as a landmark of creative independence.
2026
Red Rocks + Beyond
Hiero performs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Cypress Hill, Method Man, and De La Soul. ~245K monthly Spotify listeners. Still growing.
Essential Catalog
30 Years of Hiero — Deep Reads
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Join the Hiero Family
Presale tickets. Exclusive anniversary content. Early merch drops. Be first in line as we build toward 2027 and beyond. Direct support for 100% artist-owned music.