Hailing from East Oakland, Souls of Mischief are part of the underground hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics. The group, comprised of A-Plus, Phesto, Opio, and Tajai, gained recognition for their intellectual B-Boy perspective and bohemian yet rugged style showcased in their 1993 debut album, 93 'Til Infinity. Drawing comparisons to De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, Souls of Mischief evolved their sound with subsequent releases, including the independent Focus in 1999 and the conceptual There Is Only Now in collaboration with Adrian Younge in 2014, featuring guest appearances from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Busta Rhymes, and Snoop Dogg.

Over the years, Souls of Mischief have delved into dark, trippy explorations like Trilogy: Conflict, Climax, Resolution and Montezuma's Revenge, showcasing their artistic development and willingness to experiment. Shifting away from their early '90s anthem, the group embraced a more avant-garde approach, similar to the evolution seen in De La Soul's discography. Their collaborations with producers like Prince Paul and Adrian Younge have added depth and complexity to their sound, solidifying their status as innovators in the underground hip-hop scene.