This is the first installment of what may very well become a common thing.

Because of the position I am in, I felt it not only helpful but necessary, to create a space online where I can piece together what's going on in the World of Hiero, and relate it to all of you. Being that I am the middle man between the Hiero Imperium and all ya'll online Hiero Heads, I saw no better than to start an editorial column where I answer many questions plaguing the viewers of Hiero Online, as well as shed some of the crew's insight and opinions onto their public. So, here goes the first installment for March 3rd, 1997.

When we released word that the first single for the Family Album was finally for sale online last week, we at Hieroglyphics Dot Com saw the highest amount of people EVER into the site in one day. My mouth dropped in amazement. The crew was just as impressed, when I informed them the very next day. With this huge amount of interest into the new album evident, many people were quick to email me, or post onto Hiero Hoopla and Usenet their feelings regarding the new sound clips. Many were rightfully excited, as I have yet to put down my copy of the single. Yet, there's a problem that I've noticed since this site was created, and Domino noticed it as well: Like all new Hiero material before it, the new Family Album clips are being compared to 93 Til Infinity once again.

When No Man's Land dropped, damn-near EVERYONE compared it to 93 Til'--Even myself. I mean, let's be real here: I was expecting a 93 Til kinda sound just like everyone else was, but it wasn't there. What was there instead was a new sound; a more mature sound, that I'm sure no one was expecting. Many people didn't like No Man's Land because it wasn't 93 Til', but then again, what is?

When 93 Til dropped, no one had ever heard rhymes like those; no one ever produced beats like that! Hiero had etched themselves into a whole new genre that no one else occupied at the time. Looking at the industry now in 1997, it's evident which groups have mimicked that 93 Til sound/style, and continue to do so. I've noticed this, as I'm sure many of you have as well. But what many of you do not know is that the members of the Hiero Crew think those 93 Til flows are WACK! They HATE the shit they ripped on that album. You have to understand, the group (and Souls especially) have all matured. The fruit of this growing up is no doubt what you are going to hear on the Family Album. Of course I miss that 93 Til sound, but that's why we have Hiero Oldies. If you miss that old sound, get the Hiero Oldies tapes, and leave it at that. Domino shares the same feelings as myself, and we had a long discussion about it.

As mentioned before, the crew feels their old styles are wack. As artists, they've all grown up and matured. We as fans have to understand this and stop comparing everything they put out to 93 til or to No Need For Alarm--Those styles have matured and elevated to what the crew is producing now. Most likely, you'll never hear that kind of flow from Hiero again. Domino's real complaint was that the fans have too much emphasis on the old and are not focusing on the new. With that said, sit back and think about your current outlook on Hiero, and how you may have neglected this thought. The crew has left those styles behind to make way for what they no doubt feel to be hella better ones. Don't you think it's time to just trust the crew and focus on their new shit? Think about it. At some point you're gonna have to get a 32bit system. . .Why you still gonna play that old 16bit shit?

In other news, hella people have been asking why we don't push CD's or vinyl in the online store? Here's the main reason: For Hiero to push up CDs or vinyl for an album, it has to be just that: A Hiero Album. The crew wants Hiero Oldies to be just a "tape thing" or just an "underground thing". When time comes around for a new true Hiero album to come out, then they will push up the CDs and the vinyl, as well as tapes. This is what you'll see happen with the Family Album. Del's Future Development is old; he's through with that shit. He wants it to be just a "tape thing". So to answer all of your questions, NO we will not be publishing Hiero Oldies, Future Development, Hiero BSides, Domino II on CD or wax--Just tape.

I guess that's the end of this edition. I'm curious how you feel about this new feature? Are there questions you want answered? Do you feel the layout could be better? Let Me Know!. Also, let's hear what you have to say about some of the issues discussed in this editorial on the Bulletin Board. Peace.

-Yameen

Copyright ©1996 StinkE Productions