Behind The Scenes A Look At The Creation Of "3rd Eye Vision"

Tajai Stands Poised In The Sound Room Opio, Matt & Casual In The Mixing Room Casual Always Prepared To Freak Shit

Hieroglyphics has always delivered innovative, and refreshing lyrics and beats; they�ve consistently delivered their own brand of music. From producing to managing, The Family was and still is the most important element of the crew. From poor promoting by their labels, to contract disintegration (Elektra), in the end, that same element (The Family) still remained. I first heard about a possible Family Album when Souls was promoting "No Man's Land" back in 95�. Their "family b-side" cuts (O12, Afer Dark, etc.) had become as much in demand as their mass product, so by early 1996, a Hieroglyphics Family album became the inevitable escape from the woes of weak label support and the artistic restrictions placed upon the groups by their respective labels. To have total control of their music would mean creating what they wanted, how they wanted, and when they wanted. Already growing in terms of production, studio, and promotion experience, the crew looked to a much more satisfying future. I always get excited when the people I meet -- that I respect -- never tarnish the image I had of Hieroglyphics before we met. Everyone in Hiero knows what they are about. There's never an image thing, or a "holier than thou" attitude. Whether its Casual bragging about a new video game, or A-Plus quietly reading a comic book on the studio couch, these guys are down to earth. No question though, with a mic in hand, these guys simply freak shit! I joined them in the studio for a few days this past Summer and for a day this past Christmas. What I got was a whole new taste of Hieroglyphics.