Video: Souls of Mischief Drop First Video From Upcoming Album There Is Only Now, Featuring Snoop Dogg, Ali Shaheed Muhammed
“There Is Only Now” Music Video, Premiered by Billboard, Reveals Significant Plot Twist in the Concept Album’s Storyline 07.01.2014
The Video:
Today, Souls of Mischief release the music video for title track single, “There Is Only Now,” premiered by Billboard. This is the first video from the Oakland collective’s upcoming album, There Is Only Now, due to drop on August 26, 2014. The album was produced entirely by multi-instrumentalist and renowned producer Adrian Younge and will serve as the inaugural release for his newly launched label, Linear Labs. The song is available for purchase both through iTunes and as a 7″ single with the accompanying b-side, “All You Got Is Your Word.” Also currently available for pre-sale are various bundles featuring seven different formats of the album: CD, double vinyl, cassette tape, instrumental-only LP, instrumental-only cassette tape, Ali Shaheed Muhammad remix of “There Is Only Now” in 10″ vinyl and cassette, and more at the newely launched Linear Labs website.
Created similarly to a blaxploitation film, the entire album is based on a strong storyline full of crime, jealousy, romance, and revenge. Set in 1994, “There Is Only Now” features three main characters: lovebirds Stoney (Scarub of Living Legends) and Miriam, and villain Womack (Busta Rhymes.) The story is told through the eyes of Souls of Mischief with the help of Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, playing the role of a local radio station DJ and Snoop Dogg, who, on this particular track, reveals a significant plot twist halfway through the album: a precarious love triangle is unfolding between Stoney, Miriam, and Womack. Meanwhile, the video reveals that Stoney and Miriam have a life-changing commitment in their future.
There Is Only Now acts as a bookend for over twenty years of influential music that the Souls of Mischief crew have created since their hit classic, “93 ’till Infinity.” Produced entirely by Adrian Younge, the album is replete with the lyrical dexterity Souls is known for and expert live instrumentation offered by Younge’s band, Venice Dawn. In addition to Snoop, Busta Rhymes, and Scarub, the album also features William Hart of The Delfonics. There Is Only Now serves as proof that even after two decades, Souls of Mischief remain committed to expanding their legacy as hip-hop pioneers. There Is Only Now will be released August 26, 2014, just in time for the third annual “Hiero Day” free block party that will take place in Oakland on Monday, September 1st.
Check out the Billboard premiere: http://www.bill
Watch “There Is Only Now” feat. Snoop Dogg & Ali Shaheed Muhammed: http://youtu.be/4jLqfrBrDTw
iTunes pre-order link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id890335149
“There Is Only Now” (ft. Snoop Dogg) b/w “All You Got Is Your Word” 7″: http://www.linearlabsmusic.com/album.php?id=17270
Souls of Mischief Background:
Starting with their landmark debut ’93 ‘til Infinity, Oakland’s four-person rap group Souls of Mischief has blazed the trail for hip hop’s evolution. Members Tajai, A-Plus, Phesto, and Opio have left their mark sonically, lyrically, and stylistically on Kanye West, Just Blaze, Big Sean, Big K.R.I.T., P. Diddy, Vampire Weekend, John Mayer, and many more who have cited them as cultural icons and influencers. Souls is also credited as having pioneered the independent label movement when they started Hieroglyphic Imperium Records in 1997 following their departure with JIVE Records, creating the infrastructure blueprint for other succesful independent hip hop labels. Co-founders of the Hiero label also include emcees Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, and producer Domino. Souls’ also forged hip-hop’s relationship with the skate, surf, and snowboard communities after iconic skate brands included their music in their VHS videotapes in the mid-90’s. The group’s creative output and legacy as a whole continues to thrive, and they show no sign of stopping. In 2013, Souls celebrated the 20 year anniversary of ’93 til Infinity, prepped a documentary film, embarked on a 50-city “Still Infinity Tour,” and released a joint 20th anniversary limited edition tee shirt capsule collection with Ecko Unlimited. They are now prepping for the August 26th release of their sixth studio album, There Is Only Now, a cinematic collaborative effort with renowned producer Adrian Younge on Adrian’s newly launched Linear Labs record label.
Links:
official site | twitter | facebook | youtube
Watch “There Is Only Now” feat. Snoop Dogg & Ali Shaheed Muhammed: http://youtu.be/4jLqfrBrDTw
Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/souls-of-mischief
Linear Labs store featuring all seven formats of the album: http://linearlabsmusic.com/store.php