There’s no denying that the Hieroglyphics are the epitome of west coast styles and technique reflected in their music. The crew has been releasing laid-back soul and funk infused hip-hop since 1993, with the help of Del The Funkee Homosapien and Souls of Mischief. And back in 1998, Hiero released their first solo album as an eight men crew titled 3rd Eye Vision. The album was spotless in its approach to hip-hop love and passion, flowing like a cold beer on a hot summer day. Personally, 3rd Eye Vision is one of the best summer albums that anyone could own. But unfortunately, it isn’t always sunny, especially on the east coast; thus the album wears thin and becomes somewhat repetitive and insubstantial after awhile.
Full Circle is Hiero’s second release on their independent label Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings. The album follows directly the same path that the previous record did by including some of the finest rhymes and beats in the west coast hip-hop game. One thing is for sure, all eight members of the crew are extremely talented at wordplay and showmanship and some are avid producers and beat creators. But what becomes evident on this record (like the last one) is how each individual in the group performs at the same level of intensity and conviction. There are no standout performances on the album. Even Del sits back and shares the mic time with all of the other members. Each member is talented, but each one is diluted and unexciting due to the fact that they are sharing the mic too much without giving the listener a chance to bond to one of the emcees. Therefore, the album lacks any character and individuality at all and falls directly into the "good, but not great" category.
The entire Hieroglyphics crew is extremely talented and are key components to the hip-hop music genre. Their Bay area sound is unique and delivers some of the most consistent hip-hop. But what Hiero lacks is an emcee that rises above the rest. Take a look at Wu-Tang when they released their debut record. ODB and Method Man carried the show but left room for the others to get their rhymes in. Hiero must do the same in the future to elevate their sound and push their style further beyond the realms of the west coast.
1. Prelude
2. Fantasy Island
3. Powers That Be
4. Make Your Move (feat. Goapele)
5. Shift Shape
6. Classic
7. Chicago
8. Heatish
9. Halo
10. Love Flowin?
11. One Hundred Thousand Indi
12. Let It Roll
13. Maggie May
14. Jingle Jangle
15. Full Circle (feat. Goapele)
16. 7 Sixes
More about: Hieroglyphics
