Four talented rappers formed Souls of Mischief in Oakland back in 1991: A-Plus, Opio, Phesto Dee, and Tajai. Since its inception, they have established the band as a cornerstone of West Coast hip hop. They are also a vital part of the legendary hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, which has been celebrated for its innovative contributions to the genre over the past three decades.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, Souls of Mischief will take the stage at the season finale of Music in the Park, an annual concert series that has brought live music to San Jose for more than 30 years. Sunday will be the event’s first hip-hop show.
Souls of Mischief join a lineup of Bay Area artists, including Vallejo rapper LaRussell, Filipino-American artist Ruby Ibarra, Gothic hip-hop performer Kung Fu Vampire, and singer Misa James. This performance is not only an opportunity for fans to experience the group’s dynamic stage presence but also a moment of reflection and celebration for the band, coming just a few weeks after the 13th annual Hiero Day festival in San Francisco, which is a highlight of the Bay Area’s musical calendar.
In a recent interview, group member Phesto Dee made it evident that the group’s legacy is founded on more than just early career success. Their dedication, persistence and deep respect for hip hop as an art form have helped shape and influence generations of artists. Phesto Dee offers an insightful perspective into their journey, their influences and what it means to continue making music after more than 30 years.
Phesto started rapping when he was just eight years old. Though he’s been involved in the genre for decades, his initial motivation wasn’t to become a star but to connect with people who shared his love for hip hop culture.
“I didn’t get into hip hop to become a rapper. I got into hip hop because it connected me with like-minded people,” he explained. “It was about the community and shared passion I found in the music.”
His first steps as a rapper involved collaborating informally with his childhood friend and future groupmate A-Plus. The two would often freestyle and create music together during their school years. Later, during high school, they met Tajai and Opio, forming the core of Souls of Mischief in 1991. Their earliest influences included legendary artists and groups like Grandmaster Caz, KRS-One, Kool G Rap and De La Soul. While these influences helped shape their style, Phesto emphasizes that the group always aimed to be original and authentic to themselves.
“You have no idea as a kid what your life will be like 30 years into the future,” Phesto reflected. “Back then, we were just having fun, but at the same time, we were competitive and wanted to be the best at what we did. We wanted to represent hip hop in a way that hadn’t been done before, and that drive hasn’t changed.”
The group initially signed with a major label, Jive Records, while still in high school. During their time with Jive, they released two albums, which garnered some acclaim but more importantly built a solid and loyal fanbase. However, as they matured as artists, they decided to pursue independence—building their own brand and legacy through creative ventures and business savvy under the umbrella of Hieroglyphics.
Their iconic “third eye” symbol has become one of the most recognizable logos in hip hop and stands as a symbol of enlightenment and awareness. Their merchandise—worn by fans from Oakland to Tokyo—has helped solidify their global presence. In the early 2000s, Souls of Mischief was one of the pioneering hip hop groups to produce and sell their merchandise online, helping to establish a new model for independent artists. Their innovative approach to marketing and their tight-knit community with fans have contributed significantly to their enduring influence.
Perhaps their most famous song, “93 ’Til Infinity” is often considered a classic and one of the greatest hip hop tracks of all time. However, Phesto admits that when the song was first released, he couldn’t have predicted the profound reverence it continues to receive today.
“A lot of times, a record hits hard like a meteorite and then disappears. ‘93 ’Til’ did the opposite; it kept growing and gaining steam over time. You can perform a song for years and it finally catches on,” he said.
Since that debut, Souls of Mischief has released five additional studio albums, each exploring different themes and sounds. The group remains active, working on new material and planning upcoming projects. Fans attending Sunday’s concert can expect a lively performance featuring hits from throughout their catalog. Phesto also indicated he’s especially looking forward to performing some of his favorite tracks, such as “That’s When Ya Lost,” “Make Ya Mind Up” and the newest release, “Yes LOvEly.”
Music in the Park’s big hip hop show starts at 4pm on Sept 21 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose. Tickets are $39-$85 at caltix.com.
Also Playing
LaRussell—The first artist booked for Music in the Park’s Sept. 21 season closer, LaRussell headlines the main stage, which also features Ruby Ibarra and Souls of Mischief and Kung Fu Vampire. Read Dan Pulcrano’s interview with LaRussell, which ran in last week’s issue, on metrosiliconvalley.com. Follow on IG: @larussell
Kung Fu Vampire—Also on the main stage is this San Jose rapper, who fused the energy of rap music with the stylish imagery of vampire fantasies. His CD/DVD debut, Blood Bath Beyond, laid the foundation for his career, followed by the drop of Dead Sexy in 2008 and, most recently, Black Heart Machine in 2023. His tracks have gained cinematic traction, and in 2023 he made his acting debut in Four Hour Layover in Juarez. But it’s as a live act where Kung Fu Vampire really sucks his fans in, having done 24 tours across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada since 2009 and appearing eight times at Insane Clown Posse’s Gathering of the Juggalos. Follow on IG: @kungfuvampire.
Misa James—Music in the Park has added a second stage for Sunday’s show to feature emerging local artists. The stacked lineup for San Jose’s biggest outdoor hip hop show ever includes Misa James, a recent winner of LaRussell’s Good Compenny Bay Area showcase, The San Jose musician will showcase his smooth, soulful vocal style. Follow on IG: @themisajames.
Amen & the Scooby Valdez Band—Local talents Amen and Scooby Valdez will bring additional heat to the second stage. Amen will keep the words flowing over Valdez’s sizzling guitar work. Follow them on IG: @Amen_HoggTV and @ScoobyValdez83.
Young Hoff—A musician and rapper from South San Jose, Justin Hoffman performs under the stage name Young Hoff. The 30-year-old rapper’s journey so far has taken him through more than four-and-a-half years of sobriety. His purpose, Young Hoff explains, “is to show people—through art and music—the beauty and realness of our lives from the perspective of an artist in recovery.” The South Bay musician is “absolutely ecstatic” about the Music in the Park booking. “I can’t wait to represent San Jose!!” he says. Follow on IG: @younghoff4real
