Hieroglyphics: 3rd Eye Vision - Review

by Dean Prenc

Imperium Recordings
4.5 out of 5

Hieroglyphics are a group that have long been established in hip-hop, but
not one to have ever released any music under their collective title.  A
collection of MCs from who we have seen several releases from their
component parts (Souls of Mischief, Del the Funky Homosapien, Casual and
Domino), Hieroglyphics have finally manoeuvred around the red-tape of their
separate labels to release 3rd Eye Vision.

For the most part, it was worth the wait.  There are very few tracks that
fans of the distinctive Hiero sound would want to skip.  Some of the tunes
are solid gold, and Del truly shines which isn't a surprise as founder of
Hieroglyphics and the originator of their unique lyrical style.  "At The
Helm" stands as testimony to Del's ability behind the mic, as well as
providing an example of original production which is becoming all too
scarce in this era of "cookie-cutter" hip-hop.

On that note, let me say that 3rd Eye Vision features some of the tightest
and most diverse production on a U.S. hip-hop release that I have heard in
some time.  I think that this is probably partly due to the album being an
independent release, but more importantly almost every individual in the
Hieroglyphics crew tries his hand at putting a track together.  Following
the short intro, A-Plus takes us on the smooth journey of "You Never Knew",
Causal presents us with the pacey "Dune Methane", Domino gives us the
aforementioned "At the Helm", Opio comes correct with the laid-back
"Oakland Blackouts", and so on.  The album features 15 tracks with seven
different producers!  This is one dedicated crew, who know the art!

3rd Eye Vision is a release well worth checking out.  It injects a healthy
dose of originality into U.S. hip-hop which had become a little stale of
late (in my humble opinion!), as well representing Hieroglyphics crew at
their strongest.