93 'til Infinity

Composition

The sound of 93 'til Infinity is characteristic of the distinct style explored by the collective, including a rhyme scheme based on internal rhyme and beats centered around a live bass and obscure jazz and funk samples. According to AllMusic author Steve Huey, "Although the title cut is an underappreciated classic, 93 'til Infinity makes its greatest impression through its stunning consistency, not individual highlights."

Critical reception

93 'til Infinity was critically acclaimed for its subject matter, production, and rapping, though it was not as popular as other West Coast hip hop albums at the time of its release. The St. Petersburg Times noted that "the new school diversity and relaxed swagger is highlighted by the Souls' raw and effortless verbal flow." The Washington Post praised "the distant trumpet shouts and fuzzy drum brushes in 'Never No More' and the combination of record-scratches and Ramsey Lewis keyboard samples on 'Make Your Mind Up'." Suzann Vogel of Philadelphia Weekly wrote:

Steve Huey of AllMusic also positively reviewed 93 'til Infinity, calling it "the best single album to come out of Oakland's Hieroglyphics camp," as well as saying how Souls of Mischief "completely redefined the art of lyrical technique for the West Coast" and that it's "one of the most slept-on records of the '90s".

In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Sources 100 Best Rap Albums.

Commercial performance

93 'til Infinity met commercial success with its title track and lead single, which reached No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also featured singles "That's When Ya Lost" and "Never No More" which reached the Hot Rap Singles but never charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

Legacy and influence

Over the years, the title track "93 'til Infinity" has been referenced and sampled by numerous artists, including Consequence and Kanye West in their 2004 song "03 'Til Infinity", J. Cole in 2009's "Til' Infinity", Freddie Gibbs in 2009's "How We Do", Big K.R.I.T in 2010's "Somedayz", and Joey Badass in 2013's "95 Til Infinity".

Track listing

Personnel

Souls of Mischief

• Opio – vocals
• Tajai – vocals
• Phesto – vocals
• A-Plus – DJ, producer

Additional personnel

• Pep Love
• Del the Funky Homosapien – producer
• Casual – rap, vocals
• Bill Ortiz – trumpet
• Domino – producer
• Jay Biz – producer
• Kwam
• Snupe – backing vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Singles

References

References

1. (September 25, 2013). "The Choice Is Yours: 10 Great Rap Release Dates Of The 1990s".
2. (June 18, 2013). "Great Days In Rap Album Release History".
3. (August 2, 2023). "Watch Souls of Mischief Deliver New Bars Over Classic "‘93 ‘til Infinity" On Red Bull Spiral".
4. Huey, Steve. "93 'Til Infinity – Souls of Mischief".
5. Christgau, Robert. (2000). "Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s". [[St. Martin's Griffin]].
6. Simelane, Vukile. (January 4, 2005). "Souls of Mischief :: '93 Til Infinity :: Jive/Zomba". RapReviews.
7. Sarig, Roni. (2004). "The New Rolling Stone Album Guide". [[Simon & Schuster]].
8. Johnson, Brett. (June 1993). "Record Report: Souls of Mischief – '93 'til Infinity".
9. (17 Dec 1993). "Sound Bites". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
10. (Jan 12, 1994). "Tribe, Souls: New School's Top Students". [[The Washington Post]].
11. . (January 1998). "100 Best Albums: The Top Hip-Hop LP's of All Time".
12. (November 25, 2013). "20 Years On: Souls Of Mischief's 93 'Til Infinity Revisited".
13. (May 12, 2021). "Did J. Cole Taint His L.A. Leakers Freestyle With This Terrible Bill Cosby Line?".
14. (June 20, 2023). "How Souls Of Mischief's '93 'til Infinity' inspired a new future for hip-hop".
15. (August 25, 2010). "Video: Big K.R.I.T.: "Somedayz"".
16. (June 28, 2013). "Video: Joey Bada$$ "95 Til Infinity"".
17. "Souls of Mischief – Chart history".
18. "Souls of Mischief – Chart history".
19. "Souls of Mischief – Chart history".
20. "Souls of Mischief – Chart history".
21. "Souls of Mischief – Awards".