No Mans Land

After the critical and underground success of the Souls of Mischiefs debut, 93 Til Infinity, expectations were high for the groups sophomore release. The release of No Mans Land in 1995 revealed a greatly changed Souls of Mischief, and fans and critics alike turned their backs on the group. Gone is the youthful giddiness of the debut; in its place is confrontation. Instead of detailing their youthful misadventures with drink and around the way girls, Souls of Mischief contemplate groupies, overzealous hip-hop heads, and success or the lack of it. No Mans Land is laced with touches of anger and bitterness. The change in production style is even more shocking than the change in attitude. The golden funk of 93 Til Infinity has been replaced with muddier, harsher beats. While the complex layering of drum breaks and jazz samples is still there, the effect is one of paranoia rather than of wild extroversion. Once the surprise wears off, No Mans Land reveals itself to be a solid hip-hop album, despite the cool welcome it first received. While Souls of Mischiefs second album is certainly a notch below 93 Til Infinity, it deserves more attention and respect than it has been accorded. ~ Chris Witt