Tajai

Tajai Massey, known mononymously as Tajai, is an American rapper from Oakland, California. He is best known as a founding member of Souls of Mischief, one of the core groups of the hip hop collective Hieroglyphics. The Souls of Mischief emerged in the early 1990s and issued their debut album 93 ’Til Infinity in 1993, a release regarded as a landmark in underground West Coast hip hop for its intricate lyricism and melodic production.

Within Hieroglyphics, Tajai collaborates closely with fellow members Phesto, Opio, and A-Plus, contributing to a body of work that helped define the Bay Area sound with dense wordplay and inventive rhyme schemes. The group and its affiliates are known for a focus on lyricism, musical experimentation, and independent releases that emphasize artistic control.

Beyond Souls of Mischief, Tajai has pursued solo material and contributed to numerous Hieroglyphics projects, appearing on a range of albums and tracks alongside other collective members. His work throughout the 1990s and beyond reflects the broader Bay Area alternative hip hop movement, characterized by jazzy, sample-driven production and emphasis on skillful storytelling.

Tajai’s influence lies in his sustained presence within the Hieroglyphics ecosystem and the broader West Coast underground scene. He remains associated with the group’s distinct approach to rap, contributing to projects that emphasize technical prowess and collaborative artistry.