Casual

Emerging third from the Hieroglyphics crew after Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Souls of Mischief, Casual helped solidify the collective’s reputation as the undisputed kings of the Oakland underground scene. His imposing build might imply a role as the group’s enforcer, yet once he grips the microphone the MC unleashes a torrent of verbal precision. Far from laid-back inside the recording booth, this skilled freestyler renowned for his aggressive battle style issued the atmospheric Fear Itself in 1994, earning immediate acclaim from the underground audience. Underground favorites “Didn't Mean To” and “That's How It Is” showcased his reach, though the broader Hiero aesthetic on Fear shifted toward sharper, soul-infused textures. Playful passages give way to hyper-psychedelic intensity, evident on the combative “Chained Minds.” Casual maintained a relatively low profile for the next couple of years, even amid his widely noted freestyle clashes with former Hiero associate Saafir during 1994-1995. He resurfaced with the limited-edition projects Meanwhile in 1997 and VIP in 1999, while also contributing to the acclaimed Hiero anthology Third Eye Vision in 1998. He Think He Raw followed in 2001 and Smash Rockwell arrived in 2005.