10 Perfect Albums From The Golden Age Of Hip Hop

All the confusing nuances of youth are explored on this album. It's filled with bravado and swaggering confidence; but also expresses the tedium of poverty; the boredom of being a teen, and the frustration that comes with chasing romance. Often the subject matter betrays the youthfulness of the members of the group. But, there's a sincerity to their lyrics that make them incredibly affable. There's a distinctly relaxed nature to this album, induced by the use of the smoothest jazz and funk samples you could imagine.

This came out at a time were hard-man postering was all the range. Gangsta rap was the reining king of hip hop, and with it, came a litany of diss tracks, homophobic slurs, references to violence and misogyny. Souls Of Mischief's debut took a different path. Live and Let Live, spoke of gang violence, but alluded to the dichotomy of trying to not succumb to violence, even as you realise it might save your life.

The title track is the most infectiously laidback moment on the album. The dreamscape melodies suit the lyrics down to a tee. The group celebrate their enjoyment of a carefree life spent with friends; easing the message home with the repeated line "This is how we chill".