<p>Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings is an Oakland, California-based, independent, primarily alternative hip hop record label founded and owned by underground hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics. The label was created by the collective in 1995 to publish and market the collective's, and individual member, releases, as well as releases from other, affiliated artist's that major labels would deem not commercial enough for mass distribution.
The label's roster features the Hieroglyphics entire catalog, as well as associated, alternative hip hop acts such as the Souls of Mischief, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and O.C. The label is also home to soul music songstress Goapele, and the heavy metal/hard rock band, A Band Called Pain.</p>