One of the founding members of Souls Of Mischief, as well as the super-group Hieroglyphics, Tajai Massey is stretching his creative capacity beyond music in 2018. Heads may not know that the Oakland, California MC/producer is also an architectural designer, and his latest project comes in the form of a new hotel he has acquired in Playa Lagartero, Panama. Many of the music videos Tajai has featured in over the years have emphasized exotic scenery, so much so that he would call it “the fifth member of Souls Of Mischief, or the tenth member of Hieroglyphics,” and now he seeks to share his inspiration with like-minded creatives.

The 19-room boutique hotel, Hibiscus Garden, is an escape to paradise that Tajai is looking to turn into the ultimate place for people to relax, rejuvenate, and create, and he has launched an IndieGoGo campaign to help achieve this vision. Hibiscus Garden is already a fully functioning, eco-friendly resort that features a private beach, horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, and an award-winning restaurant that reminded us of one of the best restaurants in Boston. Tajai’s initial $55K goal for the IndieGoGo campaign would add a pool, recording studio, yoga shala, and commence solar harvesting. More long-term stretch goals for the campaign are to eventually take the property off-grid, add a private boat and greenhouses, and upgrade the current amenities, making it the ultimate escape for creatives to work while experiencing the tranquility of the location.

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As with most crowdfunding campaigns, there are plenty of rewards for those who contribute, and Tajai is, of course, drawing from his music career to assist. Teaming up with producer Unjust, Tajai is set to release his new album Rap Noir, which came into fruition during his stay in paradise. It will also be his first full-length project since Souls of Mischief’s 2014 album, There Is Only Now (and subsequent Ali Shaheed Muhammad remix album). The release of the new album is centered around the IndieGoGo campaign, with rewards for contributors ranging from advanced digital copies of the new album to exclusive merch, and signed, limited edition vinyl that animates under light. There will be two versions of the album released; one with a more cinematic vibe inspired by the sounds and imagery of the film noir genre, and the other more bass-heavy, entitled Trap Noir.

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For those who are interested in more than these exclusive additions to the music collection, perks for larger investments in the campaign include a vacation at the resort, meeting Tajai and Unjust while there, or even experiencing a private Hieroglyphics music festival. Beyond music and tranquil vibes, Tajai is also looking to offer retreats for arts, crafts, yoga, martial arts, meditation, and to work with experts in solar and/or geothermal energy, and greywater. Get a more detailed look at the campaign and the rewards here.

Read the full Hieroglyphics news release on Hibiscus Garden and Rap Noir.

#BonusBeat: Tajai & Unjust’s first single as the group Rap Noir: