Opio - "Original Lyricist"
07.29.2008
Classically-styled track name-checks Bill Bellicheck, Johnny Cash, and The Big Lebowski
The Song & Video:
In the latest single from Vulture's Wisdom, Volume 1, Oakland-based emcee Opio sets the video for the song "Original Lyricist" at McAfee Coliseum, home of the Oakland Raiders. Shot entirely in grayscale (matching the team's trademark black and silver colors), it gives a straightforward, no hype visual that gives Opio room to run with his lyrics. The classically-styled track name-checks Bill Bellicheck, Johnny Cash, and The Big Lebowski without a blink, stumble, or pause on Opio's part. He rhymes, "It go me and my fellowship / represent intelligence in the championship / I'm sick like Bill Belichick." Aggressive, assertive, and fast - his flow could teach the Raiders a few lessons for next season.
The Background:
As a teen, Opio hooked up with local rappers Tajai and A-Plus, whom he met through Casual, another emcee who was Opio's classmate and neighbor. The three instantly clicked and began recording together, soon adding fourth emcee Phesto Dee, to form the group Souls of Mischief. Together with Del the Funky Homosapien, Casual, Domino, and Pep Love, the legendary crew Hieroglyphics was born. Opio has always done double duty for Hiero as both an emcee and producer. Opio's recent production credits include the track "Naked Fonk" from Del's recent 11th Hour. Opio's first solo effort, 2005's Triangulation Station, moved over 20,000 units. Vulture's Wisdom, Volume 1 is the first chapter of a forthcoming trilogy from Opio. All three albums are produced by Oakland-based The Architect and will be released on Hiero Imperium records.
Opio will be touring this summer and fall in support of the album with Hieroglyphics. Dates available here.
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Web editors please contact Nora (nora (at) audibletreats.com), print editors please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Opio.
Streams:
"Original Lyricist"
http://media.audibletreats.com/Opio-Original_Lyricist.mp3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKUVSqYA9q8
"Stop The Press"
http://media.audibletreats.com/Opio-Stop_The_Press.mp3
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gWj_GMQOoqc
"Don Julio"
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Opio/DonJulio.mp3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fng1VtMPU4k
"Some Superfly Sh!t"
http://media.audibletreats.com/Opio-Some_Superfly_Shit.mp3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cgjhzdjIg
Kanye, John Mayer & Just Blaze gives props to Souls of Mischief
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyW37_-WAug
Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Opio
Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/opiolindsey
Hiero MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/hieroglyphics
David Flores:
http://www.davidfloresart.com/
Label site:
http://www.hieroglyphics.com