Opio - "To The People"
08.15.2008
"So chill with the theatrics and villainous roles / Them cyanide raps that be killin us all"
The Song & Video:
In "To the People," the latest single from Vulture's Wisdom, Volume 1, Opio rants against society’s current ills- "So chill with the theatrics and villainous roles / them cyanide raps that be killin us all." Opio channels his frustration and anger at the usual suspects: politicians, weak emcees, and "Clear Channel extortion," without crossing into the over-the-top ridiculousness that plagues those same weak emcees. With a head-banger of a beat that sounds at once heavy and funky, the video shows him and producer The Architect commandeering local streets, stores, and fire trucks, taking charge to "organize the change."
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 is 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:
"To The People"
http://media.audibletreats.com/Opio-To_The_People.mp3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpfJaJfMjyQ
"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