Album Details

• Artist: Opio
• Album: Vulture's Wisdom: Volume 1
• Label: Hieroglyphics
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2008-11-15

      These are not my most proud moments as a music reviewer.  Sometimes, when you get a disc, it just doesn't make it to the priority pile.  I have no excuse- I meant to put Opio in the priority pile. Hieroglyphics recordings, as up and down as their releases may be, is soon to be the dominant name in underground Hip Hop.  At least for the time being, one of the most underestimated.

       One of the spear throwers is Opio who is most notably mentioned for his work with Souls Of Mischief.  Add in production credits for various Hiero and Opio rarely has time for his own stuff.  Well, I guess he's just been hording more than anything. Vulture's Wisdom: Volume 1 (Sophomore effort), is the first of three solo releases to come out in the next year.  Getting straight to the tunes, there's a reason I feel regret about letting this thing collect dust my friends.

     Soaked in funk beats, samples and a variety claw of raw scratching, Opio rarely disappoints with his lyrical ability to shoulder the rhythm.  With Or With You is a perfect example, it is aggressive and full of energy. He's not just blowing smoke. To The People, which would land in my top ten songs of the year, is not just a bunch of verbage that fits hooks.  "Events that will change your mind its not the fame or the fortune or the Clear Channel extortion".  

   Also check out I Need A Money Tree for a beat similar to the sample styles of Warren G but lyricism that slams Kanye West and others. The prize has a familiar rock hook that seems cooled down a bit.  With all that Opio is involved in, its his solo cuts that seem to grab the tightest grip.  Opio is slick and then some, Volume 1, is evident of that.  Look for me to make less of an ass out of myself in 2009 as Opio, Hiero and crew make their largest splash yet.

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