The intro track from The Black OpEra's "80z Babiez To The 2Gz" Experimix takes you on a trip through time by sharing snippets of Hip Hop classics. Setting the tone with a wide range of artists from Public Enemy to Chubb Rock to Souls of Mischief to Jay-Z. I'm sure there were many goals in mind with the presentation of this album, which you can feel from the thoughtful flow of the track transitions. However, the stated purpose was to show that there are no rules when creating timeless music. This concept is reinforced by having a new school MC flow over old school style beats from some of Hip Hop's most influential artists between the 80's to 2000's. It's impressive how they flowed over so many different types of instrumentals and never skipped a beat with their delivery. The Black OpEra has great versatility as well as intelligence and awareness of the state of today's music.
I really appreciate this project and The Black OpEra as artists because they are representing and speaking on thoughts that I have and many other lovers of music, specifically, Hip Hop share. Many people who don't like Hip Hop are quick to write it off because they don't understand it and choose not to take the time to listen. They just hear it. Hip Hop is poetic. It is real life. But honestly, some of today's "Hip Hop" or I like to call it "Pop Rap" that we hear on the major radio stations or that top the charts, is far from the Hip Hop my generation were exposed to growing up. So, I don't blame the Hip Hop haters because the mainstream music is point-blank self destructive.
All the glorification of big butts, twerking, prescription drugs, violence, endless bottle popping, disrespecting "bitches", coveting material items (that are most likely rented or were given to the artist as a business transaction) has society, and especially our youth idolizing and focusing on things that aren't real or things that are only temporal. I think I'm finally a believer that life imitates art and art's influence, especially, Hip Hop has the power to change the course of society. Yet many music artists say they aren't role models, but they are. Much is given, much is required. Yes, parents are ultimately responsible for raising their children, but it takes a community. Many children are raised predominantly by one parent whether from a parent choosing not to be involved or separation/divorce. You can't protect your children 24 hours a day from what crosses their path, but in about 20 years or less we will see the repercussions of today's action or actually in-action. We need more artists like The Black OpEra to penetrate the mainstream and redirect the influence Hip Hop has on society and the youth to limit some of the hate, bullying and suicides that are increasing at alarming rates these days.
Once upon a time Hip Hop brought awareness to societal, political and to the edification of self. I want those days back because there needs to be a better balance and a better representation of what's real and what's lasting for our community. This is why the "Golden Era" of music is still in heavy rotation with those in my generation because it's truly timeless and makes you feel something. A lot of songs that come out today makes me wonder what was the point of this song? What are you bringing to the game? How are you going to push the envelope and elevate Hip Hop? Or are you just making a song to throw in the pile of other songs of no originality and follow the current trend. Yes, you make a good run and collect a few paychecks, but you won't be remembered 20, 5, better yet 1 year from now the way music is released just about every minute. What do you want to be remembered for? What will be your legacy? The Black OpEra provokes thought on the song "Koon Shit" asking do you be an actor or kick knowledge? The choice is yours.
Don't get me wrong I like to have a good time too, and was the turn up queen, but as I get older, you become wiser and understand what the priorities of life should be, and how to realize true success. Lately, I'm feeling like forget about "turn up", and more about TURN PAGES! Why can't or isn't that cool, marketable or profitable? I have my own personal answers, but more curious as to what you think. Leave a comment or hit me on our social networks to continue this discussion.
Also, make sure you press play on this album and really listen to it. Don't just hear it like I know many people do with some of today's music because I'm pretty sure they have to just be listening to the beat because if some knew and understood the lyrics they would be singing to a different tune. Word? Word.
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