It only needs four seconds until Opio starts rhyming on his new album »Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2«. And from that moment on the rap-veteran doesn’t really stop until the 13 short and catchy tracks are over. That is astonishing, after all there is no need to rush for the 37 year old MC. As a member of the legendary Souls of Mischief and the Hieroglyphics he is part of music history since 93 – and probably til infinity. But if you listen to »Elevated Style«, the opener of the new LP, it becomes clear what the following album will sound like: Laidback rhymes over wonderfully unagitated beats. And the guy talks about weed, women, money – which is clearly not the reinvention of the wheel. Those are rather very classical topics. But this is exactly what makes »Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2« such a great effort. Many of the songs could pass as classics instantly. Especially »Driven By Mission Not Money« is one of those things you hear and that will be stuck in your head. The well mixed instrumental furnished with some nice cuts and vocal samples will make your head nod, and Opio’s lyrics are full of ingenuity and wordplays. »Bill Collectors« with its amost annoying telephone-sample and the MC’s special rhymeflow could have well be found on Slick Ricks »The Ruler«. And so on. In the end you can only be worried that »Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2« will go unnoticed, since neither Opio as a person, nor the music he brings, are made to blow up on the big stage. Still, you should give it a listen. It would be a pity, if nobody heard this really honest and well produced approach on hip hop music.
Moor Mother
The Great Bailout
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