Who is The Black Opera? Music Nerdery attempts to figure it out in their Very First Interview.

So apparently, having a one-on-one conversation with The Black Opera is a very rare thing. While they have done some basic question answering and fan engagement via the YouTubes and Twitter, actually sitting down and speaking with them directly can be an issue, mostly because they are really into their identity and keeping it private. I respect it; in fact, I am intrigued by it.

Once their staff made it clear that TBO were ready to do some of their first interviews, I was just happy to finally have access to these kids on a press level. Imagine my surprise when I found out Music Nerdery would be the first to talk with them all. I am not worthy but I did my best, asking what I could get out in such a short period of time. I don’t think I did too shabby. Let’s get into The Black Opera’s first interview, shall we?

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Music Nerdery: From the style of your music and lyrics, the impression is that The Black Opera is aiming create some change within Hip Hop. With that in mind, I’d love to know who IS The Black Opera and what is your mission and objective in Hip Hop music and culture.

The Black Opera: WE chose the art of hip hop to get OUR initial message to the masses for a reason. In doing so WE wanted to show that hip hop music as an art form has many dimensions and endless possibilities. In the world of hip hop, one of my personal objectives is to create music strong enough to make the group Outkast listen and want to record a new album together. They seem to be at the pinnacle of the culture and I want to inspire them. If they record another album together I will feel as though my objective in hip hop has been accomplished. – TBOG: #120279.

Hip Hop is currently the most popular performing Art Form that still connects to the Voice of The World’s Ancestry. What better forgotten culture to choose to cultivate the forgotten chosen? TBOG: #041380.

MN: I know that it is your goal to keep your identities private to the best of your ability. However, this is my one chance to ask you if you are willing to share anything; your names, your individual backgrounds… perhaps where you are all from?

I would like to be known as TBOG: #120279, that’s all I would like to divulge at this moment.

I am TBOG: #041380. My goal is to make the most of my time and energy on this planet.

This is TBOG: #061181. BE GREAT.

MN: I knew that was going to be the answer, but I figured I’d try anyways. There’s so much talent in this one group alone its a bit overwhelming and scary. Since we still can’t get to deep into your identity, can you get a bit into how the members of  The Black Opera found each other and formed this impressive group?

#120279: WE didn’t come together for the purpose of making hip hop music, that’s just one of OUR mediums of expression. WE came together because WE similarly felt that certain things in OUR society needed to be changed and the arts can be a catalyst to that change.

#041380: WE naturally gravitated to each other through creativity fields. Once WE started to get a powerful momentum together, WE realized that this movement was bigger than US as a whole. WE understood that WE were being used as vessels to deliver a message that has been floating around for centuries.

#061181: This is just the beginning.

MN: When it comes to Hip Hop (much like life), we tend to draw inspiration from those around us. Can you all name of some influential people within Hip Hop who have inspired you, your craft and what you are doing today?

#120279: I’m personally more inspired by everyday life, the environment, society and the cultures of the past and today. Hip Hop as a whole being one of those cultures.

MN: Okay. So Lets get into the details, starting at the beginning. Where did you come up with the name Black Opera.

#061181: The name “The Black Opera” represents OUR twist on popular perception. WE are here to splash paint on the canvas of accepted logic and evoke individuals to think for themselves. Black represents the combination of all colors. Opera represents The Harmony that’s needed to coexist. The Black Opera also stands for: The Black Ops, The Black Opposites, The Black Operation and The Black Op Era.

MN: One of the great things about your music is your ability to pick some quality beats. Who is behind the production of TBO and the impressive production we keep hearing in your songs.

#061181: Some of OUR production Composers have been mentioned. Astronote, 14KT, Nick Speed, Apollo Brown, Rhettmatic, J-Bizness, Slop Funk Dust, J-Rell and a host of other live musicians and digital producers currently paint the face of The Black Opera. WE are Surrounded by Genius.

MN: Tell us the inspiration behind the visual movements of The Black Opera. “Gods Camera” and some of your previous tracks just have simple photos with them, while “Timeline” features a key part of Vanilla Sky backed by some amazing audio. What was the motivation behind your Movements and Trailers, if there was any?

#041380: The Perception of OUR Image consists of Images and Perception. The very Science of how people perceive Life is an Art in itself. There is nothing new under the sun, except the eye of the beholder. WE express OUR Art with familiar and unfamiliar Images; whether digital, physical, past or current. Pictures, Videos and Words are no different from the colors used by an artist painter to express their vision. No one and nothing is safe from being used as subjects in OUR Art Gallery.

#061181: Perception is KING.

MN: Speaking of old movements, lets speak about the New Movement. You men have a great new single ‘Manute Bol,’ which both pays tribute to the kindness and humanitarianism of Mr. Bol, as well as relating it to how amazing your own brand of Hip Hop is. Can you talk a bit about how this amazing single came together, and why you chose Mr. Bol as your subject?

#120279: One of OUR mantras is BE A HUMBLE GIANT, Manute Bol best exemplified that mantra. Not only with his physical stature but with his giant heart, and he never expected anything in return. He balanced being a star in the game of basketball and shining as a Leader in his community.

#061181: I would like to add: The Black Opera consists of Men, and also Women like myself. WE are ONE.

MN: Oh really? Okay. Well now for the stuff I’m into…touring, new music and albums. What are your plans on releasing physical albums and getting your message out to the masses? Any Touring in sight for you as of yet?

#061181: WE have chosen to present The Black Opera in eras. [The Black Op: Era I] has three parts, the first two being Overture and EnterMission. The third part; Libretto of King Legend, will be presented soon enough. WE are not yet speaking on when the second Black Op Era will be presented. Also, WE are in the final stages of Tour Preparation.

MN: So what are the Long Term Goals of The Black Opera? Better yet, where do you hope to be in the next 3 to 5 years with your careers and your musics?

#120279: Whether YOU “hear” or “see” The Black Opera or not in the near or distant future, rest assured WE are and always have been in existence. WE make OUR physical presence known when WE feel it is necessary.

#041380: WE Thank YOU.

#061181: EnterMission.
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As illusive and brief and as ever, that was all I could get out of them before time was up. While they are still elusive and guarded with answers, I was able to get some decent information out of them… and whats this about a girl being in the group? That’s kinda awesome.
Also pretty awesome, the kids left me with their newest single, ‘Black City.’ They took ‘Rack City’ and made some sense out of it, essentially.

Again, I was very lucky (and humbled) to have this opportunity with this group of talented musicians. If youre reading this, I’m pretty sure you and I are both ready to see what the future brings for The Black Opera.
Investigate the contact information below, and enjoy.

TBOsite
http://TheBlackOpera.com/

TBOtwitter:
http://twitter.com/theblackopera/

TBOtumblr:
http://theblackopera.tumblr.com/

TBOtelevision:
http://youtube.com/tbotelevision/

TBOfacebook:
http://facebook.com/TheBlackOpera