Homegrown OPM

The July 18th release of California Poppy marks a creative milestone for the group OPM and an inspired evolution in indie hip hop. The album marks the groups’ third album, but only their second release on Suburban Noize Records. The switch to the label allowed OPM to escape from their former major label musical “enslavements” of Atlantic Records, giving the group the creative freedom they needed to go back to their humble roots and develop what is possibly their best album to date.

The homegrown California Poppy sets itself apart from OPM’s previous albums through a more old school form of production. Produced solely by lead vocalist john e. and guitarist Geoff, the group had complete control over the creative process of the album. Unlike previous efforts, each song was allowed a noticeably natural progression throughout its creation, which involved live instruments and carefully crafted lyrics.

Exploring the depths of Californian life through the eyes of a native, OPM seems to let the world know how life really is in the land of glitz and glamour. As always, the group tackles everyday issues through the combination of hip hop and alternative, adding a charismatic reggae undertone. The subtle groove of songs like “For Tonight” allows for the group to create a seductive grown folk love song. Other songs indulge listeners by reaching into the inner feelings of the members, and pulling out an eclectic response to social issues, politics, and sexuality. Nevertheless, the group returns to some of their old antics of protesting the “war on drugs” and showing love for scantly dressed women. OPM puts finishing touches on the album with a caricature of the Virgin Mary holding the golden child in a field of poppies, reflecting a more humble approach to their classic style.

Catch OPM, along with Common Sense and Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, July 29th at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana.

by Deanna Adams