It’s a provocative title — Magnum Opiates — the fourth studio album from rapper James Lopez a.k.a. “Big Lo,” who has opened for such acts as Lil’ Kim, and has performed in major southeast cities, even creeping up to NYC on at least one occasion.
The well-produced album’s opening track, “Salome Den of Iniquity” easily lives up to its title with such vivid lines as: “I put some blow on my cock / And she snorted.”
I never even considered such a scenario. Food for thought!
“Welcome to my World” is no less gritty. In this particular tune, Big Lo introduces us to a character named “Jimmy the Greek,” who divides his time between human trafficking and running the “local sports book.”
Other characters include a single-mother drug mule trying to “get the dope past customs” (Big Lo well might have witnessed this scene in his native Florida).
This song sure has some bite, a mean slithering snake bite.
My one complaint involves a reference to that dreadful Octomom lady. Big Lo: Unless Octomom is the one snorting cocaine off your cock, I don’t want to hear any more about that woman. She has received way too much attention as it is.
“Watch His Move” is a rather fast-paced and menacing assault of a tune. It’d be a good song to play as a fighter enters the arena. On that note, there’s a Sugar Shane Mosley reference in the ensuing track, “More Like 2.0.”
“Peace is for Buddhists” is a rather cynical, twisted, and yet all-too-realistic piece of social commentary.
“Snatch 2.0” might not be ideal for a first date, unless your date is bringing a crack pipe.
“Scat” might be the most playful track on the album. However, the lyrics are still plenty rough.
“Round The World Girl” almost gets a bit tender when the speaker expresses his sentiments for one of his ladies: “she love to deep throat / she never ever vomit.”
“Blood Shot Red” is a genuine ode to our nation’s favorite cash crop.
“Parlor Music” is definitely a trip. A continuous East Asian fiddle sound adds to an exotic vibe. I feel like I’ve gotten a contact high just listening to it.
I suspect that “Proud American” is an ironically-titled song.
In this album, the images are wild, usually dangerous and often unsavory. To his credit, you never know what the hell Big Lo is going to say next. There’s a certain hint of Latin flavor, though it’s by no means salsa music. Magnum Opiates is a bit reminiscent of Cypress Hill, but with more of an open-mic element.
Okay, time to get those opiates: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biglo4
I also feel compelled to mention that the Big Lo website is a vibrant work of art in itself: http://www.biglohiphop.com/
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com
