Elyops

Elyops :: The Ops LP :: Break Ya Neck Records
as reviewed by Aaron Weaver
A funky guitar slices through the silence. A chilled voice gives the plucks some company, but as of now the genre is still ambiguous. Is it rock? Is it funk? Then bam! A kick drum to the dome, pulsing hi-hats, and a mellow voice suddenly fitting in like an instrument to an orchestra and voila'! We've got a banger folks.

"What's the Reason" was the right platform to let Cali's own Elyops kick his new album "The Ops Lp" from. But, what happens from there? A diver can hop off of the right diving board, but if there's no water in the pool, then the platform is nothing but a convenience for injury.

The next stand-out track comes about three songs later with the motivational, yet shamelessly truthful "Today."

"It's a new life, so get ready for the ride
Put the petal to the floor and the petty to the side
Put the focus on the mission
And the mission in perspective
Then make the adjustments that's going to be the most effective"

The stripped down beat consists of a simple, soothing guitar riff and a placid drum line. This caters to the MC because it gives him space and compliments his most obvious flaw; mic presence. As mentioned above, he can often times be found lurking beneath the beat, almost like another instrument on the track. But his laid back delivery reclined a little too far and unfortunately found a comfort zone a under the blanket of the music. Sometimes he even defers to an inaudible mumble that can go on for almost minutes, as heard, wasted on the particularly dope, gospel-country tinged beat for "This the Shit." I frequently found my focus drifting to the music and almost forgetting there was someone actually saying something to it.

When trying to listen, it's clear that this MC does take his lyrics seriously and it's a serious shame that he doesn't represent them like he probably could and definitely should. In his press kit, his story is revealed and it's obvious he has a different perspective than most. He was in a fatal car crash that crushed some vertebrae and left him stationary in a hospital bed for two months. When one comes so close to death and returns to talk about it, the knowledge gained is priceless, as heard on "Good Comes the Bad."

"I'm on a road trip, no script, just adlibbing my living
Lately I've been re-thinking about how every decision
I've been making in the past has been shaping my ass
And how life aint all about running around chasing the cat
There's a meaning, a purpose and that's my reason to resurface
So I take a deep breath, breathe in the earth
They say we reap what we sow, I'm trying to make some alterations
Cuz I'm tired of the unnecessary altercations
These distractions are impairing got me almost not caring
Adding extra wear and tear to the load I'm already bearing
And I want to take advantage of the time I manage
And every op that pops we only get so many chances
Dealing with my shortcomings is long overdue
Like the sun finally rising, has it ever dawned on you?
That we get out what we give in
Create the world we live in
We either active or we passive
We drafting or drifting"

Clearly this is no P-Diddy, because he writes his rhymes and reality checks. This is Elyops at his best, this is what holds the album up; lyrics from the heart.

As important as the lyrics are to an album, they're still only one aspect and even this one aspect can be affected by others. In this case, the delivery doesn't seem to be taken as seriously as the content. What good is your favorite pizza if the delivery takes two hours? Are you even going to tip the delivery boy? Well, I am. Elyops, add some more life to your voice, rap like you really want to be heard. If this advice is taken, then you'll surely gain a hungry following with an appetite for more.

Music Vibes: 6 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 7.5 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 6 of 10

Originally posted: May 3, 2005
source: www.RapReviews.com

- www.RapReviews.com

Paying dues for ten years as an underground artist Elyops has refined his skills, and abilities into magnificent shape. Elyops is a creative story teller, intense rapper, creative thinker, and a fun, imaginative artist. His discography includes the albums “Paper Or Plastic”, “Public Restrooms”, and “Youthful Indiscretion”. Some previously released tracks include “Professional Dookie Ripper”, and “Machine”. Fans who are interested in Elyops definitely need to do their homework and cop these albums, and tracks.

The beats featured on The Ops LP are insane, and perfectly meshed together like finely knitted butterfly nets. The beats are intense, interesting, full of captivating sounds, dazzling, packed with flavor, and extremely refreshing. For the most part the vibe is calm, mellow, and laid back.



Elyops delivers some of the best lyrics fans need to hear. He delivers his lyrics with perfect flow, creativity, and intensity. Fans are commanded to listen with each word that is spit from Elyopses lips. The content or message within the songs is something fans can relate with, and has a meaningful value. Elyops say’s a whole lot more than nothing. Elyops isn’t encompassed with bling bling, or over played lyrics. Elyopse’s best attribute is his story telling, and rhyme writing ability. Fans are drawn into the music, held tightly in anticipation, and never let loose.



The artwork for the LP is basic and could use some improvement. Sometimes fans pass up on purchasing gems like this because of the lack of eye candy in the artwork. The presentation could be stepped up a few notches in an effort to entice fans to spend some cash on the LP. There is also a lack of information about Elyops inside the jacket. Fans who purchase this release will want to know more information about the artist, especially since it’s likely that they may never have heard of Elyops before. The strongpoint to the artwork is that a picture of Elyops is included on the back of the LP to allow fans to connect more & identify with Elyops. The track listing is also unnumbered which is an annoyance to listeners.



The LP is eighteen tracks deep, which includes a skit in the deuce spot. The skit doesn’t really add to the LP, and would be better served removed. Skits rarely add to a release, and most times, take away from the overall. The approximate running time of the LP is fifty five minutes. Fans definitely receive a solid amount of music for their hard earned dollars. There is definitely a song on The Ops LP that will satisfy anyone, and everyone’s deepest craving.



The most appreciated tracks on the album include “Instant Reaction”, “Defence Mekanizm”, “Love Affair”, and “Fire Fly”. The least appreciated tracks include the Skit, “You Can’t Disect Me”, and “VRS In VRS Out”. All of the LP’s tracks are above average, and definitely great tracks, but when comparing tracks on the LP against one another there are ones that stand out, and some that stand out less. Make no mistake; each and every song is worth every ounce of listening attention fans have to give. “Rooolz” and the “Rooolz Remix” also deserve special notice as they are outstanding tracks as well (could be material for an exceptional 12”).



The production is also impressive, and deserves a notable mention. The beats and lyrics are dynamite through-out. The audio is definitely solid.



The Ops LP is a fantastic release that fans need to check out asap. Elyops delivers in each and every track, impressing fans with creative, interesting, and intense rhymes. Elyops is definitely making noise, and will continue to rise as a talented artist in the industry. The Ops LP is mandatory listening.


Reviewed By HipHopHotSpot.Com


- HipHopHotSpot.com

EVERYBODY GET YOUR HEAD OUT YOUR ASS, THIS ALBUM IS DOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviewed Dec 8,2005 by me - Let's Be Real Vol L Issue E