Opium

Confronting prejudice and mistreatment of Arabs and Middle Eastern people in America and the world, Opium stands as a bold and uncompromising reminder that dignity and respect are earned not given upon request. Challenging commonly cherished icons and myths near and dear to many, his music amounts to a "wake up call" long overdue. Political yet rugged and urban, with a west coast style and an appreciation for lyric, this is a jihad to bring back hip-hop and make it what it once was: Music of Revolution.

Raised in San Francisco, Opium has been rapping and making music for over ten years. His many artistic talents include theatrical stage performances and writing songs for other artists - as well as composing, mixing and writing his own songs on countless mix tapes, compilations, and underground albums.

Opium has performed all over the Bay Area and across the globe at such diverse venues as India's “Ahimsah Life Celebration”, Morocco's “Le Coupe de Monde World Cup Festival”, and numerous clubs from San Francisco to France to Amsterdam - thus proving that his skills and talents weigh in at an international level and are capable of going toe-to-toe with top industry competitors.

Opium is currently in the process of completing his Debut Album titled “Terrorism: 101”, and is fully anticipated to dive into the music world and shake up the status quo. His new Single from the upcoming album, titled “Bring it Back” was released in June 2009, and is currently available on itunes, amazon.com, and rhapsody.

Not to be thought purely as a solo artist, but a part of a global network and movement as a member of the group “216” with all North African members, and “Ferenheight” an SF Bay Area rap group with a growing fan base and regular live performances, Opium not only takes command when performing solo, but also contributes to the overall development of hip-hop music worldwide.

Opium derives inspiration and motivation from people as diverse as Eminem, 50 Cent, and Cheb i Sabbah. Yukmouth, Salif Keita, Mobb Deep, Hasan Hakmoun, Khaled, Bally Sagoo, Rashid Taha, Mac Dre, Federation, Andre Nickatina...