O.C.
Album : Smoke & Mirrors
Release Date : 10/28/2005
Label : Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings

Review : New studio album by D.I.T.C.’s O.C. on Hierglyphics Imperium ...

D.I.T.C member O.C. recently signed with indie hip-hop conglomerate Hiero Imperium and will release his fifth solo album entitled Smoke & Mirrors on 30th October, 2005.

When people talk about MC’s who are under-appreciated, O.C.’s name is always mentioned. His history of under-promoted albums and music industry drama has plagued him throughout his career. Despite releasing four critically acclaimed solo releases and having tracks on a dozen movie soundtracks, O.C. has remained largely unnoticed by the masses. Armed with Smoke & Mirrors and backed by one of the most respected independent hip-hop labels, Hiero Imperium, "King of the Underground" O.C. is ready to finally get the recognition he deserves., O.C. is excited about his new venture with Hiero. For the first time in his career, he has been given full control over the artistry of his music. Says O.C., "Knowing my history and work ethic Hiero said to me, ’We don’t have to babysit you, just do your thing.’ Now, how many labels do you know of that say that to their artists ?" What drew O.C. to the label was not only their mutual respect for each other but also the fact that Hiero took control of their destiny after getting fed up with dealing with other labels. Explains O.C., "The cats from Hiero experienced the same music industry bulllsh*t as me. They were smart and established their own company back in the mid 90’s and have been steadily growing ever since. I think part of the reason for their success is their egalitarian attitude. With Hiero, I’m treated more like a partner than just an artist." O.C. is the first East Coast artist to be affiliated with the label since it was established in 1997.

Smoke & Mirrors is a concept album based on themes of contradiction and hypocrisy that run rampant in the entertainment industry as seen through O.C.’s eyes. This album is another instant classic for the famed "King of the Underground." Smoke & Mirrors will be available for purchase on 30th October on Hiero Imperium

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No profanity, or inaproppriate remarks.

> OC Smoke & Mirrors, by CYKOLOEN (Denmark) [2005-11-15 21:40:26]

I most say, that i was very sceptic when i was about to buy this record, especcialy when i look back at when "Bon Appetit" first droped...Now that was a disapointment, like no other ! I loved "Word...Life" and "Jewelz", what was some true shit right there, and still is by all means. But i most say, that i was positive surprised, when i thru "Smoke & Mirrors" in the deck. If you are about to earl and terr your ears off, of that monotome gangta (c)rap, there reigns the rapworld today, then check out OC... You know O and his flow ! There is no bullshit here, but instead you`ll find substance and a social awereness, non commercial and no compromisses (YEAH !)... O gives us a part of hip hop, that seems lost by many, he brings us back to what it can be, quality and wellwritten rhymes with no bull, reality and true to life talk, about a man and his music, not being all thugged out, but staying true to yourself and the world around you. As fare as the prodution goes (by Mike Loe), it seems a little hard to separte some of the tracks from each togehter, and it can be difficult to find some real standout tracks, witch is a shame for OC, who delivers what he came for. Not that it makes the album bad at all, it would just had been to preffer with some diffrent produceres, to create more versalitily produtionwise. There are no guests on either, witch would have could helped O, to fill out the places where the beats fails. But all in all, a nice shot from OC on his first record from Heiro, but to lift it up to an even higher level where he belong, in my frame of mind, he needs to get together with some of his old D.I.T.C. crew- now that was fire !

> OC Smoke & Mirrors, by Pizon [2005-11-07 23:06:07]

Just giving y’all the heads up that we will be giving away a vinyl and video game prize pack and interviewing a legend on OneTwoOneTwo.

Here’s a preview of this week’s show :

 Interview with the legendary OC from D.I.T.C. (new album Smoke and Mirrors in stores now).
 Pizon and Timid squash the OC/Joe Budden beef at OC’s album release party... We’ve got detailed coverage of what went down.
 Listen for your chance to win a OneTwoOneTwo prize pack containing 5 vinyl singles from Redman, Young Jeezy, Little Brother, M.I.A., and Juelz Santana and a copy of the new video game True Crime - New York City for XBox/PS2.
 50 Cent disses Kanye West and reaches out to Jadakiss ? OneTwoOneTwo was also at the release party for 50’s new movie. What’s the controversy surrounding that ?
 DJ Premier, AZ, and Naughty By Nature are still confirmed as upcoming guests on the show and we’ve added more big names to that list. Who else will be joining us in the coming weeks ?
 Why October 27 was the best day for Hip Hop in a long time.
 Another chance to hear the first Jay-Z appearance on record (from 1986 - damn !).
 Much more.

OneTwoOneTwo Radio w/ Pizon and Timid Every Monday night, 9-11 PM EST (Replays on Wednesday) Listen online @ www.hiphopfundamentalz.com (Hit us on AOL Instant Messenger : iHHF is the screen name.)