OPM: Pioneers of West Coast Hip Hop & Rock Fusion
OPM, an acronym for "Other People's Money," is a hip hop and rock group from Los Angeles, California. The band achieved mainstream success in the early 2000s with their platinum-selling single "Heaven Is a Halfpipe," which became a crossover anthem on rock and pop radio stations internationally.
Early career
OPM was formed in 1994 by frontman John E. Necro and guitarist Geoff Turney, drawing from the diverse musical landscape of Southern California. Their early sound was a gritty mix of punk rock energy and hip hop beats, which they developed through relentless touring and self-released demos, eventually catching the attention of the independent label Elementree Records.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2000 with the release of their debut album, "Menace to Sobriety," on the larger DreamWorks SKG label. The lead single, "Heaven Is a Halfpipe," became a global phenomenon, propelled by its inclusion in the popular video game "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2," and was certified platinum in several countries.
Key tracks
Heaven Is a Halfpipe — This platinum-selling single defined OPM's signature sound and became an international skate-punk anthem.
El Capitan — A track showcasing the band's heavier rock influences and a staple of their live performances.
Stash Up — This song highlighted their funk and reggae-infused style, demonstrating their musical versatility beyond their hit.
Horny — A later single that maintained their cheeky lyrical style and received consistent rock radio play.
Following their debut's success, OPM toured extensively and released the album "ForThemAsses" in 2004, which included production work from notable figures like Evidence of Dilated Peoples. Despite lineup changes and shifts in the musical landscape, the group continued to record and perform, solidifying a dedicated cult following drawn to their unique hybrid sound.
Fans of OPM's blend of genres might also enjoy Kottonmouth Kings for their similar fusion of hip hop and punk rock. 311 shares OPM's reggae-rock foundation and positive vibes. Sublime pioneered the West Coast ska-punk and hip hop mix that influenced OPM's direction. The Pharcyde represents the alternative hip hop spirit that permeates the band's rhymes.
The music of OPM maintains a steady presence on radio stations that celebrate early 2000s rock and alternative hits. You can hear their tracks on classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and dedicated online rock radio streams that feature the era's defining crossover sounds.
Listeners can discover the influential hip hop and rock fusion of OPM on the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their iconic tracks and explore the sound of this definitive West Coast band.
