Grand Opus talks Streaming, Musical Influences, & the State of Hip Hop in an Exclusive Interview w/ Mistah Wilson

"As a fan and collector of music myself I’d always rather own my music though. Streaming is like a side dish to me." 

-Joc Scholar

Mistah Wilson: Yo, Grand Opus! I can't begin to express how much of an honor it is to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with thawilsonblock magazine! What's the latest & greatest?
Centric: It's all good man, we appreciate you! Everything is lovely. Our second album is out and

making noise, so lately we have been busy with promo and interviews. You know how is goes. We are just blessed to experience it all.

Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, who is Grand Opus and what led you guys to join forces?
Joc Scholar: Grand Opus is Joc Scholar, the emcee and Centric, the producer. We came together to basically make dope hip hop music from our own minds and on our own terms.

Mistah Wilson: No stranger to the music scene, the consistency of Grand Opus demands a respect that even haters must acknowledge. What are some current and upcoming projects you guys have in the works?
Centric: Word up! Appreciate that man. I would have to agree. Currently we just released our second album titled "High Power." It's a dope project with incredible features such as Buckshot, Skyzoo, ect. The release is still fresh, so we are going to let it marinate and work the album as best as we can until the idea of a 3rd album presents itself.

Mistah Wilson: From your perspective, what is the current state and condition of Hip Hop music and culture?
Joc Scholar: Well, corporate America has never been an element of Hip-Hop, so I feel like when you take that aspect and all it comes with out of the equation then the actual music and culture is alive and thriving if that’s what you’re looking for.

Mistah Wilson: What are your thoughts on music streaming services and do you believe it's the future of the industry? Why or why not?

Joc Scholar: Streaming is definitely the future of the industry because it’s already in motion now and being proven as the way it’s all going. Most people rather stream songs rather than purchase them these days because it’s easier to the casual listener. As a fan and collector of music myself I’d always rather own my music though. Streaming is like a side dish to me.

Mistah Wilson: Grand Opus has a commendable body of work. What are some of your personal favorite projects from music videos to singles and albums?
Centric: Off the "Forever" project, my personal favorites would probably be Super Power Bros, Forever, The Key and Cen Cal Profile. Off "High Power" I would say Black Rose, Surf's Up and The MC. I'm sure Joc has his own favorites. It's tough, because overall I love everything we have done up until this point. As far as videos I would say Forever, 360 Degrees and The MC. We had a blast shooting those videos.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some of your top musical influences that have helped shape the artists you are today?
Centric: Joc and I have our own personal influences, some of which may be the same. As for us as a duo, I believe Hip-Hop groups such as Reflection Enternal, Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and others in that realm created the platform that we follow and believe in. Groups like that not only paved the way for groups like us, but also helped to form and shape the nature of what we represent as a team.

Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring rappers?
Joc Scholar: Focus on your craft and put in the work.

Mistah Wilson: Where can people find and follow your music online?
Centric: They can visit our main site grandopusca.com to stay updated on current news. On our site you can also check out our videos and find information on how to purchase our music. As far as social media, you can follow us at @GrandOpusCA on both Twitter and IG and "Grand Opus" on FB and Vevo. People can also simply google our name to find information about us and our music.

Mistah Wilson: It's been great having you here with us for this exclusive interview with thawilsonblock magazine! If you have any shout outs, let's hear em!
Joc Scholar: Shout out to everybody rockin wit Grand Opus.