The Lord of Lords doesn’t need to get our attention with a bunch of hoopla and special effects. Instead, like Elijah, we should listen out for His still, small voice and react accordingly. Adjustments must be made on our end to stay in communication with The Father, not the other way around. This is the overriding message and intent of Osaze “Oppose” Murray’s new project Speak Lord.

I Kings 19:11-12 (KJV) “¹¹And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake ¹²And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

The Lord of Lords doesn’t need to get our attention with a bunch of hoopla and special effects. Instead, like Elijah, we should listen out for His still, small voice and react accordingly. Adjustments must be made on our end to stay in communication with The Father, not the other way around. This is the overriding message and intent of Osaze “Oppose” Murray’s new project Speak Lord.

Oppose is a Norfolk- bred emcee who has created a deserving buzz for himself over the past year or so. Having released an EP and a mixtape (hosted by his close brother in the Faith, DJ Wade-O), O has taken a very calculating approach leading up to this full album release. From a lyrical standpoint, Oppose is in the upper echelon in formulating cohesive songs that convey Kingdom principles. That honed skill, along with his signature delivery that is easy on the ears, creates the main sticking point for this project.

Looking at the playlist, with 13 songs total, this album mixes several styles of production and features a strong list of co- laborers in the HHH family. Starting with a spitfire intro verse on the album- titled, “Speak Lord”, Oppose wastes no time in interrupting regular programming to cut the things that distract us from God’s will. The second half of this song/ intro is what is hilarious, sad, and true all at once. I won’t give the details of the exchange between the two “young singles” involved, but it is definitely a must hear. Next, fittingly named “Skate Music”, features a team of Oppose and Hansoul on a retro- feeling track to discuss the “slick ways” of some in the church building. Both of these songs cover the misinterpretation, or lack of hearing, by those who don’t truly listen to the Lord speak.

“Champion Sound” brings a gritty, reggae- infused east coast track that speaks on the victory in Christ being proof enough to lay our lives down and follow His instruction. One of the most enjoyable tracks on the whole album, “Two Step”, is also the most meaningful. Using a storytelling approach, Oppose provokes the listener to take the steps necessary to flee sin and get to the Messiah. A song that really could be a nice wake up joint is “Daily Devotions”, a piano- sample driven track of thanks and praise.

Moving forward, “Here To Stay” (featuring Mac the Duolos) falls into the category of being good lyrically but hurt by the beat they are layed over. This also could apply to the “Speak Lord Interlude”, voiced by Excelsius, as well but the fact it is a synopsis of the album’s purpose helps somewhat. Things pick back up quickly with the heated “What You Want From Me”, which includes lyrical barrages from both J Johnson and Oppose. Truly a track that can be played by those who allow the input of others hold too much weight in comparison to The Word.

As the album closes, the listener is treated to the anthem- level “IBM Remix” featuring Bro. Wize (of Frontlynaz), Brinson, and Stephen the Levite. If this list doesn’t confirm the replay worthiness of this track, one listen will close the case. Followed by a poignant “To Our Leaders” and hard- hitting “One God”- with an appearance from Eddie Nigma and Readywriter- the album continues to encourage turning life down to hear the Lord. For good measure, Oppose approaches the Mercy seat on “Wash Me Clean” to nail the attitude of humility that the Lord demands from His children.

When it comes down to it, this album brings back a good feel that was special in 90’s hip hop. Now be clear, this is no diss at all but rather a statement that points to Oppose’s approach. He didn’t go out of his way to include any synthesized, Euro- inspired tracks or down south rhythms. He set a plan for this album, saught the Lord and spoke what he heard. I give this album a 3.5 star mark due to the handful of beats that are subpar in playability, a detail hard to overlook in music these days. Nonetheless, the good songs are plenty, and this album is worth at least a listen.