The Black Opera is a collective of several members who refer to themselves as "rap's first performing arts group." They chose not to reveal their names and identified themselves with six-digit numbers such as #120279 and #041380. Their probing, hard-hitting approach was introduced in 2011 with the EP Overture and the album EnterMission. Both sets were supported by A-Side Worldwide. Libretto: Of King Legend followed in 2012, after the group signed to Mello Music Group. 14KT and Mayer Hawthorne made contributions. The Great Year, led by "Beginning of the End," a Tall Black Guy production with Georgia Anne Muldrow as featured vocalist, was released in 2014 and offered the most accomplished work of their first three albums. ~ Andy Kellman