Opera Steve: The Hip Hopera Don

Words By David Lopez

Opera and Hip Hop don’t mix, right? Steven Santiago and all the rappers that have worked with him would strongly disagree. In social circles around the music industry he’s known simply as “Opera Steve,” a nick name given to him by Fat Joe and the late Big Pun whom he formed a bond with while he was the manager of one of Pun’s favorite restaurants, the now closed Jimmy’s Bronx Café.

“Pun gave me my first opportunity, I got to give credit to (Fat) Joe for introducing us. I could never take that away from any of them because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be in this hip-hop game. Straight up and down.”

You’ve heard this Bronx Puerto Rican’s voice on Pun’s second album Yeeeah Baby, on the track “Off Wit His Head;” Steve sings the ending opera solo in which he shouts out the names of all the Terror Squad members.

The classically trained acoustic singer expanded his resume when the Heatmakerz, sought out his services on Juelz Santana’s debut From Me To You. Steve assisted on the song “ Monster Music.” And on Camron’s Purple Haze LP, he sings the infectious chorus on “Killa Cam.”

He’s recently worked with rappers Capone, RZA, and Disturbing The Peace’s I-20.

His goal is to work with as many artists he can until he can secure a recording deal for a solo album with a major label. But Steve is not waiting around to release his music. He’s working on a Spanish and English pop album independently through B.O.S.S (Bracket, Opera Steve, & Sunny) Music. The label he privately owns.

“I just want my niche, I just want people to respect me for what I do. And the people are calling me the The Hiphopera Don, and I will back it up any day.”