Diamond D, the renowned emcee and producer from The Bronx, New York, once again throws it completely salty with the finale of his trilogy The Diam Piece. Known as a mentor to Jazzy Jay, he formed the legendary D.I.T.C. collective in '92, along with hip-hop icons Lord Finesse and Showbiz. Shortly thereafter, Diamond D dropped his classic debut album Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop - and the rest is history.
With six dope albums and a stack of mixtapes further, he's still salting the scene with his recent works, such as Gotham and The Rear View. Move over because The Diam Piece and its sequel have guests talking heavily, while this summer he threw Initium and Duo in between.
Check out the track "I'm Not Crazy" by B-Real and Everlast, where the raprock influences set the vibe that the whole world has gone a little loco. Next, NEMS, Prayah, Saigon and Tons ride the boombap rhythm with "T.S.N.Y.," banning anyone from the vibe who can't keep up with the movement.
The track "My DJ Spits Betta Than U" featuring Da Inphamus Amadeuz, Doo Wop and Kid Capri, shows what real DJs can do. They spit on a sample of Alan Parker's "Monochrome" and claim their spot on the mic, which flows seamlessly into "Casket Fresh" by Chip Fu, Kardinal Offishall and Peedi Crakk, a track that will make you look fresh when you go underground.
Diamond D jumps in himself on "Get with It" along with Sadat X, while the funky flute vibes take you into the story of how these days everyone wants to be a rapper. "Hyenas" by Reef Hustle, Shortee Sha and Tek stays in the hardcore boombap corner, while "Weed, Sex & Cars" by Camp Lo expresses breezy longings for life.
With a solid synth beat comes "It's Up 2 Me" from Junk and 4-IZE, who rap about their staying impact. The energetic "Ride the Wave" featuring Aftermath Entertainment producer Focus... invites you to approach with caution. "Keep on Steppin'" rounds out the story with Boog Brown, Camari and Lady Luck. This gospel-infused track has the ladies delivering their message to Higher Power.
Although this latest episode of The Diam Piece trilogy is impressive, Initium is still my preference. Still, it's relishing Diamond D's signature boombap sound and the variety of izzles that dominate the mic, including raprock, funk and a touch of gospel. It's like a musical salt platter with a point of recognition, a sample that reminds me of a 7L & Esoteric classic.
With a solid score of 7 out of 10, little more remains to be said than that Diamond D once again retains his place as one of the fattest producers with style and skills - a truly worthy finale to a trilogy that leaves the hip-hop scene salted. What do you think? Let's hear your vibe!
#hhz #houhet salt #hiphop #diamondD #rap #trilogy #newmusic
