Tag Archives: Diamond D

Dillon Unearths 9 “Uncut Gems” Produced by Diamond D (Album Review)

This is the 6th full-length album from Atlanta based emcee, producer & engineer Dillon. Coming up under the original moniker Intellekt, he would properly introduce himself in ‘07 with his debut mixtape Uncut & enlist Paten Locke for the debut Studies in Hunger a couple years later. Dillon would go on to follow this up with a sophomore effort Food Chain alongside On Their Way & The Tails of Lobsterdamus respectively, but is looking to come off the J57-produced ‘83 Kids by unearthing some Uncut Gems with Diamond D of D.I.T.C. behind the boards.

The title track is a smooth, luscious opener as he & Diamond declare the return of the prophet & the prince picking back up where they left off whereas “Pick Up the Pace” delves into jazzier turf encouraging everyone to begin moving/working faster with an energizing hook. “Comin’ Out Swingin’” featuring eLZhi continues to being in the jazz calling themselves the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world prior to “Turn the Heat Up” blends these kicks & snares with a bass guitar so dude can apply pressure lyrically.

“Pardon Our Dust” featuring Planet Asia & Ras Kass expands on the boom bap vibes of the predecessor swapping out the bass licks in favor of some pianos talking about some adjustments that’re required to be made leading into “Just Breathe” featuring Slimkid3 goes for a more synth-based direction reminding to simply take a breath whenever you’re feeling stressed. The song “Devil in a Blue Dress” pulls together a hi-hat & some horns talking about a deal he made while the penultimate track “Overtime” gives off a more old school sound trying to be the first one in & the first one out. “Permanent Scars” though closes the album in the for of a mellow boom bap talking about the exact impression left.

Considering that Black Tie Affair wound up being my favorite Dillon EP in the fall of 2017 & of course Diamond D’s verse on “Come Up”, it only makes sense for them reunite throughout Uncut Gems as the end results quite possibly make it the Full Plate Records founder’s strongest album yet. His pen-game is a cut above ’83 Kids as the production from the Diggin’ in the Crates co-founder slickly meshes some old & new aesthetics together. Physical t-shirt bundles are available exclusively via Bandcamp

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Elzhi Joins Dillon For Their Diamond D Produced Banger “Comin’ Out Swingin’”

For the follow-up single taken from Dillon’s Uncut Gems LP, the ATL-based spitter shares mic duties with lyrical heavyweight Elzhi for the high energy banger, “Comin Out Swingin’.”

Produced by the legendary Diamond D—who produced Uncut Gems in its entirety—the battle tested beatsmith laces up a track that’s equally as funky as it is anthemic for both emcees to live up to the track title.

Head over to the streaming platform of your choice to support, and pre-order Uncut Gems now via Bandcamp, where the LP will be available via DSPs, vinyl and cassette (with bonus instrumentals), on June 6th through FULL PLATE. Bundle packages that include physical copies and t-shirts have also arrived for pre-order!

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Dillon & Diamond D Join Forces For An Absolute Banger “Uncut Gems”

Dillon & Diamond D join forces for an absolute banger, “Uncut Gems,” which serves as the title track off the duo’s upcoming album, which is produced entirely by Diamond D.Backed by the shimmering instrumental—for real, you can hear it shine through your headphones—Dillon spits with conviction alongside the legendary emcee/producer who’s in his corner. From bars about his philosophical views to slick doses of bravado, the Atlanta-based emcee’s vibes radiate across the track. 

While Diam is primarily behind the boards on Uncut Gems, he felt it was only right to bless this song with his gifts on the mic as well. He splits his verse in half with intricate rhyme patterns and verbal darts aimed at his opponents.

Head over to the streaming platform of your choice to support, and pre-order Uncut Gems now via Bandcamp, where the LP will be available via DSPs, vinyl and cassette (with bonus instrumentals), on June 6th through FULL PLATE. Bundle packages that include physical copies and t-shirts have also arrived for pre-order!

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Diamond D Drops Classic Love Tale In New Cinematic Visual “The Wrong Thing”

Diamond D’s new video for “The Wrong Thing” is a classic love tale so many of us know all too well, and the living rap legend brings the story to life in these cinematic visuals that he co-directed with Reemo Films.

The track stems from D’s latest record, 2022’s dope “The Rear View“, and it serves as the soundtrack for a short film about a very specific type of heartbreak. “It’s the story of a man who found love with a good woman but ultimately ruins the relationship by neglecting her,” D explains.

Realizing what he’s done, He tries to win her back at all costs by giving her everything she deserves, from gifts to nights out on the town. And while “The Wrong Thing” already hits hard enough with D’s storytelling bars and scene-setting, it’s made that much more potent thanks to Ashtin Martin’s strong guest vocals on the hook.

Check out the visuals and head over to support The Rear View, available now on Dymond Mine Records / EMPIRE Distribution. In addition to Ashtin Martin, the 14-track LP includes guest appearances by Chris Rock, Fat Joe, Posdnuos (De La Soul), Westside Gunn, DJ Cash Money, Stacy Epps, and more, with production supplied by himself along with Nottz, Focus, D.R.U.G.S. Beats, Mr.Brady and Len Funk. The album is also available on CD and vinyl in both a classic black version through Fat Beats as well as an exclusive translucent light blue edition via HHV.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Diamond D Returns to the Mic for ”The Rear View” (Album Review)

Diamond D is a 54 year old MC/producer from The Bronx, New York who came up as a mentor of Jazzy Jay. He would then form the D.I.T.C. collective alongside Lord Finesse & Showbiz in ‘92 only to put out his classic full-length debut Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop shortly after. D went on to drop 4 more albums & a couple mixtapes of his own but now that it’s been a year & a half since Gotham gave us their acclaimed self-titled effort, he’s back in effect for a 6th album.

After the Chris Rock intro, the first song “Life’s What You Make It” is a symphonic opener to the album produced by Focus… talking about never saying your word’s your bond & breaking it whereas “Live My Life” takes a groovier approach encouraging to let him glow. Westside Gunn tags along for the guitar-driven “Faithful” getting in their mafioso bag leading into the title track bringing back the strings thanks to Nottz taking about feeling so free.

Meanwhile on “Godly”, we have Diamond D over some dusty drums & pianos confessing that’s exactly how he’s feeling just before Dre comes into the picture for the classy “Neva Settle” talks about keeping their eyes up & that they gotta get it. After the “Joe Crack” interlude, “Ouuu” mixes some lavish keyboards & a crooning vocal loop reminding that nothing can stop you as long as you listen to your heart prior to the synth-laced “Smoke Sumthin’” dedicating a banger to all the chiefers out there.

“The Wrong Thing” comes through with a more smoother aesthetic getting on the more romantic side of things, but then the Posdnuos-assisted “Flying High” delivers a charming banger about being the hardest. The song “The Man’s Swift” returns to the boom bap spitting some braggadocio while the penultimate track “The Scorn” with K.P. laces some horns talking about wanting the chicken & there isn’t any other like them. “Inertia” however serves as a mystical finisher saying all he honors is his balls & his word.

As much as I admired The Diam Piece & it’s sequel for primarily focusing on Diamond D’s production skills, I’d still recommend giving The Rear View a shot for those who missed hearing him on the mic. A couple weak features here & there, but the production is a lot more laid back with more slower tempos & the man himself sounds rejuvenated lyrically.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Today In Hip Hop History: Fat Joe Released His Debut Album ‘Represent’ 29 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, legendary DITC delegate Fat Joe dropped his debut full-length studio album Represent on the Relativity/Violator imprint.

In 2020, Fat Joe is recognized as one of the icons of NYC Hip Hop, however, back in 1993, Joe was knee-deep in the streets and having only appeared on Diggin’ In The Crates founder Diamond D’s Stunts, Blunts And Hip Hop album was fairly a newcomer to the rap game. With assistance from his DITC crew members Diamond, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz behind the boars, Joe formulated one of the most integral audible time capsules of the era. Tracks like the Beatnuts-powered “Shit Iz Real”, “You Must Be Out Of You Fuckin’ Mind” featuring the late Apache of the Flavor Unit and Kool G Rap and the premiere single “Flow Joe” were all foundational examples of the “Fat Joe Da Gangsta” persona that is now respected and celebrated in 2020.

Salute to the late Chris Lighty, Fat Joe, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, and the entire DITC for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Fat Joe Released His Debut Album ‘Represent’ 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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Dillon And J57 Bring Together Diamond D And Skyzoo For Potent Posse Cut “Come Up”

Check out this new single “Come Up” by Dillon and J57 featuring guest verses from DITC icon Diamond D and top tier lyricist Skyzoo.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Diamond D Recruits Snoop Dogg and Case For Latest ‘Turn It Up’ Visual

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In May of 2019, Grammy Award-winning artist Diamond D released his first album in almost five-years The Diam Piece 2.  The legendary virtuoso gathered esteemed names such as Fat Joe, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch, Snoop Dogg, Erick Sermon, Havoc, Talib Kweli, David Banner, Elzhi, Twista, Xzibit, Styles P, Buckshot & O.C. among others on the long-awaited project.

Today, the “best producer on the mic” releases a new visual from The Diam Piece 2, “Turn It Up,” which features Snoop Dogg & Case.   

The video for “Turn It Up” was crafted and animated by renowned African-American artist Marcellous Lovelace.  The track displays Diamond’s effortless interpretation of west coast based production, as he, Snoop, and case ride thru the streets of LA.

“This song is one of my favorite tracks from The Diam Piece 2Diamond commented.  “It’s the perfect marriage of east and west coast.”

The post Diamond D Recruits Snoop Dogg and Case For Latest ‘Turn It Up’ Visual appeared first on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Fat Joe Released His Debut Album ‘Represent’ 27 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, legendary DITC delegate Fat Joe dropped his debut full-length studio album Represent on the Relativity/Violator imprint.

In 2020, Fat Joe is recognized as one of the icons of NYC Hip Hop, however, back in 1993, Joe was knee-deep in the streets and having only appeared on Diggin’ In The Crates founder Diamond D’s Stunts, Blunts And Hip Hop album was fairly a newcomer to the rap game. With assistance from his DITC crew members Diamond, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz behind the boars, Joe formulated one of the most integral audible time capsules of the era. Tracks like the Beatnuts-powered “Shit Iz Real”, “You Must Be Out Of You Fuckin’ Mind” featuring the late Apache of the Flavor Unit and Kool G Rap and the premiere single “Flow Joe” were all foundational examples of the “Fat Joe Da Gangsta” persona that is now respected and celebrated in 2020.

Salute to the late Chris Lighty, Fat Joe, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, and the entire DITC for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Fat Joe Released His Debut Album ‘Represent’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

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Diamond D – “Survive Or Die” Ft. Fat Joe, Raekwon & Fred The Godson (Video)

Known as the “best producer on the mic”, Grammy Award winning artist Diamond D drops his new video titled “Survive Or Die” featuring Fat Joe, Raekwon & Fred The Godson.  Off his new album “The Diam Piece 2“.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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