Diamond D is one of the more underrated rapper in the Diggin’ In The Crates crew. When one thinks of the legendary DITC crew one mostly thinks of Big L, Lord Finesse, OC and Fat Joe. Diamond D, is also a great rapper from the distinguished crew. This album shows just some of the extent of his tremendous talent. A hip-hop album which incorporates the true spirit of rap. Diamond D, is truly a rap and production superstar.

 

Intro 

A simple, short intro track. A voice comes on and gets the listener ready.

Best Kept Secret 

From the beginning of his track, Diamond D starts with some metaphors and introduces his style. His delivery is a bit dry but if one looks past that, they can see his lyrical skill, which is highly underrated.

Sally Got A One Track Mind 

This track is a narrative one about a girl named Sally. It basically takes the listener on a journey through Sally’s slightly disturbing life. Her lifestyle is that of a whore and Diamond D tells the entire so well.

Step To Me 

This is truly a great track. Diamond D spits some incredible lyrics. His lyricism are astonishing and this track is full of discreet great lyrical acts. It’s an arrogant track which is very much in keeping with basically a “DITC Tradition” But, he has every right to be arrogant. A great track.

Shut The ***** Up 

A little interlude. It has some random, unnecessary singing. This album could have definitely done without this.

***** What You Heard 

Diamond D clears up many misconceptions on this tremendous track. D comes up with some venomous lyrics which are put so softly, they tend to pass unnoticed. This is one of the better tracks on the album.

I’m Outta Here 

Diamond D slows down on this style and switches up his delivery a bit. This is a narrative track about different events in the life of Diamond D. Once again, Diamond D shows that he’s a great rapper with diverse styles. One of the best tracks on the album.

A Day In The Life 

Yet another narrative. Another great track after consistently good ones. Diamond D raps about “a day in the life of three black men” Diamond D comes up with some witty lyrics and shows that he is a law-abiding citizen. Not apart of the stereotype often tossed on the people of his colour.

Last Car On The 2 Train 

Another interlude which has little reason behind it.

Red Light, Green Light 

A good track with some nice, unique production. A great track where Diamond D tells a series of great stories. This is definitely one of the better tracks on the album. Word to Big Bird.

I Went For Mine 

Lyrically, this is a excellent track. D raps with great skill one a background of good production. It seems slightly in the style of A Tribe Called Quest yet extremely unique at the same time.

Comments from Big “L” and Showbiz 

Two members of the DITC crew, Big L and Showbiz, simply state how real hip-hop is back on the map. Some of the truest words on the album.

Check One, Two 

A great track on a backdrop of great production. Diamond D comes with the “dope sound” with his rawness and his far from commercialized flow. D is incredible on this track and successfully makes it one of the best on the album.

What You Seek 

A great track. Diamond D spits some great lyrics with his terrific flow. D comes extremely strong on this track. He raps the truth on this track, lacing all the information with tremendous skill.

Lunchroom Chatter 

Another interlude amidst this long album. It’s decent, as interludes go.

Confused 

Diamond D’s organic flow is evident on this track. This track is all about confusion in the stories told in this outstanding track. D flows with his regular narrative but his unusual style which ensures his stories don’t tire.

Pass Dat Shit 

A superb track where Diamond D is slightly more aggressive. The production, the lyrics and everything in between gain a slight edge to them. An extremely original track and among the best on the album.

Freestyle (Yo That’s That Shit) 

A pretty decent freestyle. He doesn’t spit much fire but his talent is natural. D chooses to come with a more laid back style which suits the beat. A sufficient track.

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) 

A good track with some nice wordplay. D delivers this track in dedication to the Zulu Nation and he seems to slightly incorporate some of the many styles which were apart of that crew, making it a completely distinctive track.

Stunts, Blunts, and Hip-Hop 

A great track where he raps about each word: stunts, blunts and hip-hop. Each of them being a mans best friend. An extremely creative track where Diamond D has a nicely paced flow.

Wuffman Stressed Out 

Another interlude. Pretty weak.

Feel The Vibe 

A great track which definitely captures the essence of hip-hop. This track is exceptionally because of its combination of everything. Wordplay, lyricism, beats and everything. The only thing a bit off is the chorus but aside from that, it’s a great track.

A View from the Underground 

An outro track which schools the sell-outs. To hell with them!

 

This is organic hip-hop. Hip-hop at its finest. Diamond D definitely sticks to the roots of the broad genre and delivers some of his best lines. A terrific album which has too long been slept on. D is on point on this album. Aside from the interludes, this is a magnificent album. Near classic, this album lives up to the little hype it received. A truly great album. It is by all means worth digging in the crates for. Real rap is back!

Rating:
4.2/5