Debut album by the Bronx producer Diamond D (former Ultimate Force, now DITC), released by Chemistry Records, a subsidiary of Mercury. Production and lyrics are made by Diamond D for most of the time, on the keyboards also Showbiz, Jazzy Jay, Large Professor, Lakim Shabazz, Shane Faber, The 45 King and Q-Tip, while between background and performers of the numerous skits, there are Psychos (three guys also known as The Psychotic Neurotics, credited as co-authors of the entire album, but their actual contribution is minimal), Fat Joe, Big L, Showbiz, Maestro Fresh Wes and Brand Nubian.
The lyrics chosen by Joseph Kirkland are quite simple and easy: the title suggests the main topics, hip-hop, party, women, weed, there is a cheerful and positive festive mood in general and most of the lyrics fall on braggadocio and on these topics effortlessly. The production is good, at times sublime, based on hard and dark jazzy rhythms, with good samples, simple bass lines and a lean, syncopated and robust drum machine.
Diamond D is a great producer and a decent rapper, but he can't vary his themes so skillfully to entertains the listener beyond the hour, inflating the album to 23 tracks, 7 skits and some obligatory fillers (sensational attempt to hip-dance hit for the club in "Pass Dat S**t"). There are several pretty trivial commercial mistakes for a producer of his caliber, including silly samples and outlandish hooks scattered. Most of the rhythms are accessible and overall, it's a good project, although in the second part it falls into monotony. Recommended for D.I.T.C. fans, despite not being close to their best works.
Highlights: "Sally Got a One Track Mind", "I Went for Mine", "Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop".
Rating: 7.5/10.

No comments:
Post a Comment