vmt: stunts, blunts and d: a virtual tribute to diamond d

I think every music fan does this. They get into a mood. A mood for one type of artist or genre of music. In Hip Hop, heads sometimes feel like listening to one type of producer. Sometimes, I feel like some old school Prince Paul. Sometimes I feel like Pete Rock. Other times I want Dilla or Primo. Today, I felt like Diamond D. D doesn't get enough credit on this page. I don't know why. But he doesn't. He is defiantly on my top ten list of favorite all time Hip Hop boardkeeps. His discography speaks for itself. This is why I thought I would lay down some of my favorite Diamond D tracks in this special edition of the Virtual Mixtape. I'll dig deep while play some loved classic material. All for the one they know as The Diamond. Let's Go.

Here's a little rundown on who Diamond D is for those who don't know:

Diamond D is a hip hop producer and MC from The Bronx, New York City and one of the founding members of legendary NY crew D.I.T.C.[1] He started out as a DJ for Jazzy Jay back in the early 1980s and was at the same time perfecting his skills in beat making and turntablism, and together with rhyme partner Master Rob he was one half of the group Ultimate Force. The group got signed by Jazzy Jay to Strong City and Diamond and Rob started recording their debut album, I'm Not Playin', in 1988 and released the 12" single with the same title which spawned a buzz in the underground. The album was completed in 1990 but got caught up in label politics and was shelved until 2007 when it got released through Traffic Entertainment.

One of the last songs recorded for the album was a Diamond D solo song where he actually picked up the mic for the first time, the song was called "The Best Kept Secret". As Ultimate Force dissolved, record executives got their eyes on the Bronx phenomenon which eventually resulted in the release of Diamond's debut album Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop (released under the moniker Diamond & the Psychotic Neurotics) in 1992. The album is considered to be one of the finest D.I.T.C. solo LPs and features early appearances from Big L and Fat Joe, the latter of whose 1993 debut album, Represent, was mainly produced by Diamond D.

Diamond's sophomore album, Hatred, Passions and Infidelity, was released in 1997 to mixed but mostly positive reviews. Following the release Diamond established his name as a sought-after producer after providing impressive beats to hip-hop legends like Busta Rhymes, Fugees, KRS-One, Queen Latifah, The Pharcyde and Brand Nubian amongst others. Since then he released the independent street album Grown Man Talk, the official mixtape/compilation The Diamond Mine as well as contributions to his D.I.T.C. cohorts' projects including the crew's self-titled 2000 debut album on Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records.

In 2008 Diamond signed with Babygrande Records. His fourth album, titled The Huge Hefner Chronicles, was released in October 2008 and unlike previous efforts the LP showed Diamond focusing more on his rhymes as production was handled by other respected underground beatmakers like Nottz, DJ Scratch, IllMind, Def Jef and Jesse West. Diamond has said that he is releasing a second album on Babygrande sometime in 2009 as his contract was for 2 albums although rumours says Diamond is now signed to Duck Down Records.

I'm The King - Raheem
Sally Got A One Track Mind - Diamond D
Pass Dat Shit - Diamond D feat. Whiz One, Maestro, Mike G.Q. & Fat Joe
Watch the Sound - Fat Joe ft. Grand Puba & Diamond D
The Score - The Fugees
The Light - Pharoahe Monch
Questions - Organized Konfusion
I'm Not Playing - Ultimate Force
Five Fingas of Death - Diamond D feat. Big L, AG, Fat Joe & Lord Finesse
This One - Diamond D feat. Busta Rhymes
Classic Material - Leaders of the New School
Do The Bus-a-Bus - Busta Rhymes
Feedback - Akrobatik feat. Diamond D
The Funky Technician - Lord Finesse
The Next Level - The Alkaholiks
Word is Bond - House of Pain
Soul on Ice - Rass Kass
Soul Clap - Showbiz and AG
Build Ya Skillz - KRS One
Ahh Yeah - KRS-One
When it Rain it Pours - Diamond D
Hip Hop - Mos Def