MP3: Diamond District – “I Mean Business” Remix – Produced by yU Diamond District Emcee yU Takes Over Production Duties For New Remix
Critical Praise for Diamond District:
“If Diamond District is any indication, DMV really does have what Oddisee refers to as ‘the hottest edition of what you’ve been missing.’” – HipHopDX.com
“On ‘Back To Basics,’ the MCs liken themselves to the ’93 version of De La Soul. While it’s a bit too early to go that far, Diamond District comes close.” – PrefixMag.com
“In the Ruff (Mello Music Group) recalls hip-hop from yesteryear (and sometimes Slum Village at their best), but remains quite forward thinking nonetheless… Simultaneously thoughtful and rugged, intelligent and funky, Diamond District have created an excellent album that will hopefully fly way above the radar as 2010 approaches.” – LostAtSea.net
The Song:
To celebrate the release of the instrumental version of the already highly acclaimed album In The Ruff, Diamond District is proud to release the “I Mean Business” yU Remix. Produced by fellow group member yU, this track is reminiscent of the 90′s East Coast hip-hop that the DMV-based trio has often credited as a major influence on their sound.
When asked on why he chose to remix “I Mean Business”, yU said, “Of all the songs that we perform at shows, it always stands out like one of those songs you were supposed to hear in your lifetime.” But producing the remix definitely had its challenges, as yU explains, “Oddisee made it hard as a mug to remix anything on the album, but I wanted to do something different, drum pattern wise. I found some sounds that felt like a good blend and got to chopping and adding stuff.”
Continuing with their mission to bring back the sounds of old with a new twist, Diamond District’s “I Mean Business” Remix combines a laid back bass groove, an addictive drum pattern, and is laced with the unmistakable lyrical prowess of group emcees Odisee, X.O. and yU. The track is a further testament to their ability to capture the essence of the boom-bap sound, mixed with street savvy and politically conscious lyrics that depict life in and around our nation’s capital.
“I Mean Business” yU Remix
The Background:
The group Diamond District is comprised of emcee/producer Oddisee, and emcees X.O. and YU. Greatly influenced by their surroundings and love for 90′s east coast hip-hop, Diamond District is on a mission to bring back the sounds of old with a new twist and represent for the DMV. X.O. who was born & raised in the North West quarter of D.C. defines what it is to be a black male raised in the district. With lyrics that depict street life and harsh surroundings, X.O. has a way of philosophizing that raw, gutter reality of DC life that is rarely looked at or spoken about when we discuss our nation’s capitol. Oddisee defines the experience of growing up in black middle class Maryland. Bordering the poverty that his and many other families fled to escape, they found out over time that the troubles of the inner city came along with them. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for Diamond District to match the street savvy, politically conscious lyrics that capture the dynamic of being from the DMV. Y.U., having been raised in the district, Maryland & Virginia, brings that extra variety to the group and shows that D.C. culture has a huge influence beyond its 10 mile radius. Being that YU has lived in all areas of the DMV, his lyrics and stories compliment the rest of the group and define what it means to be from the DMV. In The Ruff, is available now via Mello Music Group.
About Mello Music Group:
Like Lao Tzu in hip-hop, Mello Music Group provides music for the soul, from the heart of American culture, opening the realm of the intelligent hip-hop experience through melodic evocations, beats that corroborate the truth, and voices that roar above the rising void and impose order on the terrible & triumphant moments of everyday life. This is the compelling sound of Mello Music Group. Industry newcomer Michael Tolle founded MMG in 2007 and is acting Director of Operations. MMG will be releasing projects from Oddisee, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kenn Starr, Finale, Trek Life, Dudley Perkins, Sareem Poems, and YU in 2010.
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