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:
Diamond District is the latest group to receive the official interview treatment from The Stand (Twitter.com/StandOnDemand). For those who want to delve deeper into the people behind the music, the video features Oddisee and yU talking about what it's like to be a part of the talented trio that is Diamond District. Personal and deep, Oddisee and yU describe the process of making the album In The Ruff and working together alongside X.O. Despite the different talents and styles of the three members, Oddisee states how important it was for "like-minded individuals" to come together to create a Diamond District sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Perhaps the most exciting bit of the interview is the news that the next project for Diamond District is not too far away from fan's ears. Already four tracks into their new album, March On Washington, look for the album's release later in the year. In the meantime, Diamond District fans can look forward to upcoming solo releases from yU and Oddisee via Mello Music Group.
The Stand Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L67SDpI9sQM
Please post buy links:
In The Ruff:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=333950536&s=143441
"Who I Be" single:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=327515629&s=143441
"I Mean Business" single:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=327517072&s=143441
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with Diamond District
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. http://www.myspace.com/mellomusicgroup
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