Diamonds In Da Ruff - Diamonds In Da Ruff Album Sampler album review
The Diamonds In Da Ruff Album Sampler is one of the many rap releases on Roc-A-Fella Records that was under promoted. Very few people know about this piece of work. The group Diamonds In Da Ruff Album bring in that hardcore East Coast rap sound to the Roc-A-Fella camp with their hardcore freestyles and tight raps. Digga produced a large amount of this album sampler himself. The Diamonds In Da Ruff Album Sampler was issued on cassette in 1999.
Diamonds In Da Ruff was a rap duo which consisted of Harlem rappers Chink and Rebel. Diamonds In Da Ruff were signed to Tommy Boy Records back in 1999. They had a joint distribution deal with Tommy Boy Records and Roc-A-Fella Records on a 2 album contract. However their albums were never released. In 2000, their career came to a halt just as they were on the brink of stardom in New York City and the underground. The reason their debut album and their self-titled was never released was because of poor management and unfulfilled promises from the label. This led to Diamonds In Da Ruff to abandon their 2 album contract and distribution deal with both record labels in 2001. The duo was not business savvy either.
Here is what the diamond symbol represents for Diamonds In Da Ruff. "What's a diamond got to do with a dynasty? The diamond represents Diamonds In Da Ruff. That's my group," explains Rebel. Rebel originated the Roc-A-Fella’s signature “diamond” hand gesture without acknowledgement from Jay-Z. Jay-Z stole the diamond sign from him.
The classic joint Respect was that the Roc dropped the ball on by not making the song into becoming a single. However this song gave Diamonds in Da Ruff a buzz in the New York City streets and the underground. You can tell by how the lyrics were written and performed that Jay-Z had his hands in songwriting for this song. That is why you can hear the stuff “-igga” in different places and the name Digga. Digga produced Respect.
Roc-A-Fella and Diamonds In Da Ruff knew we didn’t hear them before. So they make it clear that we are going to hear them now with the classic song Respect. The duo wants us to respect them. Respect appeared on the Bonus Disc edition version of Jay-Z - Hard Knock Life Vol. 2.
Rebel raps the first verse.
Rebel is a “rebel” on another level. You can see him wearing Phat Farm clothing and wearing Timberland boots which are all embedded with expensive gemstones all around. He plays hero and ninja like a pretzel. You get all bent up. Nobody’s gonna hold him down or slow him down. He shocks people with is raps from Harlem to Bangladesh. Money means everything to him.
Diamonds In Da Ruff come through by smashing everything from the game. Must be crack cause it grows most wise. Got more game than EA. People from Spanish Harlem don’t play fair. They play to win and his crew is like him. Diamonds In Da Ruff run New York. Rebel sees that see a lot of ya’ll goons don’t want to see him get rich and succeed in life. He’s gonna respect something that is important to him.
Chink is a thorough nigga who is also known by the name of B. Bubblin. Ya’ll want to know his style? He demands respect. Most cats are unworthy of gianing respect. That is what the lyrics Most cats is unworthy” mean. You can see Chink wearing gold Timberland boots and a Yankees jersey.
The Doe is a Digga produced classic which Jay-Z co-produced as well. You can hear his work during the chorus. The song is about why the duo needs money. The Doe appeared on the soundtrack for the 1999 movie Streets is Watching. Yeah. Y’all don't think y'all ready, baby. It's about to happen.
Rebel used to spend his moneytax-free till feds snatched him for tax evasion. He had to serve a sentence in the penitentiary. That is what the lyrics “Yo, I used to spend my money-money tax-free till they snatched me/In the p, doin the buck, they can't catch me” mean. Rebel keeps an open eye as he watches for cats with big eyes like Rover. He doesn’t trust a hater. Reb Mercy (Rebel) is a young player who lives for controversy.
A lotta cats tried to kill him. Y’all was too thirsty. They are the Diamonds. All you other players are coal. They are the reapers of the rap game coming to snatch your soul. Reb and Chink go together like Nike Airs and soles. Like platinum and gold, like we clap, and you fold. He loves money. Fly whips and clothes. All we need is doe.
Chinky the soldier told us Diamonds In Da Ruff is taking over. He struggles to get his. Relying on himself to make it happen. Long as it's the winning team, he don't care who's captain. Y'all can play hardrocks, but we bold as money-folders.
Fire One is another classic Roc joint that was produced by the Digga man himself. Fire One is another song which gave the duo an underground buzz in New York City. The song was even made into a single.
Now the last song is a freestyle which is laced with that hardcore East Coast rap sound over freestyle rap. This freestyle is lit! Now this freestyle of their gave them underground buzz in New York City and the entire state of New York.
5/5*****!!
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Mateo & Matos - Deeper Dimensions EP EP review
Deeper Dimensions EP is one of the deep house EPs from electronic DJ duo Mateo & Matos that has an electronic house sound. The songs on this EP use a more Afrocentric sound with the drums and percussion. Most of these songs have a groove to them. Take Pulse and Revelation (let us pray) for instance.
Pulse uses heavy bass which is back by drum set and a small ensemble of bongos. These house legends use a rhythmic organ that is added to the mix of electronic house music for this song. Pulse uses infectious synths from a keyboard which follow a groove.
Revelation (let us pray) uses a large ensemble of Afrocentric drums and percussion creating a jungle house style of electronic music. There are drops in the bass lines as synth underlap vocal samples. Revelation (let us pray) samples Atmosfear - Dancing in outer space. The song has a groove that will make you want to get up and dance. You will definitely love this song.
The song Last Foundation teaches us music is our last foundation and that music is a universal language. Those are both facts. The song uses an infectious groove. Soul meets deep house music meets on the song Last Foundation hence the soulful influence. The song uses that soul touch.
5/5*****!!
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Mateo & Matos - The Higher Octave EP EP review
The Higher Octave EP is another one of the deep house EPs from electronic DJ duo Mateo & Matos that has an electronic house sound. This EP of theirs uses a mixture of Detroit techno and NYC house. Higher Octave is also another one of their lesser known releases.
Let It Loose uses a bit of trance and house. Notice the processed electronic beats, medium bass, and lush synths. The medium bass over laps those lush synths you hear. Now the entire song is an instrumental with no words or vocal samples.
Off the Deep End uses a mixture of Detroit techno and NYC house. Synths used on this song can be described as angelic and technologically advanced. You can hear the angelic synths that are produced and embedded with such deepness. The bells and blips give the song a techno vibe. Off the Deep End is one of the best tracks off the Higher Octave EP.
Come Together uses a large ensemble of Afrocentric drums and percussion creating a jungle house style of electronic music. The bass overlaps the vocal samples.
The song Movin, Keep Groovin will have you simultaneously moving, grooving and dancing at the same time as this song is perfect for the dance floor. Dance meets electronic and techno. The synths and blips are what give the song a techno vibe.
5/5*****!!
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Sky Joose – Urban Distress E.P. EP review
The Sky Joose – Urban Distress E.P. is one of the greatest jungle styled electronic EPs to have ever been released from the United Kingdom in 1995. The bass and drums are give this entire EP a jungle vibe. His selection of soul samples give this EP a soul touch. You can hear Sky Joose’s style of filtered electronic synthesized production throughout this entire EP. There are samples coming from all angles on this EP as well.
Reggae, soul, and electronic music meet each other on the song Dig Out The Red. Dig Out The Red samples from Patrice Rushen - Remind Me and Spragga Benz. Her vocals are included in the sample. The song uses processed beats and electronic beats from a synthesizer. The synthesizer filters out any distortion that come from any cymbals. It’s another jungle soul mashup of samples, synths, and beats.
Me Nice uses more bells, synths, shakers, and bass than Dig Out The Red. A wide range flanger is used which makes his vocals wavy and slightly distorted. His vocals are using a delay feature right when the flanger is used. The flanger seems to be filtered yet the bass is not.
Happiness, Saddness & Madness samples Barry White - Early Years. The song also uses the vocal samples from and horns from that song.
5/5*****!!
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Sky Joose – Sky Joose E.P. EP review
The Sky Joose – Sky Joose E.P. is one of the best jungle styled electronic EPs to have ever been released from the United Kingdom in 1994. The bass and drums are give this entire EP a jungle vibe. There are samples coming from all angles on this EP as well.
Sound Boy Burial samples Barry White - Playin Your Game Baby and Home T, Cocoa Tea & Shabba Ranks - Pirates Anthem. The horns, beats, percussion, and synths sample Barry White - Playin Your Game Baby. It’s a jungle soul mashup of samples, synths, and beats.
Sky Joose marks his return with the song Sky Joose Returns. It’s an electronic reggae mashup. Sky Joose Returns samples Buju Banton - Sound Fi Dead.
Fist Of Fury is known for the famous vocal sample which is “So you finally showed up you damn traitor.” which are vocals from Bruce Lee which actually came from a kung fu movie. Here is what the sampled Bruce Lee vocals say, “So you finally showed up you damn traitor. You broke our rules. That's right I'm back! And I'm gonna get you!” Fist Of Fury samples The Valentine Brothers - Just Let Me Be Close To You.
5/5*****!!
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Mateo & Matos – Soul Spirit EP EP review
Mateo & Matos – Soul Spirit EP is one of the best deep house EPs to have been released in the year of 2006. This EP uses an Afrocentric sound with the drums and percussion. Soul Spirit is yet another one of their lesser known releases that has been indeed overlooked by other releases from their discography. Nevertheless this is one of those EPs you will regret not purchasing.
A New World uses a small ensemble of Afrocentric drums which consists of bongos, congas, and timbales. Diluted synths blend in perfectly with the bass. Funk meets dance and electronic on A New World.
The Calling is a cover of Lil Louis - I Called U. The duo pays homage and tribute to Lil Louis on this cover song. Only this cover is an instrumental which has no vocals or bels. Musical notes from the piano copy the exact same musical notes from the original song. An Afro-centric percussion ensemble is used which consists of shakers, congas, and bongos. A saxophone is also as in the original version.
5/5*****!!
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Sky Joose – Rockers Revenge / Bass Rock single review
The Sky Joose – Rockers Revenge / Bass Rock is a rock influenced electronic breakbeat single with that hardcore EDM sound. The difference with this Sky Joose release is the rock influence used in both songs. He doesn’t stick to the traditional jungle house sound with the usual drums and bass. Yes, bass is included but his songs do not primarily revolve around just drums and bass as is the case with his other releases.
Sky Joose – Rockers Revenge / Bass Rock was released in 1998 as a 12” vinyl single in the United Kingdom. There have been represses of this single floating around the internet. Most of those represses are bootlegs though.
Rockers Revenge is a rock influenced electronic breakbeat song which incorporates the sounds of rock, electronic, and dance in one setting. Sky Joose chose a different genre of music to incorporate on this song. Rockers Revenge samples Van Halen - You Really Got Me. He even copies the bass lines and musical notes from that Van Halen song.
Bass Rock is a fast paced upbeat electronic dance song laced with heavy bass and a mean electric guitar. The synths are distorted. You can tell he was influenced by electronic and rock when he produced and programmed this song. That is why there is a large EDM influence used.
5/5*****!!
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Mateo & Matos - Full Circuit single review
Full Circuit was an electronic single which Mateo & Matos released at the end of the millennium in 1999 on 12” inch vinyl. The single was released on the underground label United Underground House Sounds. Full Circuit is one of the many releases from their catalog and discography that got overlooked. Nevertheless the duo managed to produce such beautiful songs. This is one of those singles you will regret not purchasing.
The soul sample that is used on Slammin comes from Bad Luck - Harold Marvin & The Blue Notes. You can hear the basic elements of house music on Slammin. The basic elements of house music used on this song are sampling, drums, bass, and synths.
And I'm Gonna Reach has an upbeat disco sound and vibe over medium bass which overlaps those filtered synths. Harmonics are added into the synths coming from an organ keyboard. There is a delay present in the organ keyboard. The drums and bass are filtered and don’t have much of a loud presence as they usually would. A repetitive vocal sample is used in the song which already gives away the Electric synths and organs are what make And I'm Gonna Reach beautiful. This is some really nice house music for everyone to enjoy.
Just Wanna Know is another funky house jam produced by Mateo & Matos which is ideal for the dance floor. Now the drums are filtered.
4/5****.
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Lil Will – Better Days album review
Lil Will – Better Days is one of the lesser known albums from the Organized Noise Productions camp from Atlanta, Georgia. This album did not get released publicly because the lead single Looking For Nikki did not chart. Only promotional copies of this album were issued on CD format. This is the only version of the album for which exists. Despite label politics, Better Days is a bonafide soul rap classic. Whild Peach is the band which provides instrumentation for some of the songs on his album.
Live at Greenbriar Mall (Better Days Introduction) was an introduction that was recorded live at Greenbriar Mall in 1997. The intro takes place at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, Georgia. Jackson and Milner greet us at the beginning. They say they have Nikki and Tanya (?) on the new team. A Phillipshead screwdriver and Slim Jim™ are in her hand. Rodney Boy is riding behind right her in his car which is a '72 Cutlass. Nikki breaks the window of his '72 Cutlass with the screwdriver. Now Jackson and Milner in pursuit of Nikki and Tonya as they soon call for backup.
Somebody For Everybody is a soft heavenly piano ballad with a violin ensemble that is a slow jam. Lil Will reminds us that some things aren’t meant to be. Sometimes the person you loves doesn’t love you back but you still love that person and have feelings for them. He also reminds us there is somebody for everybody on Somebody For Everybody. You just have to find the right person. The song is a classic love song.
Lil Will wonders where she is and wonder what she thinks of him. She still has his key. Will he see her again? He won’t feel sorry for himself or feel sorry for her. She is the one for him but she ended up leaving him for somebody else. He just was not in her plans but he still loves her.
She never promised that they would be together. He thought they would grow together as a couple. He thought they could grow together in a relationship. He didn’t think he could lose his grip. She is the one. It just wasn’t meant to be. She jumped ship to be with somebody else. That is what she wanted to do. He wants her to know that he still loves her.
She is dear to his heart. Why did she have to go?
What Kind Of Man Am I is a real A-Town classic laced with super heavy bass over a mean harmonica. What Kind Of Man Am I samples Nemesis - Munchies For Your Bass. The song follows a funky guitar groove.
Lil Will explains that his life is on the run. His situation is far from fun. He tells us we need to overcome. We never miss what we have until it’s gone. How take a stare without a thought to cultivate our lives so we can grow? We will never know if we don’t give a damn. There is so much we could accomplish. This world is nothing but an open door. Isn’t it ironic no one knows until the desperation grows?
Sometimes Lil Will feels like letting go. Everyday is a struggle for the lost ones trying to find the time. We get wrapped up in our own dreams that some people will never magnify. So what kind of man is Lil Will?
Low, Low is a Georgia-Texas connection with Pimp C from Texas and Lil Will & Cool Breeze from Georgia. Pimp C speaks the truth on this one. This song is one of the hard to find UGK material which exists. The song explores escapes of men who cheat on their lovers behind their back and without their knowledge. Basically they have sex with other people.
Cool Breeze likes it went his older sisters step in and tell us he’s down in his room. Can he ride with your girlfriend? These incidents will make you change your world. It will make you say, “Damn, I hate hustlers.” because hustlers keep them girls.
Cool Breeze and ONP goes out every weekend to spot females with big old tales that like to talk a lot. Cool Breeze begins the conversation by asking a series of questions. For some reason these females leave their panties home. So he has to introduce them to the game.
You see, Lil Will has a girl but she is in her own world. He is well aware of this. Lil Will and ONP are loyal. Don’t call Lil Will no hoe. That’s just how it goes. If you don’t tell, she’ll never know. Lil Will wants to keep his escapes on the low. He doesn’t want anybody to know. He has a "certain little spot" who he does his escapades. Lil Will has a secret crib nobody else knows about.
Pimp C is getting blowed and blitzed on the regular. He is talking dirty on his cellular phone. He tells us about his dirty escapades. It’s all for the money but she is still going to come see him. So don’t tell your girl.
Rocket is one of those songs to dance and skate to. The song follows a funky guitar groove. Lil Will and Organized Noize get the song crunk.
Looking For Nikki is a freaky song about a girl named Nikki and her friends. This song also pays homage and tribute to the former Atlanta nightclub Club Nikki. The song is laced with laced with infectious bass, melodic piano notes, groovy guitars, and those crunk 808 beats. Looking For Nikki is a soul rap cut which is a classic.
The homie Lil Will told a tale about the tale of Nikki and her friends. A freaky tale that is. Will is in his car driving down I-85. Will was reminiscing the last time him and Nikki were able to socialize with each other. His crew (friends) got into whatever club him and Nikki were in at that time. Every night it’s a different party which she attends.
He has been searching every party and every club for Nikki. The last place he checks for Nikki is a strip club called Club Nikki. He pulls off on the exit towards I-85 southbound looking for Nikki and her freaky friends. Eventually Will catches up to Nikki at a bar called Club Nikki. She was looking like a star. A model at the bar. Will asks Nikki, “Would you like to get in my Chevy, baby? We can do this every weekend.” They are at the bar after dark.
You can’t get anymore Atlanta than this song. Here is the most Atlanta line in the song.: “She got a brother named Southwest/A sister named College Park/An uncle named Decatur and he be boomin’ after dark/I’m still looking for Nikki” When it comes to parties, ya’ll ain’t ready. You can hear the words “ya’ll ain’t ready” repeat themselves in a repetitive manner throughout the song.
The song also serves as homage to the once famous strip club called Club Nikki on 1785 Stewart Avenue (now Metropolitan Parkway) in Southwest Atlanta. Club Nikki was the infamous strip club that operated on Atlanta’s Southwest Strip in the 1990s as the most popular adult entertainment spot for years. That whole strip was Atlanta’s red light district. Club Nikki operated under the names of Club Nikki’s, Club Nikki VIP, Nikki’s VIP, and Nikki VIP.
Now for those who are wondering and those of you who are still looking for Nikki, Club Nikki got shut down because the Mayor Bill Campbell revoked their liquor license in 1999. Despite having their liquor license revoked, the club still continued to serve liquor. Community opposition was raised against the club after prostitution among other illegal activities were going on inside. Residents want Club Nikki to be shut down along all those other clubs along Atlanta’s Southwest Strip.
It was after a dispute over the mayor's refusal to renew liquor license that Club Nikki soon shut down in 2001. The owner got sent to jail on federal arson charges for hiring someone to burn one of his competitors businesses. Even Atlanta gets too crunk for itself at times.
Today Club Nikki is no longer in operation and the building is now up for lease and for sale. KNOX ENTERPRISES LLP owns the property. Interestingly enough, Club Nikki is inside of a brownfield despite being located next to a small creek. Club Nikki is inside of a brownfield as described the by EPA.
4/5****!
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Scrotum Nosedive album review
Scrotum Nosedive released a demo album which was an untitled cassette in 1983. The front cover had the words “SCROTUM NOSEDIVE” in all capital letters. Their demo album had pretty harsh heavy metal with inaudible choruses. You could hardly hear any of their lyrics.
Scrotum Nosedive was of the many metal bands in San Antonio, Texas which had gotten got local notoriety in the newspapers for their vulgar lyrics and obscene acts. Those who lived in San Antonio during the 80s might remember Scrotum Nosedive. They were one of the many metal band which popped up during the ever-growning wave of glam metal.
An article in the SA Express dating back to 7/11/84 showcased the charred remains of the Donore Mansion which was also known as the Sheerin House and was located at 8139 Donore Place which was off Fredericksburg Road. This mansion was widely known to locals as "Midget Mansion”. On one side of the pool, the word Nosedive is shown on the right. For some reason SA Express censored the picture as the full graffiti piece was supposed to be Scrotum Nosedive and not just one word. The band Scrotum Nosedive had their name spray painted in the pool of Donore Mansion which was located at the address of 8139 Donore. Scrotum Nosedive had their name spray painted in the pool of Donore Mansion next to the infamous metal band SA Slayer. The address given for their untitled cassette was 106 Avacon, San Antonio, TX 78213.
4/5****
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