The Bronx, New York emcee/producer Diamond D continuing the final installment of The Diam Piece trilogy. A mentor of Jazzy Jay, he would then form the D.I.T.C. collective alongside Lord Finesse & Showbiz in ‘92 only to put out his classic full-length debut Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop shortly after. D went on to drop 6 more albums & a couple mixtapes of his own, the latest being Gotham’s acclaimed self-titled effort & The Rear View. The Diam Piece & it’s sequel left most of the rhyming to the guests, coming off Initium from this summer by putting out Duo.

“I’m Not Crazy” by B-Real & Everlast is this rap rock intro suggesting that the whole world’s insane whereas “T.S.N.Y.” by NEMS, Prayah, Saigon & Tons takes the boom bap route instrumentally telling everyone who ain’t with the vibes to get lost. “My DJ Spits Betta Than U” by Da Inphamus Amadeuz, Doo Wop & Kid Capri samples “Monochrome” by Alan Parker boasting that the DJs are better on the mic than a lot of these guys nowadays leading into “Casket Fresh” by Chip Fu, Kardinal Offishall & Peedi Crakk brings the trio together to make sure you look good when they bury you.

Diamond D himself temporarily joins Sadat X on the funky, flute-tinged “Get with It” talking about everyone being a rapper now just before “Hyenas” by Reef Hustle, Shortee Sha & Tek returns to the boom bap bringing it hardcore. “Weed, Sex & Cars” by Camp Lo playfully expresses their desire for all those things leading into the synth-driven “It’s Up 2 Me” by Junk & 4-IZE talking about being here for a while. “Ride the Wave” energetically shares the mic linking up with Aftermath Entertainment in-house producer Focus… telling everyone to approach them with caution prior to “Keep on Steppin’” by Boog Brown, Camari & Lady Luck finishing it up with a cool gospel flip as the ladies speak to the Higher Power.

Of the 2 installments of The Diam Piece trilogy chapter, I find myself preferring Initium still in comparison although I still very much enjoy it whether it be continuing the series’ knack for allowing Diamond D to take a backseat as an MC with a few occasional spots here & there allowing a myriad of guests to do what they do best over his signature boom bap production. I’d finally be remised if I didn’t mention there are some dope influences of rap rock along with funk & a hint of gospel music including a sample I haven’t heard since one of my all-time favorite 7L & Esoteric cuts “Watch Me” off their classic sophomore effort Dangerous Connection.

Score: 7/10