Diamond D, Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop (LP)

Twenty-six years ago, MC/producer Diamond D from New York's mighty D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) collective debuted with a stunning classic that entailed elements of what brought him and his crew notoriety-grimy boom-bap anchored by effusive yet obscure samples. Diamond emerged in the late ‘80s as a member of Ultimate Force, a short-lived troupe whose debut album was shelved and didn't see the light of day until over a decade afterwards. Diamond's encyclopedic knowledge of records, after years of contributions and studious vision, came to the forefront in 1992 with his first official solo venture, Stunts, Blunts and Hip-Hop. The album is a jazzy foray bound with storytelling narratives, battle raps, and light-hearted lyrics. At 70-minutes, Diamond D's organized structure keeps the release above water and remains to this day an underground, and often under-mentioned, rap masterwork. The album is being reissued on standard black vinyl.