By Ralo
The urban lifestyle has always been a hive of activity in the world of hip-hop culture. First there is the visually arresting images of graffiti, then there is the hypnotic rotation of turntables. You can't forget the acrobatic display of b-boys or the oral expression of MCing.
The lyricist or the MC has long been the center of attention in the sub-culture of underground hip-hop. There are often many questions about who is the best lyricist or who can beat who in a battle. The topic of discussion also centers on who's new record is wack, and who's new record is heat, or which newcomers sound good and shows promise. Lyrics, delivery and production all play key roles in judging the quality of underground hip-hop. Noncommercial rap has always had more poetic value than its corporate under produced counterpart.
This week our spot light is on veteran producer/ MC Diamond D- who by his own admission, is "by far the best producer on the mic". Diamond D's first full length project was 1992s' Stunts, Blunts And Hip-Hop, which is revered as an all time classic in underground Hip-Hop circles. He followed that with Hatred, Passions And Infidelity in 1997. He has done production for a countless number of artists including Lord Finesse, Brand Nubian, Cypress Hill, KRS-ONE and The Fugees. He has done seven albums to date and is back with his latest single Superman, from his most recent endeavor The Diam Piece.
Superman was produced by turntablist DJ Scratch of EPMD fame, the video was directed by producer/ director, Nick Burnz and Amond Jackson.