In The Ruff is the highly anticipated debut album from new DC hip hop group The Diamond District, created by state veterans Oddisee, X.O. (yes, the same man from studio 43. he’s working overtime.) & YU. it’s the answer for any lover of hip hop who asks the question – “Where did that grimy east coast sound go?”

the group was founded by rapper/ producer oddisee (right), who has a long list of production & collaboration credits with the likes of Freeway, Talib Kweli, Siagon, Little Brother, Trek Life, Charles Hamilton, Jazzy Jeff, Buck Shot, Royce the 5′9”, Nikki jean, Muhsinah, J-live, Lil Fame of MOP, Skyzoo and many more. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for him, X.O. (middle) & YU to match with their street savvy, politically conscious lyrics.

that raw mid-90’s Boom-Bap themed album for the DC state of mind, destined to appeal to all lovers of hip hop’s golden era, managing to travel back in time and push the boundaries of DC Hip-Hop simultaneously.

now who says i don’t post great hip hop? legendary status for this mixtape, should have got more love by the e-masses for sure.

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if you want the dirty version, gotta buy it! how’s that for aggressive marketing? and nah, i’m not late. i posted some of their work in march. after the drop, get the download, AS WELL AS a the tracklisting and short documentary.

DOWNLOAD: Diamond District – In The Ruff