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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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

i didn’t know much about these british alternative rockers at all until my man albert whose studying abroad in europe put me on. and their music all rocks a lot (check it all at their myspace), but this song stood out to me in particular because they took nelly’s “ride wit’ me” and acoustified it to the fullest. imagine if this version dropped first before the hit single?

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

DOWNLOAD: I Call Shotgun – Ride Wit’ Me [Nelly Cover]

this has been on repeat since i got it from my dude smokeYYY. it’s cool when you have a UK connect, because when something drops in the UK, i have it about 3 or 4 minutes later. and yes, i know it dropped like a while ago. but i couldn’t post it. give me a break!

the track is only two minutes. one verse. and it is ridiculous. it’s funny, nobody i’ve showed this to on campus feels this like i do. maybe because i know the original and knows what kind of damage it does in the UK clubs. my parents grew up over there, and if you come here often, you see that i occasionally post some grime music (read: UK hip hop. it’s nice. do some YouTube research if you’re interested.) listen for yourself though, and leave some feedback.

DOWNLOAD: Wale – Head, Shoulders [Semtex Version]

listen to everybody trying to keep P in check! “i don’t like partying.” they call him out, repeatedly.

general colin powell breaks down his reasoning for endorsing barack “barry from soul train” obama. very logical thought process if you ask me. he kinda got rocked, because he already donated money to the mccain campaign, but still. FYI: around 4:35 he raises an excellent point about barack’s supposed muslim ties, and 8:45 he tackles a question about blacks voting for blacks because they’re…black. interesting responses throughout.

my question to you all: how big of a move is this that colin powell has come out, 2 weeks before the election, to co-sign young barry obama? huge? minimal? do you even care!? and do you mind if i throw that clip of barry on soul train back up? thanks.