The Diam Piece

The Diam Piece
Studio album by Diamond D
Released	September 30, 2014
Recorded	2012–2014
Genre	Hip hop
Length	59:11
Label	Dymond Mine Records, Fat Beats, Empire Distribution
Producer	Diamond D, DJ Scratch
Diamond D chronology
The Huge Hefner Chronicles (2008) The Diam Piece (2014)

The Diam Piece is the fifth studio album by American rapper Diamond D. The album was released on September 30, 2014, by Dymond Mine Records. The album features guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch, Talib Kweli, Elzhi, Skyzoo, Fat Joe, Chi Ali, Freddie Foxxx, Pete Rock, The Pharcyde, Scram Jones, Rapsody, Boog Brown, Stacy Epps, Black Rob, Kurupt, Tha Alkaholiks, Hi-Tek, AG, Chino XL, The Alchemist, Evidence, Grand Daddy I.U., Kev Brown, Masta Ace, Guilty Simpson and Ras Kass.

Background

In a September 2014, interview with Unkut, Diamond D spoke about the album, saying: "It’s more or less a production LP, about two and a half years it took. A lot of tracks I didn’t even use. I had about 27 tracks but I only used 18. Some of the artists I was in the studio with, and others – because of their touring schedule and my touring schedule – I just sent them music and they sent me the session back. If the track that I give them has a sample in it that’s giving it direction then they’ll follow that. If there is no sample or concept at the beginning I just let the MC’s paint their own pictures and try to figure out how can make it connect. I use a lot more live instrumentation now. I still chop and manipulate samples, but my sound just sounds bigger now. Just using better equipment so the sample frequencies are better."^[1]

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Exclaim!	7/10[2]
HipHopDX	[3]
XXL	4/5 (XL)[4]

The Diam Piece received positive reviews from music critics. Dean Mayorga of HipHopDX said, "While it is clear that Diam Piece is not without it’s flaws, it is a successful return nonetheless and hopefully a foreshadowing of more to come."^[3] Praverb of XXL stated, "The Diam Piece is nothing new. In fact, it is a blast from the past, when compilations reigned supreme. Listening this album brought back memories of SoundBombing or Lyricist Lounge, the presentation of thought out lyrics and accompanying backdrops works. Diamond D meticulously selected guests for this collaborative masterpiece and injects rhyming when needed. Overall, it’ll definitely keep your attention thanks to Diamond D’s crafted beat wizardry. Real hip-hop at its best."^[4]

Track listing

• All tracks produced by Diamond D, except track 19 produced by DJ Scratch

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Rap Life" (featuring Pharoahe Monch)	2:53
2.	"Where's the Love" (featuring Talib Kweli, Elzhi & Skyzoo)	3:50
3.	"It's Nothin'" (featuring Fat Joe, Chi Ali & Freddie Foxxx)	3:11
4.	"Only Way 2 Go" (featuring Pete Rock)	2:36
5.	"Hard Days" (featuring The Pharcyde)	3:13
6.	"I Ain't the One To Fuc Wit" (featuring Scram Jones)	2:37
7.	"Pump Ya Brakes" (featuring Rapsody, Boog Brown & Stacy Epps)	3:54
8.	"Take Em Off da Map" (featuring Black Rob)	3:40
9.	"We Are the People of the World" (featuring Kurupt & Tha Alkaholiks)	2:58
10.	"Jose Feliciano"	3:15
11.	"Handz Up" (featuring Hi-Tek)	2:38
12.	"Pain" (featuring A.G. & Chino XL)	4:16
13.	"Vanity" (featuring Nottz)	2:31
14.	"It's Magic" (featuring Step Brothers)	2:04
15.	"The Game" (featuring Grand Daddy I.U.)	3:47
16.	"Let the Music Talk" (featuring Kev Brown)	2:53
17.	"Ace of Diamonds" (featuring Masta Ace)	3:02
18.	"187" (featuring Guilty Simpson & Ras Kass)	2:40
19.	"Superman"	2:56

Charts

Chart (2014)	Peak position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[5]	41

References

1. "Track By Track: Diamond D Breaks Down The Diam Piece Album". Unkut. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
2. "Diamond D - The Diam Piece". Exclaim!. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
3. "Diamond D - The Diam Piece". HipHopDX. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
4. "Diamond D Perfects The Producer-Rapper Combo On ‘The Diam Piece’". XXL. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
5. "Diamond D – Chart history" Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for Diamond D.