Bronx-born artist
Diamond D is both lyricist and producer, and happens to be proficient at both tasks.
Hatred, Passion & Infidelity, the second solo album from
Diamond D, doesn't reach the extreme heights of creativity and originality attained by his first album,
Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop.
Diamond produced 13 of the 16 tracks on this album, and as could be expected, his sense of melody and motivational rhythm makes each of them instrumentally interesting and enjoyable. His lyrical dexterity is exciting, providing a swift narrative which carries the listener willingly from song to song. However, this album suffers from thematic inconsistency; two spots, "Can't Keep My Grands to Myself" and "Cream N Sunshine," seem like forced attempts to attract a crossover, pop audience. The hybridization of R&B/pop and hip-hop instrumentation is unnatural, unsuccessful, and uncharacteristic of
Diamond D. The rest of the tracks on this album excel and provide for an entertaining listen. Sideman
John Dough adds strong lyrics to "Flowin'," "J.D.'s Revenge," and "On Stage." Reggae style chanter Don Barron (of
Masters of Ceremony fame) gives an interesting touch to "MC Iz My Ambition." Phife (of
A Tribe Called Quest) and lyricist/producer extraordinaire
Pete Rock are both featured on "Painz and Strife."
Diggin' in the Crates family members
Fat Joe,
Big L,
Lord Finesse, and
AG join
Diamond on "5 Fingas of Death" for a dark and ominous posse cut. Legendary MC
Sadat X (of
Brand Nubians) and K. Terroribul join
Diamond on "Never." K. Terroribul also appears on "K.T." and "On Stage." Aside from the two blemishes on this release,
Hatred, Passion & Infidelity is a fair representation of
Diamond D's skills on the microphone and behind the mixing board; an album a serious fan should have. ~ Qa'id Jacobs