hiphop-elements.com

2003 Chcolate Industries

Production by: RJD2, Prefuse 73, Madlib, K Kruz, Overflo
Lyrics by: Diverse with appearances from Vast Aire, Lyrics Born, and Jean Grae.

1. Certified - 4
2. Uprock - 4
3. Big Game (feat. Vast Aire) - 5
4. Aint Right - 5
5. Just Biz - 4
6. Blindman - 3.5
7. Explosive (feat. Lyrics Born) - 4.5 (One of the best tracks on the album, but I don't like Lyrics Born's delivery)
8. Under the Hammer (feat. Jean Grae) - 4
9. 747 (Flyin) - 4
10. Interlude (Amberglis)
11. Leaving - 3.5
12. In Accordance - 4

4/5

11 full tracks, 1 interlude, no bullshit. A very impressive debut album from Diverse. Looking at the producer line-up, it's easy to think that the little-known Diverse wouldn't stand a chance doing the work of such notable beatsmiths justice. But, alas, this isn't Group Home and everyone delivers equally. Diverse pulls through with his part of the album and laces the beats with a polished, reserved sound not expected from a relative newcomer. Possessing an air of confidence and a knack for conscientious narrative, Diverse proves to be very listenable without being overbearing. The beats, mostly soulful, organic pieces, are all very nice and embody the sounds that have come to define their respective crafters. RJD2 utilizes signature soul oooohs and Madlib a shaky, distorted bassline and reinvented vocal sample. Some choruses could use some work, but there are virtually no disappointments. An extremely listenable, commendable album that I wish more people would mirror. These 20 track albums filled with garbage have got to go. Diverse's debut album displays more know-how and listener friendly qualities than many veterans.

Thanks for the review Sai.

3/5. Only heard this once though.

ima hafta cop this

Everything seems to be in order here, dope review, Good featured artists and a nice list of producers. I'm anticipating this one..

Great review, great album, no fucking way Under the Hammer is a 4.

Too high, too low?

is Diverse on some abstract shit with his delivery (like the DefJux/Anticon people)? Because i really hate that...

Not at all. He hits snares proper.

Certified
Uprock
Big Game
Ain't Right
Just Biz
Explosive
Under the Hammer
747

thanx Sai, will check em out

Too low, I have a Jean Grae fetish.

I've only got the instrumental version to this. If he Rhymes to par with these beats im looking at a 4.5 - 5.

That's word. Will definately give this a look...

only heard that Big Game track from him, nevertheless it impressed the shit out of me... I'ma keep my eye out for this one around here.

is it just me or does this dude sound A LOT like Talib? not exactly lyrically, but voice, delivery and rhyme scheme wise?


that track with Lyrics Born imo doesn't deserve a 4.5, beat was ill, Diverse came dope but Lyrics Born literally ruined that track.

I like everything else enough to give it a 4.5. The rest compensates for Lyrics Born's shoddy appearance, imo.

When I first got this album a couple of months ago, that's one of the first things that struck me. His delivery is very Kweli-esque.

I actually liked the track with Lyrics Born, but then "Later That Day" was my favorite album of 2003, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Anyway, good review, sumed up the album well, and I agree with the conclusion.

This album has been slept on for months now, it'd be nice to see it get a bit more publicity, even among underground fans.

Almost a year.

I give it a 4.5.

And I didn't mind Lyrics Born on his appearence...

Aint Right & Big Game ft/ Vast are my two favourites.

After listening, I would say this album is probably closer to a 4.5 for me... One of the best albums of last year in my opinion... all though, that's not saying a lot as I didn't like a LOT of the albums released last year.