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A technologically titled track from Diggy’s upcoming debut album, I’m a bit underwhelmed here. I let the pop vibe of Diggy’s previous track slide a little, purely in the knowledge that it was probably heavily dictated by his label. However, this carries on that relatively uncreative trend with a pretty generic effort that really isn’t going to help his development as a rapper or an artist: it’s clearly not strong enough as a hip-hop track, but also falls short as a pop hip-hop track, leaving it in a pretty pointless middle ground.
The verses are far from the level he’s capable of, whilst the autotuned hook feels very forced, with the only saving grace being a relatively solid production in the verses. I don’t really want to criticise the kid as he’s got bags of talent, but material like this really isn’t utilising him to anywhere near his potential. For the sake of his own creativity and development, I sincerely hope this is another example of label-fed material.
Diggy Simmons-Copy, Paste
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Solid thinking from Atlantic once again: get one of hip-hop’s brightest newcomers, and give him that mainstream rub by pairing him up with Bruno Mars.
We’ve seen from his various freestyles and the odd original track that Diggy’s got talent on the mic, and no matter what your view is on this sort of ‘radio ready’ track, it’s good to see he has the versatility to make this sort of material. The track is easy to listen to and fairly generic, which gives this a huge chance of being quite the single for Diggy; however, from a critical standpoint it’s very lazy. Everything about the production mirrors B.o.B’s Nothin’ On You, from the jaunty melody on the keys to the almost-identical percussion loops, which is a disappointing (though probably more Atlantic’s doing than Diggy’s). Bruno’s hook is catchy as expected, and does the job of making this accessible to the chart fans. Just a shame they didn’t push the boundaries a little more for such a rare, young hip-hop talent.
Diggy Simmons-Click Clack Away ft. Bruno Mars
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It seems like once a month, Diggy pops up with a single track that serves to remind you that hip-hop has some great burgeoning talents. This is another solid piece of work from Diggy, bringing his high-speed flow to an urgent, attention-grabbing production. Very solid piece of all-round hip-hop that further serves to show Diggy’s evolution as a rapper.
Also, I’m pretty sure it’s the same D.O.E. that appeared on Timbaland’s 2007 hit The Way I Are. Fairly obscure feature, but his deep, dulcit tones on the hook contrast nicely with Diggy sharper voice.
Diggy-Everybody Late ft. DOE
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Another mixtape for you spoiled folks, this time from rising star Diggy Simmons. With DJ Premier of all people hosting, mixing and mastering this mixtape, expect this to raise a few eyebrows.
Recent freestyles over some legendary beats (like this one, oh and this one too) showcase how good this kid is – and you’d be a fool to sleep on him. Again, I’ve not had time to listen to this just yet (too busy getting it out there for you guys!) but I’m absolutely positive that this will be well received by your ears.
Click over here to get your download on.
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Diggy does it again. Before I praise his rapping skills, his choice of beats is something that deserves credit: when he first broke onto the scene, he picked Nas’ Made You Look, and now moves forward onto one of DJ Premier’s finest with a Nas/Premo classic (not to mention Shook Ones!). It’s a surefire way to put pressure on yourself, and each time he’s handled it brilliantly.
The freestyle itself is everything we’ve now come to expect from a Diggy track: great flow, ever-improving lyrical work, and a confidence that is usually associated with veterans of the game. The only question left is, when is he going to drop a real single?
Diggy-Digg Is Like
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It’s been a slow day for hip-hop, but Diggy comes through and kicks it into gear. Track-by-track, this kid is proving he’s one of the better upcoming rappers in the game, with his flow being impressive every time. Undoubtedly, he’s a shining light in a scene with very few promising young talents.
He elects to take on a genuine hip-hop classic here, and certainly doesn’t do anybody any harm with some high-tempo, passionate bars. The lyrics are certainly decent in bursts, and will only improve as he gets more experience. Can’t beat a well-produced video to go along with it too.
Audio can be accquired here.
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Another very good freestyle from Diggy, who’s rapping seems to grow more skilful with every track he releases. His flows are certainly more refined, and he takes on a beat nearly twice his age with consumate ease. Murda doesn’t really feature properly, he just chucks some adlibs in.
Can I safely assume that 90-95% of you have no idea what the original beat is? It’s a Keni Burke classic from ’82, which is certainly worth a listen for the soul heads.
Diggy-Rising To The Top Freestyle ft. Uncle Murda
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Lots of mainstream stuff this week, alongside a couple of surprise additions from the hip-hop world and the celebrity world.
R&B recap from the last week: Dirty Money’s new single, the first drop from Trey Songz’s new mixtape, Katy B’s latest video, Willow Smith’s television debut, Rihanna and Eminem’s latest collaboration, and Chrisette Michele’s new mixtape from earlier today. Also, soul heads should check out a great cover of Maxwell’s Pretty Wings, and a remix of Mayer Hawthorne’s No Strings.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 73
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More new music from Diggy, fresh off the back of his memorable appearance at the BET cyphers. In a bit of a rush to get this one out, so apologies for the reduction in review here. I’m sure Diggy fans won’t hold it against me!
Diggy-I Am He
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Ever since the All City Chess Club was announced, there’s been a lot of hype as to what their first project/track would be. Many expected it to be the official I’m Beamin’ remix, and they would be right as Lupe gets some of the today’s better rappers together to improve an already superb track.
There is just too much to go through here, but from a quick listen I enjoyed Asher and Blu’s verses a lot. That’ll inevitably change with more listens, but you can’t go wrong with this collection of rappers.
Lupe Fiasco-I’m Beamin Remix ft. All City Chess Club (Asher Roth, B.o.B, Blu, Charles Hamilton, Diggy Simmons, Dosage, The Cool Kids)
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Let’s be honest, the cyphers are the only reason people watch/care about the BET Awards. I mean, does anyone really know who won what last year? Nope, but I bet you could list a few of the cypher rappers.
Great cypher line-ups this year, with the video for the G.O.O.D. Music cypher (Kanye, Common, Big Sean, Pusha T and CyHi Da Prynce) being up here. After the click, there are great cyphers involving Wiz Khalifa, Mickey Factz, Raekwon, Yelawolf, Royce Da 5’9″, Rev Run and family, Ice Cube and family and so on.
For me, the respective winners: Big Sean, Yelawolf, Mickey, Royce and Ice Cube. Honourable mentions to CyHi, Bones Brigante, Diamond and Diggy.
→ Continue Reading BET Hip-Hop Awards 2010: The Cyphers
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Heavily delayed, but Diggy finally lets loose of the mixtape that will really be a test of where he’s at as a rapper. Many (myself included) see a lot of potential in him, so there’s definitely some pressure going into this one.
Click here to get accquainted with tracks that are, and aren’t, on Airborne. The mixtape can be collected in its entirety below.
Diggy Simmons-Airborne
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Pretty nice collabo here, and a huge pair of co-signs for Diggy. I like this beat, being a pretty atmospheric, slowed-down and yet concealing some energy which makes for a good all-around production.
Lupe opens the track with another good verse, and as ever makes you think with some of his lines-definitely one to listen to a couple of times to get everything. Pharrell’s verse is OK, if a little disappointing given the company. Diggy does a good job, bringing a pretty nice mixture of flows to close the track out.
Diggy-Oh Yeah! ft. Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell
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Some fresh material from the promising newcomer. This should hopefully keep fans happy, as his mixtape Airborne has been delayed until next week. Looking forward to giving this a go, and of course looking forward to that mixtape. Hopefully the mixtape will really stamp Diggy as a talented kid.
Diggy Simmons-Thinkin’ ‘Bout U
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The talented Diggy Simmons comes through with a new freestyle which is off his upcoming mixtape, Airbone, which is out on the 29th of this month. I know Nikul will explode on that date.
Diggy Simmons – Little Monster (freestyle)
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An appropriately-titled track from the young rising star of hip-hop, this represents some welcome original material. Some of Diggy’s flows on this track are unbelievable, and the hook adds a mainstream gloss to another great display of potential from Diggy.
Diggy Simmons-Great Expectations ft. Bei Major
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The more I hear of this kid (and I know I’m not alone here), the more impressed I am. Seemingly determined to not make a name for himself based on his legendary father, Diggy Simmons comes through with a fantastic flow on this one for someone his age.
The video itself is pretty simple, which is good as it’s the first time I’ve heard the track so it doesn’t distract. Highlight? Well, given that Murray and I are celebrating/creating Mobb Deep Week, it’s gotta be that Prodigy/Havoc line.
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What a week Diggy Simmons is having, the day after celebrating his 15th birthday he signed to Atlantic Records! Congratulations my man.
He’s also dropped a new song for us, now if you checked out the video of his version of Nas’ Made You Look, you’d know how ridiculous this kid’s flow, delivery and vocabulary is. This track is no different, with a beat that’s very much a throwback to his Dad’s Run-DMC rock days. Be sure to grab the track below (thanks to Nikul for pointing me in the direction of this btw), this kid is going to be a very big deal.
Diggy Simmons – Come To Rock
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Now I did not ever expect to be posting on this kid. Most teenage rappers tend to be pretty poor, and fairly cringeworthy. Not this one.
Rev Run’s son can genuinely spit, and you really need to check this video out. His flow is unbelievable for a 14-year old, and the fact he picked a classic Nas beat to rhyme over suggests that he doesn’t have the same mentality as your typical teenage rapper. Very, very impressed.
Credit Run’s House addict Nikul for this find.
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