On ‘DIA Vol.1‘, under Degrand Island Records, Detroit veteran DJ Dremond delivers a masterclass in gritty, sample-based beatmaking that could only come from a student of the game with over two decades in the trenches. This isn’t a flashy, modern production; it’s an analog affair built on warm, live drums, the punch of an MPC, and the deep, sinister hum of a Moog Voyager bass. The album serves as both a personal mission statement and a platform for some of the most respected voices in underground hip-hop, proving that the raw, unfiltered sound of Detroit is alive and well.
Dremond’s curation is just as sharp as his beat selection, assembling a murderer’s row of lyricists who thrive on this type of rugged terrain. “Admantium Chain” sees the legendary Planet Asia gliding over the ominous soundscape with the icy precision one expects from a wordsmith of his caliber. The posse cut “Artifacts” is a true highlight, allowing Tha God Fahim, Boog Brown, Mickey Diamond, and Termanology to trade bars like heavyweight champions, each adding a distinct layer of grit to the track’s funky backbone . Meanwhile, “U Got It” taps into the abstract, dystopian energy of Cannibal Ox, proving that Vast Aire and Vordul Mega can still conjure that signature chemistry over a canvas of Dremond’s raw instrumentation.
Ultimately, DIA Vol.1 feels less like a compilation and more like a vital document of the current underground scene, paying homage to its roots while pushing forward. It’s incredibly dope to hear new music from underground legends like Planet Asia, Termanology, and Cannibal Ox sounding as hungry as ever, especially when placed alongside modern stalwarts like Boldy James and Estee Nack. For fans of authentic, head-nodding hip-hop, DJ Dremond hasn’t just released an album to start the new year; he’s provided a soundtrack for the gritty reality of the streets it represents.
Score: 8/10