On DIA Vol.1 from Degrand Island Records, Detroit veteran DJ Dremond delivers a masterclass in gritty, sample-based beatmaking that only a student of the game who’s been in the trenches for over two decades can deliver. This isn’t a flashy modern production; it’s analog music built on warm, live drum sounds, the punch of MPC, and the deep, menacing drone of 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 still very much alive.
Draymond’s curation is as sharp as his beat selection, assembling a band of killers who thrive on such rugged terrain. “Admantium Chain” sees the legendary Asian planet gliding across an ominous soundscape with the icy precision one would expect from a wordsmith of his caliber. Team cut “Artifacts” is a real highlight, having Tha God Fahim, Boog Brown, Mickey Diamond and Termanology trade bars like heavyweight champions, each adding a unique 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 signature chemistry on Dremond’s original instrumental canvas.
Ultimately, DIA Vol.1 feels less like a compilation and more like an important document of the current underground scene, paying homage to its roots while moving forward. It’s great 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 true, head-nodding hip-hop fans, DJ Dremond not only released an album to start the new year; He provides the soundtrack to the harsh reality of the streets it represents.
Score: 8/10
DIA by DJ Dremond Vol.1
