Amir ”Oddisee” Mohamed, is a familiar name in rap music, part of the Diamond District trio with yU and X.O., and founder of the label Mello Music Group. Odd is part of a music series which conveys the feeling of each season with each EP aptly titled Odd Summer, Odd Autumn, Odd Winter, and the latest, Odd Spring are a collection of tunes which do exactly that. The samples and influences are clear, with instrumentals that build in a progressive nature, as a metaphor to renewal, the season which spring represents. Check out the tunes below, then head over to Oddisee‘s bandcamp page to download these seasonal gems.

And big thanks to Put Me On It for putting us on this!

I’m always on the watch for hot rap beats accompanied by rappers with a sick flow, but in recent years have shied away from rap due to its current mundane and manufactured formula not worthy of my attention. However, in the past two years, I’ve seen a resurgence of artists who are changing the face of rap and bringing me back to love again. Diamond District are making my love grow a bit stronger.

Oddisee, the founder of Diamond District is no stranger to the game, having worked with Talib Kweli, Muhsinah, Jazzy Jeff, Buckshot, Saigon, to name a few; his production skills are serious. Group members, who are also solo artists, include X.O. and yU and together they create that lost rap sound we crave. And they do it effortlessly in In The Ruff and the latest solo release by yU with Before Taxes. All three members are from DC, the murder capitol of America yet home of America’s most powerful and wealthiest. This reality is the source of their material where they portray their life experiences, struggles and observations, while offering solace for people in America. Diamond District has brought back the dirty east coast grime our fathers in rap would be proud of.

For an exclusive download of Before Taxes, go to Fresh Selects.

“I Mean Business” from In The Ruff

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

“Break Down” feat. Bilal Salaam from Before Taxes

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.