The Diam Piece

In a September 2014 interview with Unkut, Diamond D spoke about the album, saying: "It’s more or less a production LP, about two and a half years it took. A lot of tracks I didn’t even use. I had about 27 tracks but I only used 18. Some of the artists I was in the studio with, and others – because of their touring schedule and my touring schedule – I just sent them music and they sent me the session back. If the track that I give them has a sample in it that’s giving it direction then they’ll follow that. If there is no sample or concept at the beginning I just let the MC’s paint their own pictures and try to figure out how can make it connect. I use a lot more live instrumentation now. I still chop and manipulate samples, but my sound just sounds bigger now. Just using better equipment so the sample frequencies are better."[1]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Exclaim!	7/10[2]
HipHopDX	[3]
XXL	4/5 (XL)[4]

The Diam Piece received positive reviews from music critics. Dean Mayorga of HipHopDX said, "While it is clear that Diam Piece is not without it’s [sic] flaws, it is a successful return nonetheless and hopefully a foreshadowing of more to come."[3] Praverb of XXL stated, "The Diam Piece is nothing new. In fact, it is a blast from the past, when compilations reigned supreme. Listening this album brought back memories of Soundbombing or Lyricist Lounge, the presentation of thought out lyrics and accompanying backdrops works. Diamond D meticulously selected guests for this collaborative masterpiece and injects rhyming when needed. Overall, it’ll definitely keep your attention thanks to Diamond D’s crafted beat wizardry. Real hip-hop at its best."[4]

• All tracks produced by Diamond D, except track 19 produced by DJ Scratch