Long-awaited isn't the word! The hip-hop community has been waiting for this long-promised union of the formidable DITC crew for a long time. Responsible for some of the music's finest albums, first-and-foremost Showbiz & AG's 'Runaway Slave' and Diamond's 'Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop', and we can't forget OC's 'Word Life', Lord Finesse and Mike Smooth's 'Funky Technician' and the numerous productions of Bronx producer Buckwild. This had to be good. And, it doesn't let us down, being considerably better than your average NY hip-hop release at the beginning of the year 2000.
Those expecting a reworking of 'Runaway Slave' or 'Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop', are going to have to prepare for a new DITC, one with considerably less humour and, unfortunately, rather less innovation. When the aforementioned albums appeared they were urgent masterpieces, Show & AG, in particular, bursting with innovative jazz samples and ultra-rough beats and basslines. That's why they're still party-rockers to this day.
Now, DITC step in line with nice tight and bouncy productions in the all-pervasive style of hip-hop's most influential (too influential?) producer, DJ Premier. Of course, they do it better than most. Premo's productions on this album are some of the best things that he's done for a while, especially the devastating head-banger, 'Da Enemy', even if it is about two years old. Elsewhere, Diamond turns in a nice loop on 'Day One' and Show pulls out the album's party highlight, 'Way Of Life'. Make no mistake, if you've even the faintest interest in NY hip-hop then this is an essential purchase but don't pass on the originals.
