Directed by: Jay Brown
The District is coming! The District is coming!
If you didn’t know, there’s a label called Mello Music Group. It was started in Arizona by a college DJ named Michael Tolle in 2007. Do yourself a favor and become familiar with their entire roster. They not only have a strong group of emcees but they’ve managed to secure a diverse, impressive producer lineup as well. One of the early acts that helped establish their hold of a piece of the independent scene was the Diamond District’s debut album, In The Ruff (2009). Well, Uptown XO (Washington D.C.), Oddisee (Washington D.C.), and yU The 87er (Maryland) are back and creating like they never got signed.
Their upcoming album, March On Washington (10/14), comes as a wake up call to the rest of the country of the talent coming out of the D.C. area. This album will serve as Exhibit A. And today we’re proud to present the premiere of the first single off that album. What makes Diamond District so intriguing is the different perspectives and styles each emcee brings on one topic. In “First Step,” they not only do that, but their flows ensure steady head nodding as you hear the nuances in the production from Oddisee. And the simple yet clean storytelling through the visuals and edits only add to the vibes rather than distract you. So take your “First Step” in the March On Washington and press play above.
You can join their march by pre-ordering the album HERE. And look out for an exclusive interview sooner than later with the group.
Bryan Hahn wishes there were more supergroups in Hip-Hop. All City Chess Club, where you at? He’s on Twitter (@notupstate).
