In The Ruff is the highly anticipated debut album from new DC hip hop
group “The Diamond District”, created by state veterans Oddisee, X.O.
& YU. In The Ruff is the answer for any lover of hip hop who asks the
question – “Where did that grimy East coast sound go?”
The group was founded by rapper/ producer Oddisee, who has a long list
of production & collaboration credits with the likes of Freeway, Talib
Kweli, Siagon, Little Brother, Trek Life, Charles Hamilton, Jazzy Jeff, Buck
Shot, Royce the 5′9”, Nikki jean, Muhsinah, J-live, Lil Fame of MOP,
Skyzoo and many more. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-
heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for him, XO & YU to
match with their street savvy, politically conscious lyrics.
“The ware wolves wear wool suits, be ware of them…”
-YU
In The Ruff is a raw mid-90’s Boom-Bap themed album for the DC state of
mind, destined to appeal to all lovers of hip hop’s golden era, managing to
travel back in time and push the boundaries of DC Hip-Hop
simultaneously.
The District of Columbia is home to our nations politics and some of the wealthiest African Americans in the country. It is also home to one of the nations largest income gaps with some of the highest crime, murder and STD rates. It is the culmination of these statics that defines DC Hip Hop. Oddisee (producer/MC from Prince George’s county, Maryland) formed this group with solo artist, XO and YU. The idea was to create a mid-90’s boom-bap themed record for the DC, Maryland & Virginia metropolitan area. XO, (born & raised in North West DC) defines what it is to be a black male raised in the district, with lyrics that have a way of philosophizing that street life. Oddisee defines the experience of growing up in black middle class Maryland. Bordering the poverty his and many other families fled to escape, they found the troubles of the inner city came along with them. YU, having been raised in the district, Maryland & Virginia, shows that DC culture exceeds it’s 10 mile radius. “In The Ruff” is the DMV’s soundtrack. its street savvy, politically conscious lyrics and grimy beats depict life in and around our nations capitol.
ey man, im from the bay area. i just heard of u guys, and im jus here to tell you guy that yall one of the best groups i hear right now. thanks for the great music yall
