Since native son Sean Hunt, better known by his MC name, Approach, moved to San Francisco at the end of '07, we haven't heard much from the hip-hop record label he co-founded some six years ago that once seemed so poised to take over the scene.
With Approach guiding things from his base in SF, Datura Records is looking to make a comeback on the KC scene in the form of five free releases from local heads this year. They've already dropped Smoov Confusion's Frank's Ties: Stan's Boy.
And now, just in time for President Obama's birthday, Datura has released the superb new full-length from KCK rapper and producer Royce Diamond, Aficionado. Don't creep -- dart to your mouse to download it as a ZIP file for free at the link below.
ZIP MP3: Royce Diamond, Aficionado
Aficionado is something of a misnomer. You don't have to be a hip-hop connoisseur to enjoy this joint. Rarely resting and never plodding, Diamond's production leaps between staccato funk, catchy, almost poppy club beats and old-school-flavored jams that Biggie would've wanted to get his greasy hands on. I haven't spent long enough with the album to evaluate lyrical content, but Royce's flow is fast, nimble, confident and seasoned like a good roast.
Since a ZIP is a lot to digest, take a listen to these two tracks, back to back, and mark the delicious contrast: acoustic guitar ("Gold") versus '80s new wave sample ("Love"). Sweet.
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Royce Diamond is the heart of Datura Records," Approach told me over e-mail yesterday evening. "He has the focus and the knowledge of a man twice his age. He is a family-focused brother and a loyal human being. Royce doesn't put himself in a position to fail so, as you see Datura rise, know that he is in one of the driver's seats.
"Musically he is the most honest vocalist in the Kansas City scene," he continues. "Every word he spills into to the mic is the GOD HONEST TRUTH. I would know, I have known him since I was 16."
Approach says that all hands are on deck at Datura.
"Right now we are focused on our free releases and all the new artists we are aligned with (The Soul Servers, Atilla, Royce Diamond, Smoov Confusion, Milkdrop and Bayonics). Datura is an artists-owned label so, every act has a stake in the company. Our success will be built off our drive and focus."
Stay tuned for three more free releases from Dat's artists in upcoming months.
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Royce, keep shining, I'm pleased and so so proud that everyone else will now be able to see and HEAR what I already knew, you are HANDSOME and you got skills. GO FOR IT!!
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