Diggy Simmons - Unexpected Arrival (08/06/2012)
Diggy Simmons’ debut album Unexpected Arrival, while not entirely unexpected itself, has certainly been a pleasant surprise. As the son of Rev Run and nephew of Russell Simmons, Diggy’s life seems to have been a build up to the release of this record and the kick start to his career. However, despite having every opportunity for building a record on the back of his family name and money, this record plays as an honest look into the life of a 17 year old forging his own way in the hip hop industry.
Diggy’s album covers themes expected from hip hop tracks – girls, fast cars, living the life at the top and standing up to the haters – as well as delving into a more inspirational side with messages of courage and following your dreams. Even at such a young age, Diggy’s lyrics feature a more natural flow and composure than those of rappers years older. The mix of rather young themes with the maturity that develops through his presentation creates a balance in the songs, and will appeal to audiences over a larger age group.
Across the tracks, the musical arrangements have been worked to emphasis the tone of the lyrics. Melodically they are simple and predominately beat driven tracks, a must in hip hop music. However, the music plays closer to pop tracks than traditional hip hop, creating an album headed towards the mainstream hip hop off the radio rather than an original sound. This choice certainly makes the tracks more radio friendly, and strengthens the appeal to a wider audience outside a pure hip hop fan base, which is clear as this album works its way up the top 100 charts.
The lead single of this album, Do It Like You is Diggy’s shot at radio glory. Despite this track not having truly broken through into the top charts, its similarity to current chart toppers lends hope for it reaching its full potential. Diggy’s lyrics speak of finding the one, with suave compliments and the desire for finding love. His words are complimented by the synth-dance beat and auto tuned hook by Jeremih adding an air of wisdom to the finished product.
Trying his hand at the heavier side of hip hop, the 6th track Unforgiveable Blackness, delves into issues of race and class that brought down the names of better emcees. Diggy’s attempt to shrug off his upbringing and connect with the audience of underprivileged and under motivated people is a valid attempt at connecting with his audience. These lyrics are laid over a simple driving beat, that drives the words forward rather than the musical arrangement as in other tracks. However, overall the track falls flat and plays more like a privileged 17 year old attempting to earn the respect of his peers by delving into a world he grew up separated from.
As a kickstart to Diggy’s hip hop career, Unexpected Arrival plays as a balanced and well-planned CD, building upon themes of Diggy’s life and his passion for the music. The album highlights his maturity and dedication to rap, but plays up the strengths of his young age while leaving room for his career to grow with him in the future.
Bethany Williams
Diggy’s album covers themes expected from hip hop tracks – girls, fast cars, living the life at the top and standing up to the haters – as well as delving into a more inspirational side with messages of courage and following your dreams. Even at such a young age, Diggy’s lyrics feature a more natural flow and composure than those of rappers years older. The mix of rather young themes with the maturity that develops through his presentation creates a balance in the songs, and will appeal to audiences over a larger age group.
Across the tracks, the musical arrangements have been worked to emphasis the tone of the lyrics. Melodically they are simple and predominately beat driven tracks, a must in hip hop music. However, the music plays closer to pop tracks than traditional hip hop, creating an album headed towards the mainstream hip hop off the radio rather than an original sound. This choice certainly makes the tracks more radio friendly, and strengthens the appeal to a wider audience outside a pure hip hop fan base, which is clear as this album works its way up the top 100 charts.
The lead single of this album, Do It Like You is Diggy’s shot at radio glory. Despite this track not having truly broken through into the top charts, its similarity to current chart toppers lends hope for it reaching its full potential. Diggy’s lyrics speak of finding the one, with suave compliments and the desire for finding love. His words are complimented by the synth-dance beat and auto tuned hook by Jeremih adding an air of wisdom to the finished product.
Trying his hand at the heavier side of hip hop, the 6th track Unforgiveable Blackness, delves into issues of race and class that brought down the names of better emcees. Diggy’s attempt to shrug off his upbringing and connect with the audience of underprivileged and under motivated people is a valid attempt at connecting with his audience. These lyrics are laid over a simple driving beat, that drives the words forward rather than the musical arrangement as in other tracks. However, overall the track falls flat and plays more like a privileged 17 year old attempting to earn the respect of his peers by delving into a world he grew up separated from.
As a kickstart to Diggy’s hip hop career, Unexpected Arrival plays as a balanced and well-planned CD, building upon themes of Diggy’s life and his passion for the music. The album highlights his maturity and dedication to rap, but plays up the strengths of his young age while leaving room for his career to grow with him in the future.
Bethany Williams