When you think of Hip-Hop music it’s easy to say that it’s filled with swearing, derogatory comments towards women and violence – so much violence. If this is what you are looking for with the latest Diaz Grimm release, then you will be disappointed (but it is the only thing that will disappoint you). Grimm is proud of the fact he has no swearing and violence in his music and in a recent NZ Herald interview, he says he sings about what his experiences are, how can you sing about violence if that isn’t your experience? Which is part of what makes this album so great, it’s authenticity. 2077, is the second of a four-album project with a futuristic sci-fi theme and all the instrumentation on the album is done using instruments that could be found on a space ship in 2077.
The album is a mix of club anthems and downbeat tracks which show case his vocal style. There isn’t a dud song on this album and it has been a very long time since I’ve listened to an album the whole way through, this many times, without getting sick of it or wanting to have a break and listen to something else.
This album is a journey that takes you away from your everyday life, away from the mundane and into the world of dreams, hopes and aspirations. It tells two stories, one being the story of any musician that has ever followed their heart to leave the mundane behind them and the second story, is of a human population made to leave earth with songs set in 2077. It seems like a weird mix of stories and themes but one that works well on this album of 12 songs.
By the time the third track comes in I’m imagining I’m on a packed dance floor in a hip club, somewhere like Long Room or Roxy with everyone jumping up and down all around me. The 3rd track, entitled B4eva, is one of my favourite tracks on the album and is a celebration and has a sense of ‘I’ve Made It’ featuring Stardust whose vocals bring another layer and atmosphere to the track. I can easily imagine what this track would be like performed live with the two vocal elements and the visual lighting effects that Grimm is becoming known for.
After B4eva the album takes you on a different journey, withForeigner. The tempo is different and slower with more of a heart felt vibe – this is more of a soul baring. This is the first song for me that has tugged on my heart strings and almost feels like the song was written for me. It tells of the struggles of making it in the music industry, being on tour and feeling like a foreigner in another country and wondering if you have made the right decision – to follow your dreams, while missing everyone you hold close. This is a song anyone that has ever given up their 9-5 to chase their dreams can relate to.
2016AD again talks about dreams being made and is another celebration song with a feeling of ‘look where I have come from, look where I am going’ and has a sense of ‘If I can do it, so can you’ about it. This is the second club heavy track and from the first beats of the song I want to get up on the desk in front of me and start dancing.
I could easily write over 1000 words about this album and all the different emotions it evoked in me, but my editor wouldn’t be very happy with me – especially as this is my first ‘official review’. All I can say is, if you haven’t heard this album then it is one of 2016’s must haves! Regardless of whatever genre you are ‘into’ this album has something for everyone, especially for other New Zealand artists, I think it is one we can all appreciate and be proud of. If you don’t believe me it is available for stream on Spotify so check it out and then make sure you buy it from all the normal online stores – get it, you won’t be disappointed!