Diplomats

On their second album, the Diplomats have switched record labels and swollen their numbers. Hell Rell, J.R. Writer and 40 Cal. are the new members. In diplomatic fashion, the album also features international guests like Jha Jha, S.A.S., and Milk. Compared to their first album, they’ve reduced the number of songs and increased the variety in their music with positive results. A darker vibe has replaced the pink-era, Cam-Juelz-Jones chemistry from their first album. On "Get Use to This,” J.R. Writer spits a marathon verse, using the verb=noun formula ("I fathered the fathers”) made famous by Cam’ron. The new guys are out to prove something, but the ones who stand out the most are British rap duo S.A.S. Their English street flow is smooth as butter on "So Free” featuring Cam’ron, and on "Dutty Clap,” featuring Jim Jones, as they represent for the rude boys. Both songs are an ambitious departure from the established Diplomats sound, while Cam’ron maintains his lead role. "Take Em To Church” sums up Reverend Ma$e’s departure from and return to Harlem. Cam’s signature arrogance is substituted with detail about how his borough reacted. "S.A.N.T.A.N.A.,” by Juelz, is brazenly ridiculous and hauntingly entertaining. The best quality of the Diplomats is their personality; from their logo, to their remake of "Push It” by Salt N Pepa. You escape into their world when you bump this album, which is worth the knowledge of just how far street rap can go. For better or for worse, the Diplomats continue to push the boundaries.