Diplo

Months before its release, we were teased with the title track of this EP, which featured the abrupt, rapid-fire vocals of up-and-comer Nicky Da B. With a collaboration with Snoop Dog underway and the release of the sublime "Get Free," from Diplo's alter-ego, Major Lazer, still making the rounds, the release of Express Yourself couldn't come at a better time for the DJ/producer. The title track opens with brisk percussion before a bass-heavy warble floats in, building up to the drop, which is surprisingly sparse given the opening, but quickly climbs to a bubbly summit, culminating in all things gritty. The roster on the EP is impressive, with the likes of Flinch & Kay, Elephant Man and Sabi contributing, along with Canadian DJ/producer Datsik, whose work on the slowly building "Barely Standing," coupled with the lascivious vocals of Sabi, is instantly recognizable. Second single "Set It Off" builds in epic proportions, with the gentle vocals a prelude to a drop that slowly winds up and down with a heavy backbeat and frenetic sirens. Though we had the arduous task of waiting a handful of months for its release, Express Yourself was definitely worth it.