He started out as a DJ for Jazzy Jay back in the late 1980s and was at the same time perfecting his skills in beat making and turntablism, and together with rhyme partner Master Rob, he was one half of the group Ultimate Force. The group signed with Jazzy Jay's Strong City Records, and Diamond and Rob started recording their debut album, I'm Not Playin', in 1988 and released the 12-inch single with the same title, which spawned a buzz in the underground. The album was completed in 1990, but it got caught up in label politics, such as the shutdown of Strong City distributor Uni Records, and was shelved until 2007 when it was released through Traffic Entertainment. One of the last songs recorded for the album was a Diamond D solo song in which he actually picked up the mike for the first time. The song was called "The Best-Kept Secret." As Ultimate Force dissolved, record executives got their eyes on the Bronx phenomenon, which eventually resulted in the release of Diamond's debut album, Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop (released under the moniker Diamond & the Psychotic Neurotics), in 1992. The album is considered to be one of the finest D.I.T.C. solo LPs and features early appearances from Big L and Fat Joe, the latter of whose 1993 debut album, Represent, was mainly produced by Diamond D.
Diamond's second album, Hatred, Passions and Infidelity, was released in 1997 to mixed but mostly positive reviews. Following the release, Diamond established his name as a sought-after producer after providing impressive beats for other hip hop artist such as Busta Rhymes, the Fugees, KRS-One, Queen Latifah, the Pharcyde, and Brand Nubian, among others. He is regarded as one of the first hip hop producers to work with artists on both the east and west coasts. Since then, he released the independent street album Grown Man Talk, the official mixtape compilation The Diamond Mine, and provided contributions to his D.I.T.C. cohorts' projects including the crew's self-titled 2000 debut album on Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records.
In 2008 Diamond signed with Babygrande Records. His fourth album, titled The Huge Hefner Chronicles, was released in October 2008, and unlike previous efforts, the LP showed Diamond focus more on his rhymes, as production was handled by other respected underground beat makers such as Nottz, DJ Scratch, Ill Mind, Def Jef, and Jesse West.
Never
Diamond D Lyrics
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[Diamond]
Now people used to tell me that if you smoked
You'd lose your hope, and it would stunt your growth
I used to chip in with the other young folks
Back when it came in little brown envelopes
Remember the day my moms found a tre
Bust my ass and at night I heard her pray
But it was too late, I already begun to
Hanging with the knuckleheads on my block
Smoking in the lobby looking out for cops
Sipping Private Stock, now my eyes are shifty
Who got me covered on the next $2.50?
Nigga I ain't tripping, I passed out a few whippings
On deep throats in cheap coats who wouldn't chip in
It got me flipping, now everything's serene
Purple clouds and ultraviolet dreams
"Never gonna give you up, no matter how you treat me" (Repeat 4x)
[Sadat X]
My old moms said that the smoke would harm
I'd be a crackhead or die with a needle in my arm
Tried to playy me out, my father was smoking that good lye at the time
That old grown man brown weed with my aunts in the back
I'm a little nigga now saying "Why they acting like that?"
Coming out all high and laughy off some Richard Pryor tapes
Before he blew up his face trying to base
I was smoking weed when half the niggas with me now was fronting
When cats was anti-drugs there was weed seed in my rugs
I've been to the brown bags, the clear bags, and even the glass jars
I've been smoking with stars in parties and bars
I done got actresses high, the greatest athletes fucked up
Took some niggas from DC to the spot and they came and cracked a knot
And left the spot real hot, check it out
I get up in the morning, take a pee, and light up that good tree
Old girl often ask me why I always get so high
Because it keep me in touch and keep my shit on the smash
And I ain't down with Rudy G no more cause he done fucked up the hash
"Never gonna give you up, no matter how you treat me" (Repeat 4x)
[John Doe]
Picture me giving up my early moring marijuana
Reading a books, slef-entitled "The World According to Scamas?"
Yo herbals make the world calmer
True fact, no drama, old timers still smoke like farmers
I done heard many tales about the chunky black
Guess that's why I prefer the chunky black
Every day I'm reminded bout the dangers of smoking
8 o'clock I'm rolling L's, by 8:03 I be coughing
Rehab spots ain't for herb smokers
That's for extremely stressed stock brokers
Who bought four closers from a crack quoters smoke this
If you're offended by the fumes light an incense
She's not laced with infringements or buddhas
She wouldn't have the gall to fool us, please no intruders
She stays true to her students
Stayed loyal til I tamed her up
Took a trip to the greeny green kid and never gave her up
That's why
"Never gonna give you up, no matter how you treat me" (Repeat 4x)
The lyrics to Diamond D's song "Never" are a reflection on the use of marijuana and the love that these artists have for this substance. The chorus touches on the loyalty they feel towards the plant, no matter how it may treat them. The first verse by Diamond describes his introduction to marijuana use, going against the warnings from his mother and succumbing to peer pressure. He describes the experiences of smoking in his neighborhood and feeling a sense of camaraderie with his fellow smokers, regardless of the consequences. Sadat X continues with a reflection on the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding marijuana use, recalling his own experiences and how it has been a constant in his life, even when it wasn't popular. John Doe concludes with a personal account of his relationship with the plant, emphasizing the calming effect it has on him, despite societal stigmas.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of resistance to societal norms and a love for a misunderstood substance. While the lyrics focus on marijuana, they can also be interpreted as a broader critique of societal expectations and pressures that individuals face.
Line by Line Meaning
Never gonna give you up, no matter how you treat me
No matter how badly people treat me, I will never give up my habit of smoking marijuana.
Now people used to tell me that if you smoked
People have warned me about the dangers of smoking marijuana.
You'd lose your hope, and it would stunt your growth
People used to believe that smoking marijuana could lead to depression and hinder personal growth.
Remember the day my moms found a tre
I recall the day my mother discovered my stash of marijuana.
It got me flipping, now everything's serene
Smoking marijuana has had a calming effect on me despite the risk involved.
My old moms said that the smoke would harm
My mother has also warned me of the harmful effects of smoking marijuana.
Smoking weed when half the niggas with me now was fronting
I was smoking marijuana back when it was not trendy.
I done got actresses high, the greatest athletes fucked up
I have introduced high-profile individuals to marijuana, including famous actors and athletes.
Took some niggas from DC to the spot and they came and cracked a knot
I introduced some individuals from Washington DC to a marijuana-selling location and they made a purchase.
Picture me giving up my early morning marijuana
I cannot imagine quitting my habit of smoking marijuana in the morning.
Yo herbals make the world calmer
Smoking marijuana can have a calming effect on individuals.
Rehab spots ain't for herb smokers
Rehabilitation centers are not intended for people who smoke marijuana.
Stayed loyal til I tamed her up
I have remained a loyal user of marijuana, even though I have tried to moderate my usage.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY BUTLER, KENNETH GAMBLE, LEON A HUFF, JOSEPH L KIRKLAND, DEREK MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind