Diamond D’s status as an icon in Hip-Hop is forever etched in stone. Since his classic debut Stunts, Blunts, and Hip-Hop released in 1992, his groundbreaking work with the D.I.T.C. (Digging In The Crates Crew) and his production on multi-platinum album, The Score by The Fugees, Diamond D has consistently been the consummate producer/MC.

After an almost five-year hiatus, Diamond D has returned to the scene with his latest project The Diam Piece 2. Dropping on his own Dymond Mine Records imprint, the LP features the likes of Talib Kweli, Xzibit, Erick Sermon, Snoop Dogg, Styles P, Raekwon, A-F-R-O, Elzhi, Twista, David Banner, and Fat Joe, among a host of others. Diamond D is one of the few who can gather such a diverse collection of Hip-Hop legends on one album.

Diamond D Discusses His New Album Featuring Styles P, Xzibit, Elzhi & More

One of the many gems from The Diam Piece 2 is “I Can’t Lose” featuring Elzhi and Blake Moses. The track is a standout, now accompanied by a compelling visual (premiering at Ambrosia For Heads). With an infectious piano loop sample, “I Can’t Lose” gives off a nostalgic vibe. Elzhi plays chess in black-and-white while delivering his reflective verse. Rhyming off of Diamond D’s stellar production, Elzhi spits with deep introspection about the many highs and lows that many can encounter in life: “Shorties all say they want you to win / But in the end/they hid behind a grin / And just pretend /So f*ck who I offend / I throw you a bar and keep it moving.” The profanity perhaps nods to D’s Diggin’ band-mate, O.C. in his epic “Time’s Up.”

Diamond D and Elzhi’s chemistry is undeniable. Their collaborative effort is Hip-Hop at its finest, it’s true essence. “I Can’t Lose” is more than another song. It’s a declaration of hope despite all of the circumstance surrounding us.

Elzhi Releases A Verse That Wins Like G Money On The Court (Audio)

In May, Diamond spoke in depth with AFH TV on camera about the album, his history with Mos Def, Rawkus Records, and more. We are currently offering free 30-day trials.

#BonusBeat: Diamond’s “Maintaining” video, featuring Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz and A-Kash: