In a revolving door community, with artists breaking into the scene daily it is hard for some well known underdogs to remain true to underground ethics, and relevant to the audiences. An anomaly to this trend would be G59’s own Ramirez, who has thrown listeners with his immensely diverse projects. His vastidity knows no bounds, creating variant tracks that unify underground listeners. After steadily releasing menacing, dark singles throughout the year, the Grey Gorilla has realized his supporters dreams by sharing Blood Diamonds 2; three years following the 2015 release of Blood Diamonds. Continuing the trend of its senior, the album is a marriage of funk vibes and ever smooth vocal complexities. All star producers litter the track list, with the majority coming from frequent collaborator Mikey the Magician. While usually spinning his high energy fast raps over harder productions, Ramirez uses the Blood Diamonds installments to navigate nostalgic, electronic beats reminiscent of your favorite synth-pop bands.
photo by Max Beck
MTM throws us into a grey daydream with “Where Roads End” which is quickly interrupted, as Ramirez incites the album with signature energy packed vocals. The track is an ode to his roots, announcing to fans where he came from and where he has brought himself; providing an introductory track that leaves little room to confuse the theme. Quick transition track “Cocaine & Disco” produced by Kendrick, reminds listeners of a 70’s night out. Smooth sax samples sing out, providing the perfect slide into third track “Six 4 Dreams”. The hoppy, laid back production from MTM counters Ramirez intensity throughout the track; sirens woop as he challenges listeners. Hopping on the track with a ferocity little can forget, he navigates with a continuous flow. Though this track does not differ in content from most Ramirez songs, it highlights his ‘bare-bones’; providing a raw look at his lyrical prowess and skill as a storyteller.
Newer members of the fanbase feel more at home, with the transition to “You Aint A Know”. Will Snow provides a production that epitomizes Ramirez sound and energy. While the track differs thematically, he hops on with an unignorable ferocity; a seemingly necessary variant in the tracklist. Mikey The Magician brings us back to a coke-dusted dream with “Chun Li Shawty”, a vocal standout for Ramirez. Endless rhymes and punchlines strike listeners, and remind them of his veteran status. “Ricky Bobby Six Speed” has become a notable track within the album. A more relaxed Ramirez comes through over a Migo Plug Danny production, which continue the hints at a chillwave influence by sampling Toro y Moi’s “No Show”. We are shown that, though he chooses to approach tracks vigorously, he possesses the ability to bring it down at will; connecting with listeners emotionally, rather than with intimidation.
Standout track, “Money Attractions” takes the theme of the Blood Diamonds installments to an entirely different level. MTM’s masterful production sets Ramirez up for an instant classic; full of nostalgia, continuous flow, and vibes reminiscent of your favorite old school video game. We see a side of Ramirez that has been absent for a time, which encompasses the theme of the album. As the album concludes, prior release “Bladed Choppa” ends on a high note, with a coveted feature from underground legend Germ. Without a doubt, this album could be consider one of Ramirez’s most artistically directed, well put together projects. Each component is thought out, with intention in mind. Blood Diamonds 2 is a direct reminder of the artistry Ramirez holds, and allows him the opportunity to show new audiences a look at older styles and reimagined ones.