EP Review: ASAPH - Diamonds Deserve Diamonds

ASAPH is undoubtedly one of the best storytellers we have in the hip hop circles. Loved his KingsVilla2 album (Kingsvilla2 Album Review), it delivers something that many hip hop artists fail to deliver, that is a captivating story-line. His projects are solid, you cannot afford to skip a a song becasue you will miss a part of the story, you have to listen to all the tracks in order. He has now released his first offering of 2017 and today will be giving you my views and thoughts on the EP.

1. Things We Like.

The track starts with spoken word which describes the different unique characteristics that make a diamond special even with the uneven cuts and shape. 

The instrumental has this modern RnB feel to it and the arrangement is done well. The muffled vocal loop in the background further accentuates the steamy nature of the jam. This is not the typical hip hop/rap kind of vibe that Asaph is known for, he decided to experiment on this jam. The track is about having some quality time with your partner and doings those things you both like. Asaph is deep in love on this jam and just wants to spend some quality time with his lady.  He did a commendable job on the vocals but one can pick out that it's not as smooth, this is not his usual ground, but for someone experimenting he did quite well. 

2. Diamonds Deserve Diamonds

The track starts with some spoken word saying that, you get what you deserve. 

The instrumental has a dreamy instrumental which is chilled and sounding very good. This track talks about the treat me as you want to be treated kind of scenario. In the first verse Asaph is saying, I thought I was going to be the heart breaker and never for once thought you would use and manipulate me. He was deep in love and believed every word she said and invested a lot of time & effort into the relationship but now he has realised the relationship was not as perfect as he thought, she had another guy (the main dude). In the second verse he is in pain and reminding the girl about how long they have been together and what their relationship could have become if they had both put all their attention and time into the relationship, they could have lasted forever. Love the outro on this track, it gives a perfect ending to such a sad story.

3. Goodbye Hello

The track starts with some spoken word, highlighting that sometimes a diamond (person) isn't really yours and they may leave you anytime, what will you do then??. 

The instrumental carries on the chilled kind of vibe from the track before. It's arranged well and sounding good, love how the bass is structured. This track like the intro implies, it addresses the question, what you would do when the diamond is no longer yours. In the first verse Asaph continues rapping about how he felt about the relationship. How he tired to fight for their relationship but the girl continued to say it's over and he should move on. In the second verse he has now accepted the fact that the Diamond is gone and he is telling her that she has also lost a Diamond, a guy who had her back and was willing to do anything for her. He further goes to say you shall miss me when I'm gone. Also she should keep all the stuff they had as he has moved on, Goodbye. In the end Asaph is talking to his friend telling him that a lot of girls are hitting him up in the DM's trying to hook up so Hello to them.

4. No Lights

The track starts with some spoken word saying; everyone is busy looking for a Diamond to the extend that they get lost, they start looking in the wrong places and change into someone other than themselves. 

The instrumental carries on with this ambient filled sound onto this jam. They went for a proven structure and format on the instrumental especially the bass and kick pattern and it works. This song carries on from where Goodbye Hello left, Asaph is saying despite his girl leaving him he keeps on shining, even when all seems dark he keeps on shining. He is accepting how he is and how things are, appreciating that he is Diamond on his own. The track ends with some spoken word saying that sometimes people look elsewhere for diamonds despite of appreciating themselves and those loved ones (diamonds) around them. 

Stream & Download The EP below:

In overall this is a solid EP. It's a sad love story with an uplifting conclusion. Love the storytelling, how the tracks relate and fit together to tell the whole story. Asaph gave his usual signature performance, love how audible his verses are and how he tries to make his verses as simple as possible. It makes it easy even for non hip hop fans to comprehend the tracks. 

My overall EP Rating is: Poor/Average/Good.

What are your thoughts on the EP??

Proud_Zimbo