Customer Reviews

D.I.T.C.

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Listening the the DITC brings both pleasure and pain. The pleasure is hearing a piece of true hip hop. This album features instant classics like Thick and Get Yours. The only thing lacking is the lackluster Ebonics Remix. Don't get me wrong L blazed this one ( just like everything else on the album ) but the beat is not Premo's best. The Remix pales in comparison to the original. This album is a classic but sadly the DITC's brightest star didn't live long enough to see it. Big L shows us exactly why he was raps MVP. With his Air Tight lyrics and Unmistakeable Flamboyance. GO Cop the album its a classic. Some think the Greatest rapper of all time died March 9 but the greatest Rapper of all time died on Feb. 15 in Harlem NY. " My name rings Bidells / I'm hot as hidell / How can you ever mention Harlem and Forget L "

R

~~NOTE; DON'T KNOCK MY REVIEW JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T GIVE THIS ALBUM 5 STARS AND DIDN'T CALL IT A CLASSIC! I have alot of legitimate beefs with DITC for this average album. For starters, DITC IS BY NO MEANS AN AVERAGE GROUP (they're one of the best yet and MY PERSONAL FAVORITE) - so there is no excuse for this half-a55ed disappointment of an album they call "Worldwide."~~

Where do I begin...the day I heard that my favorite crew in the game was putting out a compilation album, I went running through the streets praising God and giving all the homeless people quarters and cigarettes. Okay not quite, but I was really, really hyped. Since the dawn of my Hip-Hop obsession, I had always loved DITC's legendary albums and their posse cuts (each solo album always had at least one, to some degree) and had dreamed of the crew putting out a compilation album. Think of Wu-Tang in reverse. Wu crashed into the game with the incredible posse album "36 Chambers," then branched off into dope solo careers. In my mind, the group album will always be their best. Now it was DITC's turn to put out a classic crew album.
After I heard "Thick," the lead single - I loved it and was counting-down the days 'til I could hear the album. I bought it as soon as it dropped.

For those who are unclear, Diggin' In The Crates is: (Founders: Lord Finesse, Showbiz & AG, and Diamond D, the Proteges: Big L, Fat Joe and OC, and the dope resident/freelance/criminally underrated Producer: Buckwild). Having owned and loved all DITC crew members albums (except Fat Joe's 3rd and everyone after) that dropped before "Worldwide" (that's the album's true name, it's not self-titled), my expectations were sky high. I think I was literally drooling at the mouth when I first played it, and after I intricately listened to every verse and every beat, my drooling turned to sobbing. WHAT THE H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS HAPPENED???

Let's start with the date, 2000 was a terrible year for Hip-Hop and every sequential year since 1998 things have gotten worse. In 2000, blingin' club music was starting to take a strangle-hold on the industry, and therefore all albums that weren't independently released, were full of commercial garbage (there are very few exceptions). I cram to think of one old-school MC/crew/whatever who survived the industry crossover, I honestly can't think of more than 5. Anyways, if this album was dropped when DITC was making the music they were born to make (between '90-'97) there's no doubt in my mind it would have been a 5 star classic.

Next, the album sounds like it wasn't fun to make - it sounds laboured and rushed. I was baffled at the track selection; about 1/4 of the album is disgraceful filler (tracks #6,7,8,13). What's with Milano getting on two tracks? And Cuban Link on one? Why??? Also, one of my favorite producers, Buckwild only crafts ONE beat and unfortunately it happened to be the horrible "Champagne Thoughts."
Another 1/4 of the album are remixes. The remixes are all really dope (except one), I just didn't expect so many:
-"Ebonics Premo Mix" by Big L is a really tight DJ Premier remix of Big L's underground classic.
-"Drop it Heavy" w/ AG, KRS-One & Big Pun, is a remix of the same joint relased in 1998 on Show & AG's independently relased final LP "Full Scale." Both versions are produced by Show and both are bangers.
-"Stand Strong" w/ Big L, Finesse, AG & OC, was originally titled "Dignified Soldiers," and was also a track on "Full Scale." There was also a remix on "Full Scale," making 3 Show produced versions of this track. It's all good, all 3 are pretty different and I love all 3.
-"Thick Rockwilder Remix" no matter how hard I try, I can't feel this remix.
The rest of the album is classics across the board, produced by beat masters DJ Premier, Showbiz, Lord Finesse & Diamond D. Forgive me, but I truly was expecting EVERY track to be on par with "Day One" and "Thick."

That's it; I'm done knocking the album. Wait, not quite yet...do you think it's a coincidence that after this album dropped only 4 members released another official album:
-AG, "The Dirty Version" (2000) which was a disaster.
-OC, "Bon Appetit" (2001), "Starchild" (2005) and "Smoke and Mirrors" (2005). Honestly, "Starchild" is pretty good, but I suggest you avoid the other two.
-Showbiz, "Street Talk" (2005) was so horrible I returned it. My own fault for thinking it might be okay.
-Fat Joe. Need I say anything?
So as you can see, nothing from Lord Finesse, Diamond D or Big L (RIP), and everyone who tried pretty much failed miserably. I think Finesse and Diamond recognized that the game was over - that nobody (except us minority of old-school, loyal, independent-thinking Hip-Hop heads) wants to hear good Hip-Hop anymore.

There I'm done. Even though I spent this whole review knocking "Worldwide," I'm still happy it was made and I'm proud to own it. In a sad way, this album marked the end of the legendary DITC Empire, whose legacy is so strong, that one disappointing album is a mere drip in a bucket. I think no less of my favorite crew, I just get upset sometimes when I think of what this album could have been. I'm so critical simply because I love DITC so much.

Bottom Line: Any fan of DITC should own this album, overall it's really not that bad. However, if you're just getting to know the group, start with each member's classic first albums. It pains me to give this album 3 stars, Peace.

Back in 1988 the D.I.T.C. (diggin in the crates) crew was formed with founding members including Diamond D (formerly of the Psychotic Neurotics) After years of being underground favorites, the crew finally releases it's major label debut worldwide. Today the lineup includes Fat Joe, Diamond D, The late Big L (R.I.P), O.C., Show, Buckwild, A.G. and Lord Finesse. To merely call this album good would be grossly understated. More to the point this phenomonal piece of work will be one of the most slept on classics of the year. From the opeining beats of "Thick" the scene is set with sharp beats and bells courtesy of DJ Premier. The beats get progressively better throughout the album and one thing becomes glaringly apparent. Big L would have been a supertar had he not been murdered one year ago this month during the recording of this album. Most of the production is left to some of the younger cats in the crew, mostly to Show and Mr. Dave, who executive produced the album. Lord Finesse provides beats on one track and Diamond on only one or two. Guest stars in the lineup of this album are far between because of all of the crew is an underground superstar in his own right, but the late Big Pun (R.I.P) makes an appearance on "Where Ya At" and Krs-One lends some vocals on "Drop it Heavy" Heads that are into true hip hop will be sure to get this album, those that live for the bling bling, gold, money, versace, bentley hip hop or those that love beats by ruff ryders, cash money, hypnotize minds, no limit, this isn't for you.

When I first got this album, it wasn't planned orintended. Actually, I didn't even know about D.I.T.C. until I saw thecover at the store. I knew 4 of the emcees, Joe, AG, L, and Finness. I was clueless about the rest, so I thought why not spend... and hope for the best. As soon as I put this in the stereo and the song Thick was coming out of the speakers. There was no doubt in my mind that this should be the hip-hop album of year 2000(But I tell ya, there is no way... they will pick this album as the best in 2000). Ghostface and Dead Prez can pretty close. But DITC is the most complete album ever made, only Wu's Enter the 36 can be compared to this. Every song is just off the hook, there is no other way to explain it. Lyrics were the best I've ever heard from underground emcees. Even Fat Joe and Big Pun amazed me with their punchlines. And every beat are just plain dope, song number 8 has kind of a party style beat which matches perfectly with O.C's lyrics. This album should not be sleeped on, it can't get any better than this. It's Hip-Hop at it's best, so you commercial snackers need to stop buying...DMX, Jay-Z, Juve, Cash Money, Drama. You have to look at real talent, and this is it. Once you hear this, you will be hooked to underground hip-hop and commercial rappers will soon be played out. HAHAHA! END

DITC (Diggin in the crates) consists of members: OC, Big L, Diamond D, Showbiz, AG, Lord Finesse, Buckwild & Fat Joe, all of whom became legends in their own right for their solo efforts, especially in the 90's. From O.C.'s "Word Life", to Lord Finesse's "Funky Technician" to Show/Ag's "Runaway Slave", this was a group who displayed consistant immense talent! and inevitably became one The best underground crew in hiphop, behind Wu Tang. Apart from OC (who's "starchild" was the best album in 2005) & Fat Joe's historical commerical fall off (2002 onwards), these great talents were pretty much non-existant just before and post 2000, and it was a breathe of fresh air for every real hiphop fan when it was rumoured their was a group album about to drop in 2000. This was in the form of "DITC", a self titled album, that consisted of a few newer tracks, some remixes and 12's etc. Inevitably, it was a disapointment. Although, most of the album consists of some sick DITC material, its just a bit too inconsistent with tracks like " Time to get this money", "Weekend nights" "Hey Luv"and "Thick Rockwilder remix" being too commerically aimed, and basically not what DITC fans appreciate. Nevertheless, on the other hand the track "Thick" is on here, with Dj Premier on the boards. Similarly, timeless classics like "day one" "Ebonics premo remix", "Drop It Heavy", "Da Enemy", "Stand Strong" and the "tribute" to Big L are also included on this mixed bunch. For them tracks alone, this cd is worth it. However, since it has become very rare, and has started to become very pricey, I would not say it is worth buying as DITC fans probably have most of the tracks already and this is not the best representation of the second best group in history. A Collectible album nontheless, this cd gets a good bordering a very good rating from me, not necessarily for the music, but for the disapointment of this 1 and only group album. PEACE

Lyrics - 8.5/10
Beats (overall) - 8/10
Originality - 8/10
Replay Value - 8/10

Check out these albums for the best of DITC:
O.C - Word Life, Jewelz, Starchild
Lord Finesse - Funky Technician,Return of the funky man, The Awakening, From the crates to the files
Big L - Lifestylez ov da poor & Dangerous & Big Picture
Showbiz & AG - Runaway Slave & Goodfellas
Diamond D - Stunts, Blunts & Hiphop

Every single one is a classic, believe me. The best of the 90's.

If you found this helpful, check my other reviews

OC and Big-L (r.i.p.) are too of the illest underground MC's out. The entire Diggin In The Crates Crew has held down their portion of the Boogey Down Bronx for many, many years now and doesn't seem to want to let go of that hard core underground lyrical battle rap that has kept them in the game for so long. A.G. and Show are two of my old school favorites along with Diamond D and Finess. This CD was a must have for me because it was probaly last time I was going to hear Big-L until his solo debut drops. This CD contains raw raps from the heart of real lyrical MC's who has paid their dues in this hip-hop game. For all you real hip-hop heads who fill a rush when a dope track is laced with raw medifors and lyrics, this is the one to cop.

believe me! oNe

This is a phenomenal album. The song, "Thick," is an instant classic. This is a long awaited album with minor flaws, but overall it is a gem. Big L's lyrics are razor sharp (RIP) and DJ Premier produces a couple of tracks. Also, Big Pun makes a couple of guest appearances. In short, you will not be disappointed in purchasing this album.

After 10 years of waiting the Diggin in the Crates crew DITC has finally released thier promised group album. They're all on this one, Big L (RIP), O.C., Lord finesse, Fat Joe Diamond D, Showbiz, AG and Buckwild on production. There's even some cameos from Big Pun (RIP) and Krs-one. From the first track Thick which perfectly describes this album. You know that this is going to be a quality album. Listening to this album is kind of bitter sweet. Sweet because it was nice to hear hip hop legends like Lord finesse and Diamond D on the mic again. Another treat was hearing OC rhyme one the majority of the tracks. He's one of the most underated mc's in hip hop. But the bitter part was hearing Big L rhyme. he was truly the next star to come out of DITC with his witty wordplay and clever punchlines. Hearing his voice on many of the tracks made me feind to hear his last album Lifestyles of the poor and dangerous and wonder when are they going to release his posthumous album. Unfortunately his untimely demise before he got the time to shine makes me wonder why the good always seem to die young. The same is true for Big Pun. Who blesses two tracks on the CD. Overall this is a strong statement from a group that's been one of the most underrated hip hop cliques in hip hop. Satnd out cuts: Thick

Get Yours

Day one

Foundation

Champane thoughts

Ebonics

Drop it Heavy

One of the better hip hop cd's i've purchased in a long time.

i've decided that this is my favorite cd in a long time. i liked it when i got it, but it grows on you as you listen to it. i don't think i've ever heard better lyrics. that goes for everyone, not just L. Big L by the way, really was a massive loss. it's a shame, but hey, live by the sword... lyrically, i think he was better than pac, biggie, or anyone really. the beats are also super tight. according to the source, this isn't even the album they wanted to release. wow, it's good though.

I have been waiting for tis CD to come out for the longest time now. Ever since I heard Big L and Fat Joe spit rhymes on the "Da Enemy" I new this would be a classic. My only complaint is the quality of the CD recording. It seems like the audio is not too clear.