Diplo - Revolution EP

Posted on Oct 13, 2013 in Bangers, Hip-Hop, Reviews, Trap

 

Diplo might be the biggest name in music right now - all genres considered… Kanye West considered. And twerking certainly owes its popularity to the master producer. But his latest EP is less about Diplo himself, and more about the movement he’s created, and the emergence of new ideas from within this movement. It is a Revolution indeed.

On just four original tracks, Diplo throws down rhymes and bass with Angger Dimas, Boaz van de Beatz, RiFF RAFF, Action Bronson, and Travis Porter (amongst others). While this might sound a bit over-saturated and chaotic, Diplo allows his collaborators plenty of room to speak for themselves while tying everything together brilliantly. Each sound supports the next, and each track builds off what came before it.

As a whole, Revolution is one hell of a party. The EP bounces from trap to pop to hip hop on booming bass, rambunctious vocal cuts, and cocky lyrics - and it’s quick to announce its intentions. With blaring horns and a handful of sound effects, the opener “Biggie Bounce” quotes J-Kwon noting “errbody in the club gettin’ tipsy”.

Though elements of hip hop are infused throughout, “Rock Steady” is quite pure. Featuring Action Bronson and “rap game Burt Reynolds”, the lethargically trippy production is a nice and fitting change of pace among the rowdier tracks. On the other hand, “Revolution” and “Crown” add more pop-like vocals, showcasing Diplo’s multi-dimensional talent. The latter track even proclaims “I can’t wait to be king” before proving why Diplo is on the drop (as if you needed reassurance).

Most impressive however is Boaz van de Beatz’s remix of “Revolution”. Galloping over a sped-up original, the Dutch newcomer storms in with rumbling bass, reverse rhythms, and crazy cuts with the power of 1,000 raves. It’s a truly inventive sound on par with his previously released single “99 Lights” , and Boaz goes absolutely bananas on the drop once again. I really mean this when I say it: No one is going harder than this guy right now.

Over the years, Diplo has experimented with many different sounds. On Revolution, he once again goes genre-bouncing, but this time he’s more consistent and cohesive than ever and brings along an army of immense talent. This makes for an incredibly strong EP that needs to be listened to not just by electronic music fans, but by anyone with interest in modern music and what’s to come in the future.

The Diplo revolution has already arrived. Most are already aware of this. This EP, however, is about what’s emerging from it. And it’s pretty incredible.

 

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