Classic Material | Diamond D - "Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop"

ItzYourz411
Jan 21
2 min read

Debuting this new category of articles, ItzYourz411.com is paying homage to some of the dopest, most influential albums in Hip Hop and R&B history.

We're starting things off with one of the albums that defined the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop.

"Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop" is the acclaimed debut album from legendary hip hop producer and rapper Diamond D and his crew, The Psychotic Neurotics.

Released on September 22, 1992, through Mercury Records, it is an underground masterpiece of the early 1990s New York "boom-bap" sound.

Artist Influence: Diamond D is a founding member of the D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates) collective. The album features some of the earliest recorded appearances of future rap legends Big L and Fat Joe.
Production Credits: While Diamond D produced the majority of the tracks, he collaborated with several "Golden Era" legends, including Large Professor, Q-Tip, Jazzy Jay, Showbiz, and DJ Mark the 45 King.
Critical Acclaim: In 1998, The Source magazine selected it as one of the 100 Best Rap Albums. It is noted for its "loop-driven aesthetic" that heavily influenced DJs and producers to search for obscure jazz and soul samples.

Stand-out singles and tracks

The album runs approximately 70 minutes and consists of over 20 tracks:

"Best Kept Secret" – The lead single that established the album's massive rhyming tone.
"Sally Got a One Track Mind" – A classic storytelling track and a highlight of the album.
"What U Heard" – The third single released from the project, featuring one of the illest and most recognizable voices in hip hop, Sadat X.
"Check One, Two" – A fan favorite co-produced by The 45 King.

Purchasing and Availability in 2026

In 2026, the album is available across various physical and digital formats:

Vinyl: Modern 2LP reissues are available through specialized retailers like Get On Down (approx. $22–$35) or Turntable Lab.
CD & Digital: Original and reissue CDs can be found on eBay and Discogs starting around $15. It is also available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music.