Album review: Diaz Grimm, Osiris

Diaz Grimm.

Diaz Grimm doesn't muck around making an impression. With just a handful of singles to his name, the Cambridge MC kicks off his debut album with his best song yet, a walloping combination of futuristic thuds and cascading choirs that would make Kanye West cry out in envy.

target="_blank">LISTEN: ALBUM STREAM: DIAZ GRIMM - OSIRIS

It's an incredible introduction to Grimm's widescreen ambition, and though Osiris might not quite live up to its opening statement of intent, it's an impressive acheivement from a rapper still finding his feet.

It's also one that comes with a grim post-apocalyptic vision - "New Zealand, you're not ready for this war," warns Grimm - but he's mostly a super-positive presence who can deliver lines like, "I chased my dreams, now my future's looking beautiful" and, "Out with that negative living" without sounding like a complete cheeseball.

It's a refreshing outlook in a genre known for being aggressive and negative, and between the brooding standout Clouds, the festival rave fare of Isis and the grimy bounce of Quarterbacks, Osiris remains entertaining and beautifully produced throughout, with only a couple of lyrical clunkers letting the team down.

When Grimm's talent catches up with his ambition, watch out: we'll have a new rap superstar on our hands.

Artist: Diaz Grimm
Album: Osiris
Label: Independent
Verdict: Local rapper dreams of greatness

- TimeOut