Hip-hop pioneer Diamond D previewed his new album at Tampa’s Grand Bay studio

Diamond D had his boots on the ground when hip-hop was emerging out of New York City. The Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) co-founder stopped into Tampa’s Grand Bay Recording Studios to share a new record — The Diam Piece 2, due on May 10 — with a few locally based legends (DJ Sandman, Charlie Chase, DJ Fader, DJ Shafiq Ian Beckles) and some of the Bay area’s young princes, too (DJ Qeys, Wally Clark, Rude 100). Jason Smith, aka BOTB-winning Tampa rapper Jinx, was on hand with his camera and has these photos to share. Follow @CL_music on Twitter to get the most up-to-date music news. Subscribe to our newsletter, too.