At this point in his career, Diplo can really do whatever the fuck he wants. He’s won. But what would be a genius without new innovations? With the release of his new EP, California, Diplo reinforces that genius by showing that electronic music isn’t all about the big drops and genre-bending new wave music, sometimes all a song needs is good, clean production.
Diplo is one of the very few producers who can jump from genre to genre and actually find a home in that sound. Too frequently producers try out a new sound and it just falls flat, either clunky and uncomfortable or unoriginal to the point that it is boring. Diplo is able to rise above that as showcased on California. The predominantly hip-hop and rap-influenced EP is full of big names such as Desiigner, Lil Yachty, and Santigold, each song incorporating Diplo’s unique ability to adapt to each artist. ‘Worry No More’ captures both Santigold and Lil Yachty’s carefree vibes, creating a song that calls for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down. Desiigner, backed by Diplo’s tropical beats, softly sings about having some dark thoughts on ‘Suicidal.’ It’s like the come down at a party, still having fun but starting to wonder when it got to be 4 am.
While each song on the EP is a standout, the dramatic ‘Look Back’ with DRAM is the star. Having been released last month, it’s not a surprise but it still resonates. DRAM’s voice soars with a heavy, melodic beat that gives a sense of vulnerability that transforms into invincibility. Tinged with gospel, RnB, and indie rock influences, perfectly operating in tandem as the song swells to DRAM’s final cry of “You know I haven’t looked back” only to quickly filter out, like a wind-up toy finally coming to a stop. Diplo has had a lot of hits, but ‘Look Down’ will go down as one of Diplo’s greatest.
California displays Diplo at his finest, forcing him to completely step into hip-hop rather than sitting on the outskirts. He creates a different sound and vibe for every track, making it almost impossible to choose just one favorite. The only thing that is 100% certain, with the last bits of Diplo’s latest mega-hit ‘Get it Right’ in our headphones: Diplo still remains a king.
Words by Elise Smith.
