1st of the Month, Vol. 1

Well steeped in street culture, business matters, and rhyme techniques, Cam’ron at age 38 can put more into six songs than most junior rappers can over an entire album. At a time when New York strives to re-establish its identity among various popular regional scenes, “Other Side,” “Talk About It,” and “Homicide” reaffirm The Diplomats’ convincing vision of a pungent and gritty Gotham. At the same time, Cam can effortlessly—almost lackadaisically—assimilate the sonic effects and cadences of Southern rap, especially on “Funeral,” which is at once dizzying and threatening.