Expanding the boundaries of hip-hop’s sound while continuing the tradition of substantive and innovative lyricism is Traum Diggs’ carrying card as an artist. Traum Diggs is a self proclaimed “truth seeker” which makes for constant growth in his songwriting and subject matter. “The more I learn and grow, the more I want to share,” says Diggs. After releasing several mixtapes and off the strength of 2011’s Black Champion EP, Traum Diggs is ready to serve up his debut LP titled, Major Journalism: Confluence of Insanity. Regarding the upcoming release Diggs remarks, “I am just as influenced by Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Marvin Gaye as I am by KRS-ONE, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. I’ve always wanted to marry my core as a hip-hop lyricist with sounds that were far beyond what would be considered traditional hip-hop.” Major Journalism is the result of that union combining Traum’s distinct voice and potent lyricism with elements of funk, acid jazz, psychedelic rock, and world music.
Produced by musician and Grammy nominated producer, Ron Thaler, Major Journalism was recorded entirely during a marathon 10-day studio run in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and features all live instrumentation from some of the finest musicians on Canada’s West Coast. “I wanted to work with a fresh set of ears and folks who didn’t have all the pre-conceived thoughts of what a hip-hop album should sound like”, says Diggs. “I took a chance but at this point in the game I felt like it was necessary for my career as well as the genre.”
A native of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY and the son of Caribbean immigrants, Traum Diggs (born David Shanks) began writing rhymes at age 10 and grew up immersed in hip-hop music and culture. His straightforward, crystal clear delivery is a throwback to when hip-hop was more authentic yet his music pushes the envelope and is very relevant to today’s landscape. When you listen to a Traum Diggs song you get humor, pain, social commentary and real raw lyricism all wrapped up in one package. “I’m an autobiographical emcee,” says Diggs. “I only rap what I see, think, feel and experience.”
Though he wanted to be a rapper since he was a kid, Diggs heeded his mom’s advice and left Brooklyn to attend Temple University in Philadelphia at age 16. He vowed to finish school in four years so he could get back to his music and he did just that graduating with a BA in Journalism. During his time at Temple, Diggs honed his skills on the mic in legendary sessions with some of the best emcees in the city. He also formed the group H.M.P. with two old friends from Brooklyn and some new affiliates at school. H.M.P. released the EP, Dead End Kids in 2000. Shortly after the release, the group disbanded and Diggs joined with former group member, ASAV, to form the Traum ‘N ASAV Show. The duo released two mixtapes, Opening Credits (2004) and The Throwback Series: Episode One (2006). The Throwback Series garnered critical acclaim in the US and overseas and was the launching pad for Traum Diggs’ new company, 623 Entertainment. Capitalizing on the success of The Throwback Series, Traum Diggs released a collection of previously recorded solo material titled The Essential Traum Diggs in the summer of 2008. The Essential… quickly led to the kickoff of his first headlined promo tour, “The Mission Tour.” On the tour, Traum Diggs introduced the precursor to his new sound with the formation of Bullyfoot Massive, his 6-piece backing band.
While successfully headlining Mission Tour dates from NY to DC, Diggs had the pleasure of sharing the stage with industry vets such as Talib Kweli, DJ Premier, Styles P, and Pharoahe Monch. An invaluable experience he fondly recounts as, “one of the best summers of my life.” Diggs also released a follow up installment of The Throwback Series, titled Episode 2, which featured classic remakes of songs by Rakim and Jay-Z along with an incredible dedication to the late, great, King of Pop, titled, “Mike Jackin’ 4 Beats.”
In 2010, Traum Diggs continued to make strides, from playing multiple dates with his hip hop band, Bullyfoot Massive, to going on a 13-week grooming strike. Unfortunately for his barber, Diggs spent over three months forgoing a haircut or shave while attempting to finish Major Journalism. The EP was later postponed and the grooming strike ended but he continued recording and released two projects; a mixtape, For Colored Girls (& White Chicks Too) and Black Champion The EP. The former was inspired by Ntozake Shange’s play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf and Nina Simone’s classic song, “Four Women.” Black Champion The EP features the single and video, “Sax Fifth Avenue Flow”, which is Traum Diggs’ most “buzzed” about release to date adding more anticipation for the upcoming album.
Traum’s body of work shows his commitment to versatility and authenticity. He simply wants to make great music devoid of the typical rapper trappings. “I want my legacy to be not only that I was honest and relatable but that I pushed the envelope artistically and opened up new lanes for the artists who came after me.”