Black Diamond Band

Black Diamond Band
Figure 1.1 "Black Diamond" in 1979
Computer's Left to Right:
"Black Diamond" & "Sweet Smoke"
with
DJ Flash of (K.T.K.R), 1310 A.M, Taft.
&
DJ Sir T. of (K.C.H.J), 1010 A.M., Delano.

Alphonso W. Robinson (1st. top right)
Radji Mateen (2nd. top right)
Todd "DJ Sir T." Welch (3rd top right)
Lee "DJ Flash" Johnson (1st top left)
Stephen "DJ Sparkle" Ewers (2nd top left)
Roy "Omar" Mateen (3rd top left)
Tarus Mateen (bottom left)
Darren Gholston (bottom center)
Charles Dickerson (bottom right)
Background information
Origin Bakersfield, California
United States
Genres funk, dub, reggae, west coast hip hop, jazz, classical, soul, bass, R&B, southern hip hop, east coast hip hop
Years active 1978 (1978)–2015
Labels AVI Records, MCA Records, Organized Noize, IBM, EMI, Self Released
Associated acts Darkstar, Goodie Mob, Freddie McGregor, Judy Mowatt
Website myspace.com/uiy089/music/songs
Members Tarus Mateen (1st bassist)
Radji Mateen (saxophonist)
Roy "Omar" Mateen (drums)
Past members Debbie Walker (2nd. bassist)
Anthony Randolph (trumpeter)
Willie J. (3rd. vocalist),
Charles Dickerson (guitarist)
Lisa S. (2nd. vocalist)
Richard L. Smith (percussionist)
Selena H.(1st vocalist)
George Graham (keyboardist)
Stephen Ewers (4th vocalist)
Erric Walker. (5th. vocalist)

Black Diamond: also known (as "The Mateen’s Band", and the "West Afro East Band" ), is a group of American musicians from Bakersfield, California that formed in the late-1970s.[1] The band is primarily known for their addiction to gigs, and is recognized for the funk, soul, hip hop, and reggae music they composed. The band is also remembered for the remixes they did of popular top 40 songs which mainly consist of funk, and dub, hits they performed (as a cover band), before they began composing, producing, recording, and performing their own original material at music venues, such as Universities, pubs, club (organization's), night clubs, hotel partys, and parks, during the late 1970s, the 1980s, and 1990s. The picture to the computer left in figure 1.1, dates back to the same time period (as The Sugarhill Gang), before Dr Dre's group the World Class Wreckin' Cru, Electro funk, and Electro-hop existed. The band, is also credited for the performance they did at CSUB "California State University of Bakersfield," called "Hey Deejay..Were You Playin With Em," and for the "Jamaican tour" they did in Montego Bay as members of the "Jamaicans Musicians Union," with international Jamaican, Rocksteady, and ska stars such as Freddie McGregor, and Judy Mowatt in the late 1970s.

The band is also credited, and famous for the early rap music they did on the west coast with the first west coast rap group based in Los Angeles, California called "Dark Star," formerly known (as "The Rappers Rapp Group"), during the 1980s. The Black Diamond members is also known for their on stage contributions as a band and their solo contributions to the early productions of southern hip hop mostly either on stage, or behind the scene (as Studio musicians), through independent hip hop production labels, mostly through a label called -"Organized Noize". The band is also known for the stage performance they did with the Goodie Mob for the groups "Still Standing" album release party event, during the late 1990s.[2][3][4] the band also did the theme music for the "King George- the King Who Ran for President" soundtrack back in the early 2000s. The Black Diamond Band, is documented among the first bands in central California from Bakersfield to make hip hop, jazz, soul, dub, and funk music along with other local bands and musicians from Bakersfield such as "Sweet Smoke", " "The Uncle Famous band," Sherley Anne Williams, "The Perri Sister," "The Reach Band" and classic Doowop vocal groups from Bakersfield back in the early-to-mid 1950s and 1960s such as "The Colts," and "The Paradons" which both formed during the same time period as the Bakersfield Sound. The "Black Diamonds," "Uncle Famous," "Reach," and "Sweet Smoke," are often compared to each other and credited by locals in the community for being "active musicians" or "active bands" that played a major role in Bakersfield, and Kern County's African American music history.

History

The Black Diamond band emerged from Bakersfield, California in the late 1970s. The Mateen Brothers - "Black Diamond" started out playing music as a cover band, and session musicians through the "Jamaican Musicians Union," in Montego Bay, Jamaica while on family vacation at young ages during the late 1970s and early 1980s[5] The bands original members consisted of Roy Mateen (drummer), Tarus Mateen (bassist), Radji Mateen (saxophonist), and Selena H. (vocalist).[6] The band has also toured and performed alongside legendary reggae, Dub, and ska, music artist such as Freddie McGregor, from the mid-1960s Jamaican, "Ska," and "Rocksteady," (vocal) trio, called the The "Clarendonians" the Black Diamond Band also worked with Judy Mowatt, who was a member of the mid-1970s Jamaican reggae, (vocal), trio called the "I Threes," as part of the "Jamaican Tour," they did through the "Jamaican Musicians Union," in 1979.

The band is known best for their affiliation with the 1980s rap group out of Los Angeles called "Dark Star" during the early '80s. In 1982, Black Diamond had re-connected with DJ Flash a founding member of Rappers Rapp Group who at the time was a mobile DJ in and around Bakersfield, California. He was also the musical director, and radio DJ in the afternoon at radio station "(KTKR), 1310 AM " in Taft, California. He went on to become one of the future MC's, and the first white rapper ever to get signed to a rap record label called the "Rappers Rapp Disco Company" in Los Angeles.[7][8][9] That same year, Black Diamond had did some recording sessions for "Darkstar's" new upcoming album .

Figure 1.2 DJ Flash – The first white rapper ever signed to a rap label

In 1983, the following year, "Darkstar" had signed a deal with "AVI Records" which at the time was a division of "MCA Inc." and recorded the west coast's first rap Ep called "Sexy Baby". The music for the entire album was done by "Black Diamond" no samples was use in the original recordings the beat was done by instruments. The "Sexy Baby" single (as Darkstar), has made 13 appearances consisting of 2 releases the "Sexy Baby " single (1982), and the "Sexy Baby " album which was released in (1983). The "Sexy Baby" single (as Dark star), has also appeared in 8-different mixed compilations by various artist, such as the "Various – West Coast Rap – The First Dynasty, Vol. 2," produced By "Rhino Records" in (1992), and "Eazy E & Posse," which was produced by the "Dance Factory," in (1995). The "Sexy Baby" Ep, (as Dark Star), also featuring "Black Diamond" has appeared in 6 different hip hop compilations produced in the Netherlands and released by a hip hop production label called "Street Dance" which consist of tracks that feature various artist such as the "West Coast Posse 2" compilation in (1997), the "Timex Social Club + Posse" compilation in (1998), the "Hip Hop Most Wanted" compilation in (2001), the "Dr. Dre & Posse" compilation in (1998), "Elektro Hip Hop Party Vol. 3" compilation in (1999), and the "Dr. Dre (2003)" compilation back in (2002).[10]

The Black Diamond Band, is also known for the two soul albums and singles they produced, self-published, and distributed on Myspace, back in early 2000s. Which consist of the "Black Diamond Single" in (2007), the "Black Diamond album" in 2008. The Black Diamond Band, also did the theme music for the film documentary called "King George: a King Runs for President," back in (2008).[11] The Black Diamond, line-up credited for doing the music for "Sexy Baby" album consisted of, Roy Mateen (drummer), Radji Mateen (saxophonist), Tarus Mateen (bassist), Charles Dickerson (guitarist), and Anthony Randolph (trumpeter).

Figure 1.3: The Black Diamond Band in 1985

The "Sexy Baby" album was originally released overseas in Europe, but was later re-released, published, and distributed in the United States through popular online music distributors, music labels, and retailers such as Discogs, BMI, YouTube, rateyourmusic Amazon, itunes Equinox Music, CD Baby and more.[12]

In 1997,"Black Diamond," had made adjustment to the bands line-up and recruited southern hip hop artist and former "DATBU Band" member Debbie Walker, who is known best by her stage name Divinity Roxx. At the time the band backed up spoken-word poets who opened show for comedians at the "Uptown Comedy Club," in Buckhead, Georgia. The "Black Diamond" line-up during that time consisted of Divinity Roxx (2nd bass), Tarus Mateen (bass), Radji Mateen (saxophone), and Roy "Omar" Mateen (drums). In spring of 1998, the "Mateen Brother - Black Diamond," had did a concert in New York for the Goodie Mob's "Still Standing album release party. Everybody was there Puff Daddy was there, Andre 3000 and Snoop Dogg's name was also mentioned among the names of the celebrities that attended the "Goodie Mob," event. The Black Diamonds, is also among the first bands documented on the west coast from the San Joaquin Valley that contributed to the early west coast rap music scene in Central California. Even though now of days the Black Diamond bands, focus has shifted more into the funk, dub, and Jazz, music scenes; the band has left a historic mark in the early production of hip hop music on the west coast and is labeled by many as true west coast hip hop, funk, and dub reggae, pioneers coming out the Central Valley from Kern County during the early-1980.

Solo Music Credits

Figure 1.4 Brittany Tanner and Tarus Mateen Performing: "New Beginning," in 2012

The Black Diamond band is also known for their solo music accomplishments, each member of the band has established their own credibility as musicians, and worked with major stars before becoming famous themselves. In 1979, Tarus Mateen made his first stage appearance at the age of 11 with his brothers Rajai and Roy Mateen as members of the (Jamaica Musicians Union). The Mateen brothers – “Black Diamond,” started out touring and doing opening act for Freddie McGregor, and Judy Mowatt in late 1970s. In 1983 Tarus Mateen did the bass for "Sexy Baby" Album.[13] In 1985, Tarus Mateen, relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he studied music at Morehouse College and worked in local clubs, Jazz-joints with legendary musicians such as American jump blues, jazz, bebop and R&B alto saxophonist and blues shouter Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. In 1988 Tarus Mateen had worked with Jazz (vocalist), Betty Carter. He also did the bass for her album called – “Droppin' Things,” in 1990. In 1992 Tarus Mateen, did the Malcolm X movie sound track with Terence Blanchard, the movie was a Spike Lee, production. In 1998, and 1999 Tarus Mateen did work with Stefan Harris for a jazz record label called - “Blue Notes,” he did the bass for the – “Black Action Figure" album. He has also worked with pop and R&B star: Christina Aguilera. He is credited for the work he did on her fourth studio album and second major release called - "Stripped" he did the bass for the album in 2002.

Figure 1.5 Brittany Tanner & Tarus Mateen Live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington D.C in 2014

Later that same year in 1999 Tarus Mateen, joined a band called – “New Directions,” the trio consisted of Stanley Cowell, (pianist), Jason Moran (pianist), with Stefon Harris (vibraphone) and Greg Osby (saxophonist). In addition to his jazz, projects, and touring ; Taurus Mateen is known for his work as a session musician and has worked with artists, such as Branford Marsalis in (1989), he worked with David Sanborn , in 1989, Eddie Harris , in 1991, Kenny Burrell in 1991, Lionel Hampton in 1991, George Benson in 1992, Kenny Barron in 1996, and Dee Dee Bridgewater in 1997. In the '90s and 2000s Tarus Mateen had worked with major R&B, Nu Metal, and Hip-Hop stars such as OutKast, Toni Braxton, Brittany Tanner from Bakersfield, Tommy Hilfiger, Korn, Monica, Common, Puff Daddy, and Lauryn Hill.[14] He has also worked with stars such celebrities Q-Tip, The Roots , Goodie Mob, Ghostface, Ice Cube, Christina Aguilera, Milt Jackson, and Fishbone.[15] Tarus Mateen is also known his self-released single called "Arising Saints" he did in 2015.

Figure 1.6 West Coast Hip hop Pioneers: DJ Sparkle & Antron in the early-2000s

Another former member of the "Black Diamond Band," who had a successful career as a solo artist, and hip hop producer is Stephen Ewers, also known (as DJ Sparkle). Who first began performing as a hip hop and funk DJ in Compton, California during the mid-1970s. He also known for his close affiliation with DJ Antron mostly involving Djing, and break-dancing events presented by "Radio-Tron" held in Los Angeles.[16] In 1984 the following year later after “Black Diamond,” did the music for the "Sexy Baby” album. Dark star had did another album called - “Planet Earth" for a record label called Levic Records. DJ Sparkle contributed to the album he did the (drum Programming).[17] In 1988, DJ Sparkle, did a funk project with Rena Scott. He worked with Rena Scott on her album called - "Love Zone." [18] He also worked with and produce the first female rap duo from Bakersfield coming out of Kern County called the Def Dames. DJ Sparkle did the mixing and wrote the lyrics for their first album called “2-4-the Bass.” Which contained two popular singles which both made the Billboards charts such as “976 Boom” which debuted at #19, on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles, and their highest chart appearance up to this date.

Their second single from the “2-4-The Bass” album called, "Set It Off" which also charted peaking at No #20 on “Billboard's Hot Rap Singles Chart” and was featured on the (2nd season), of the comedy sitcom called “In Living Color,” during the early 1990s. In 1992, DJ Sparkle worked with and produced the "187 Ride By," album by Tweedy Bird Loc out of Los Angeles. Tweedy Bird is known for the work he did with Ronnie Phillips as part of the Bangin' on Wax project by the Bloods and Crips in the 1990s. DJ Sparkle also worked with the first male rap duo coming out Bakersfield called - "U Turn" also known as "Cream & SB."

Figure 1.7 "Suzuki Samari" By Cream & SB (as U-Turn), in 1988

The duo consisted of Doctor Cream also known (as Cream Billion), and his stage partner SB.[19][20] In figure 1.7 is a picture of Cream & SB - "U Turn" around the time the "Suzuk Samari" single released. DJ Sparkle is the original producer of Cream & SB's debut album called “Suzuki Samari.” which dates back to as far is 1986; the “Suzuki Samari” album by Cream & SB ( as U-Turn), was eventually released by Mainframe Records in 1988. The duo is also known for their sophomore album called - "Ride The Freak" which was produced by DJ Phresh Kutz in 1989.[21] In 1987, DJ Sparkle would have signed Cream & SB, but he couldn't get the percentages up or come to an agreement to make a "Suzki Samari" deal happen; so instead he pass the project to his protégé DJ Phresh Kutz. In 1988 he signed his girl group the “Def Dames” to his production label, and finalized the deal with Sedona Records.

Figure 1.8 DJ Sparkle with his B-boy Production Crew called the "X-MEN" Which formed in the early-to-mid 1990s.

Their debut album called "2-4-The Bass" was released the following year in 1989. He is also a former hip hop dancer which consist of both b-boying, and the funk style of street dance. He is also credited for his production crew he put together and contributed to in mid-'90s called the "X-MEN. The X-MEN has been around since the 1990s but they are not Bakersfield's first break-dancing crew. Even though they are highly accredited and is one of Bakersfields popular crews there were other crews around before the "X-MEN" dating back to late-1970s and early-to-late 1980s. The first dance crews from Bakersfield consisted primarily of African-American youths and young adults from ages 13-20 in the beginning during the mid-to-late 70s’ then spread into the Latino communities, and among others. Many of the dancers were influenced by the "funk-style" street dances such as Popping, Locking, and Electric Boogaloo which were all popular dances at the time that appeared on episodes of Tv shows such as Soul Train. It was popular episodes of Soul Train that featured popular dance crews such as the The Electric Boogaloos, and The Lockers, that influence and inspired many teens and young adults in the African-American to dance, this included the funk-style dances and b-boying during the 70s’ and 80s’. The styles varied but mainly consisted of the funk-style dances which eventually lead to b-boying in the mid-to-late-1980s, the 1990s’, the 2000s’ and so on. In East Bakersfield there was a group that stood out in the mid-1970s’ called - "Mid-City." In South East Bakersfield, in the area known today (as the country side of town) was another group called - "The Mid-Night Stroller Boyz." Across town on the other side of Union Avenue which is considered the the dividing point; the borderline that separates Central Bakersfield better known (as Downtown Bakersfield), also referred to by locals (as the west side of town), from east Bakersfield. In Central Bakersfield there were many street dance crews; but there were two groups in the west that stood out from the rest. Which was a group called "Carnation-tracc” better know (as The C-T ), and the other group was called - "The Baby Warlords."

As the “Crip” and “Blood” influence began to spread from Los Angeles into other parts of California the majority of the dance crews in the Bakersfield area also referred to as part of (Central California), either died out, joined gangs , turned into gangs, or moved on to more beneficial and positive routines such as working, getting educated, doing the family thing, or serving god. On the east side; the “Mid-City Crew” went on to become the "East Side Crips" Bakersfield's first African-American gang. The “Mid-Night Stroller Crew” split-up into two groups which are the ("South Side Country Boy Crips"), and the (“East Side Country Boys”), better known (as the “Stroller Boy Crips”). The crews on the west side of town such (as “The C-T Crew "), ended up joining the west side and went on to become a set of the “West Side Crips.” The other crew; the "Baby Warlords" went on to become the "Warlord Piru Bloods" Bakersfield's only blood.

In 1996, according to "Mr. Wiggles Hip Hop Timeline" the "X-MEN" is known for the dance-battle they had with a crew called - "Soul Control" at the "Radio Tron 4," dance event which was held in Los Angeles in 1996.[22] DJ Sparkle is true west coast hip hop pioneers, in terms of being among the first Hip hop DJs, and Turntablist, to work multiple turntables at once, and for incorporating sampling, and Electro funk into his beat productions. He is also documented and credited for pioneering the hip hop scene in Oxnard, California in terms of DJing, and producing rap music. DJ Sparkle and his girl group the Def Dames is also credited for being the first rap group from Kern County to make 4 national chart appearances on the Billboard R&B Charts, the Billboard Album Charts, and the Billboard Hot Rap Singles Charts. He has also established credibility for his contributions to the early production of mainstream rap music coming out of Kern and Ventura County during the "Golden Age of Hip Hop Era" in the late-1980s, and early 1990s.

Figure 1.9 Divinity Roxx - Playing Guitar While Rapping on "Framus & Warwick Tv" in Markneukirchen, Germany in 2013

Divinity Roxx was another former “Black Diamond Band” member that had a successful solo music career. She started her career as a member of a group she founded with her friends: Chad Browning, Corey Peyton, Kamaal Studdard, and Lewis Miller called – DATBU, which stands for (Divinity and the Breakfast Unit). She is well known for the tours she did with Beyoncé Knowles which was the "The Beyoncé Experience," and the "I Am... World Tour" which began in 2006 and lasted to 2011. Divinity is also a rapper and “Ghetto Rock” star. In 2013, she displayed her rap skills in a video published on YouTube by "Framus & Warwick Tv" called - “Divinity Roxx Lesson - Rapping While Playing.” Divinity Roxx is considered by many to be a southern hip hop pioneer in terms of being among the first female rappers and hip hop musicians coming out of Atlanta, Georgia during the mid-to-late 1990s.[23]

Discography

Albums

Singles

Soul Music Credits

Hip Hop Credits

No. Track Listing Peak chart
positions		 Album
U.S.
EUR.
A1 " Sexy Baby " — Sexy Baby
A2 " Rock The Boat " —
B1 " Your Favorite Beat " —
B2 ""World Of Woman"" —

Mixes

  • Various Artist– Urban Car Tunes 2 (2005)

CD Compilations

  • Various Artist – West Coast Posse 2 (1997)
  • Various Artist – West Coast Rap - The First Dynasty, Vol. 2 (1992)
  • Various Artist – Eazy E & Posse (1995)
  • Various Artist – Timex Social Club + Posse (1998)
  • Various Artist – Hip Hop Most Wanted (2001)
  • Various Artist – Dr. Dre & Posse 5 (2001)
  • Various Artist – Dr. Dre 2003 (2002)
  • Various Artist – Elektro Hip Hop Party Vol. 3
 The "—" denotes releases that did not chart in that country.

Appearances

External links

References

  1. ↑ " Tarus Mateen and WestAfroEast, at Millennium Stage," By Steve Kiviat, (2015). Washington City Paper, p.1 www.washingtoncitypaper.com Retrieved 18-12-2015.
  2. ↑ "Tarus Mateens Never Ending Journey,"by Giovanni Russonello, (2012). Capitalbop p.1 www.capitalbop.com Retrieved 04-12-2015
  3. ↑ "MATT MUNOZ: My pick for Bakersfield band of the year is" by MATT MUNOZ, (2014). The Bakersfield Californian, p1 www.bakersfield.com Retrieved 09-12-2015.
  4. ↑ "Black Diamond (7) Discography," Published by Equinox Music, (2010). Avi Records & distributing corporation, Discogs p.1 www.discogs.com Retrieved 09-12-2015
  5. ↑ "Tarus Mateens Never Ending Journey,"by Giovanni Russonello, (2012). Capitalbop p.1 www.capitalbop.com Retrieved 04-12-2015
  6. ↑ DJ Flash, "MTV Biography" By Viacom International Inc. (2012). MTV Retrieved Sep 1, 2014
  7. ↑ "KTKR 1310 AM Taft," Published by Ken Aitken (2009). Radio Brandy p.1 www.radiobrandy.com Retrieved 20-12-2015.
  8. ↑ “DJ Flash 2 Discography,” (2009). DJ Flash, Discogs p.1 www.discogs.com retrieved 09-12-2015
  9. ↑ “The “Black Diamond Band & DJ Flash in the 1980s,'” Clayton K.D. (2014). Central California Hip Hop, p.1 https://sites.google.com 22-12-2015.
  10. ↑ “Various – Timex Social Club + Posse,” Street Dance label (1998). Discogs, p.1 www.discogs.com Retrieved 22-12-2015.
  11. ↑ ""King George: a King Runs for President" soundtrack, Published by Tarus Mateen, (2008). Myspace myspace.com retrieved 14-12-2015.
  12. ↑ "Black Diamond (7) Discography," Published by Equinox Music, (2010). Avi Records & distributing corporation, Discogs p.1 www.discogs.com Retrieved 09-12-2015
  13. ↑ “Tarus Mateen 3 Discography,” Tarus Mateen,(2014). Discogs p.1 www.discogs.com Retrieved 22-12-2015.
  14. ↑ “About Tarus Mateen,” Tarus Mateen, (2015). ARISING SAINTS p1. www.tarusmateen.com Retrieved 22-12-2015
  15. ↑ “About Tarus Mateen,” Tarus Mateen, (2015). ARISING SAINTS p1. www.tarusmateen.com Retrieved 22-12-2015
  16. ↑ “Interview with DJ. Antron” Anthony Mabin (2007). West Coast Pioneers p.1 westcoastpioneers.com retrieved 29-01-2016
  17. ↑ “Dark Star (5) – Planet Earth”, Levic Records (1984). Discogs p.1 www.dicogs.com Retrieved 30-12-2015
  18. ↑ “D.J. Sparkle Discography”, DJ Sparkle, (1988). Discogs, p.1 www.discogs.com Retrieved 30-12-2015
  19. ↑ “Suzuki Samari,” Published by Cream Billion (2008). MySpace p.1 https://myspace.com 02-01-2016.
  20. ↑ "Classic Bakersfield Hip Hop" U-Turn (1988). MySpace, p.1 https://myspace.com Retrieved 02-01-2016.
  21. ↑ "Cream & SB - Ride The Freak," Cream & SB (1989). Rap Music Guide, p.1 www.rapmusicguide.com Retrieved 02-01-2016.
  22. ↑ “Radio Tron 4 – Hip hop Dance Battle,” Mr. Wiggles (2016). Mr Wiggles Timeline, p.1 http://mrwiggles.biz Retrieved 05-01-2016.
  23. ↑ “I AM…World Tour Credits” Published by Beyonce Knowles (2010). www.beyonce.com retrieved 22-01-2016AM
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