Mist ‘Diamond In The Dirt’ – Track By Track EP Review

After making us wait over a year for the M I S to the T EP follow-up, Mist is finally back with a bang in 2018. Diamond In The Dirt, a 9 track EP from the Birmingham spearhead stacked with features. With the exception of no project dropping 2017 had its high points; Screw & Brew, Fisherman, Hot Property etc. One of the key factors underlying the explosion of these tracks(features/singles) with us and at mass scale is the production mastery of Steel Bangelz & Sevaqk. The chemistry between this trio is deadly, exemplified perfectly in the polished remix of James Arthur’s Sun Comes Up.

I haven’t looked into who produced what EP but I expect the Bangelz & Sevaqk all over it. On that note let me get to it!

1. Dreams to Reality

This has to be one of the shortest intro’s I’ve heard since reviewing projects. Mist set’s the scene for the rise up and goal accomplishment thus far. Bangelz on the production as I expected, cool vibe.

2. On It ft Nines*

Both Nines and Mist have a fairly laid back style so what I expected was something slow. If that’s what you’re expecting you’ll be surprised upbeat this is. The way Nines effortlessly drops in is too smooth (light on the punchline smileys though!). Another verse or some sampled vocals in the breakdown 2.25 point would’ve been cool.

“I’m tryna get used to the glamour, half of my g’s locked up in the slammer. Now we getting p’s off the grammar..” – Mist 

3. Uber ft Mostack*

Yes! I like how this beat builds up and drops. It’s a chilled and unconventional sound with a bit of Antidote going from the start. Completely different from what we’ve heard on Screw & Brew; I like this more than On It.

4. Game Changer*

First things first before this video is dope. I don’t know what his video budget is but the treatment (location etc) is always A1. I read a YouTube comment about the only place left for him to record is the moon and its true ha.

Now to this track, at first I thought oh my days this is one the worst of his recent singles. The more I’ve heard it is the more it’s grown on me. This is Hot Property Mist and the keys on the production are you dumb?! hype. This will stick through the summer I can feel it.

“Just gimmie health, health and wealth fear no one but God himself”

5. Wish Me Well ft Jessie Ware

The samples and melodies on this project haven’t fallen off once. It’s pretty much a Mist x Steel Bangelz collab. It’s a slightly confused song, one minute its emotional next second its the complete opposite. I want to hear some more emotion in his delivery everything is just celebratory I want to hear pain.

6. Display Skills ft Mr Eazi & Fekky

I don’t understand one, I would’ve switched Fekky out for Not3s I think he would be better suited. Another confused track in my eyes why mess up the Afrobeats chill?. If I was Eazi I would’ve wanted this for myself.

7. Fountain ft Haile

I think Bangelz must be using similar melodies to his previous hits for nostalgia purposes. The WSTRN leader gives off some nice yard vibes but it’s a bit too produced for him. The problem being at this point because there has only been one producer it takes more to grab me.

8. Order It In ft Not3s

Ok, I’m going to have to listen to this in isolation. Hearing Mist say Bangelz on the riddim has just switched me off it.

9. Mosh Pit ft Mostack & Swifta Beater

This is will kill the summer festivals, sheesh. At last something different from what has been like one song on loop for while. How would Mist perform this though he’s hardly got any bars here it must be unfinished.

I need the grime Mc’s to come out and spin this (Chip, Stormzy etc.) #MoshPitChallange ?