OK, by know you know that we're pretty much down with everything Diplo does. You know we're gonna give this a positive review, blow some smoke around and maybe gush over it a little bit; but that's only because the shit is so good. Sorry, it just is. On Florida, Diplo makes thinking-man music that ain't boring and doesn't have a stick up it's ass. Such a rare thing. Like most debut albums, the tracks here are years in the making, and despite his open stance in terms of direction, they smoosh his many musical sides together with style. You can feel the influence of all the various projects- AEIOU beat tape smarts, hollertronix baltimore/ bounce sensibilities, etc- and the combination doesn't sound like anything else out there. Don't make me sound like a tool describing it, just pick this up with confidence. Listen to the intro "Florida(1)," "Way More(2)," the peak time of the 8 minute saga "Summer's Really Gonna Hurt You(3)," "Into The Sun(4)" featuring Martina Topley Bird, "Diplo Rhythm(5)" (a blend of the Sandra Melody, Vybz Kartel & Pantera Os Dandhinos tracks), "Indian Thick Jawns(6)" with PEACE, and "Big Lost(7)."

reviewed by the mgmnt