From the sonic imagery of black kids on a playground, to the duo's genuine emphasis on partying without flashing their numerous badges of privilege, Never Scared was counterculture clarity miles above the act of copping the newest sneaker with a certain shade. In contrast, Diplo's Florida emphasizes themes of understatement, patience, and good ol' American soul-searching. Most of its tracks are scholarly burners, unlike the playful sparks on Never Scared; instead of running all over the kickball court, the kid decides to stay in the classroom for some productive downtime.
Diplo builds original compositions with samples and a few guest vocalists such as Martina Topley-Bird and rapper P.E.A.C.E. of the Freestyle Fellowship, a course that runs from the symphonic beat of "Big Lost" through the delicate piano-key stride of "Sarah," the tell-tale Gummo samples on "Money Power Respect," and "Diplo Rhythm," a dancehall heart attack starring Vybz Kartel, Sandra Melody, and Brazilian stowaways Pantera Os Danadinhos. Amazingly, he manages to roam all over the map, musically and culturally, without coming off as a clueless tourist or a destructive real estate developer. Hopefully, Florida will squash all of the RJD2 versus DJ Shadow bongwater non-debates for good.
