LA-based hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON follows up “1999 WILDFIRE” and “1998 TRUMAN,” with their third single of 2018, “1997 DIANA.”  

Ascending Texas-formed, LA-based boyband BROCKHAMPTON certainly have a way with song titles…understatement.  Through their SATURATION phase, most of the songs were composed of only one word.  In 2018, heading towards their new LP, THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, the band has focused on a specific year and ‘happening.’ Naturally, on “1997 DIANA,” that was the year that Princess Diana tragically died following a car accident.

“1997 DIANA” is brief track – only 2:15! Nonetheless, BROCKHAMPTON makes it a compelling 2:15. Things being with an intro that counts down from 10.  It’s followed by a chorus performed by Kevin Abstract whose vocals are sped-up.  The results sound awesome against a sick, minimalist groove, intact with what sounds like audience cheers.

“N*ggas talk shit, talk a whole lot of shit / Need to quit talking shit and give us more, more.”

Also, worth noting, throughout “1997 DIANA” is the use of bass, drum programming, and synths – tasty, but nothing too crazy. Beyond the Kevin Abstract chorus, BROCKHAMPTON delivers great flows throughout this short joint. Notably, Matt Champion amplifies the sex on the first verse.  While he keeps it explicit, his wordplay is cool, particularly at the end.

“Need an Altoid for your hot breath / Like a hot mess, pop your biceps / Cue the ‘roid rage.”

He later returns for the fourth verse. In between, Kevin Abstract and Dom McLennon get their turn, with two short verses, returning for the fifth and sixth verses.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, BROCKHAMPTON continues to ‘kill it’ on “1997 DIANA.” These boys are dropping sick bars over minimalist, tasty production, and it’s ‘all good.’

BROCKHAMPTON • 1997 DIANA – single • RCA • Release: 7.27.18

Photo Credit: RCA