I remember Nicky D’s project, ‘The Grey Area,’ hitting my inbox 3-4 years ago - my first thought was, is that a Diamond D ‘Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop’ cover? Say word. With a co-sign from DJ Booth, I listened to the project and really enjoyed it, even with peaking audio levels on a few tracks. Nicky D’s and the producer, Rick Hughes, kept the production and flows tight and reminiscent of the golden era. There were a handful of familiar samples, which come off as odes to the originals, and even some work on the boards from Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep. As far as the content, well Nicky D’s was 18 at the time of recording, so you hear that in some of the lyrics, but I can remember myself at 18, too lol. The project from the LA spitter is still available for free download from DJ Booth, consider revisiting it, then follow the breadcrumbs to discover his more recent releases too.