DANIEL Dwayne ‘Diggy’ Simmons III is the 15-year-old son of hip hop pioneer Joseph ‘Rev Run’ Simmons who is making no apologies for being young, talented and iconic. Along with being a rapper, Simmons adds fashion designer and reality star to his list of accolades. After releasing his first mixtape in December 2009 entitled The First Flight, he has returned with his sophomore mixtape Airborne to project his progress since he took off.

This 12-track excursion with a 13th track in-flight check is an intriguing package wrapped in lyrical content and maturity that has to be commended. The title track Airborne mirrors a scenario when the captain speaks on a flight and with a philosophical flow he starts off the journey accepting that his “potential for success is just as great as my [his] potential for failure”.

Another track, Thinkin ‘Bout U is a love song depicting Simmons reminiscent about a break up that seemed without reason. With Bei Major on the chorus and the sad tones of the instrumental it definitely is an amazing track.

Big Bad World is a mature view of the vices that lace our society including prostitution and relationships fuelled by pain which is juxtaposed against a slightly childish track name.

As I Am shows Simmons advocating for self-acceptance and more importantly, the world appreciating you for who you are. Put You On is one of the fun tracks on the mixtape, and with Chris Brown by the mic it is definitely a track for the ladies.

Super Hero Music, This Feelin’ and The Vision are personal tracks where Simmons plots his future voyage and comments on what his intentions are for his career, as well as his confident and cool demeanour when it comes to success.

Oh Yeah is simply three versions of swag on display with veterans Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco by Simmons’ side. No Gravity is definitely party music with a baseline that is perfect for dancing. The mixtape concludes with the track Great Expectations, which is an accurate comment on what Simmons has to deal with since being the son of a hip hop great does come with its expectations.

Simmons overall has to be commended for bringing such mature views and tones to the fore with a flow that is charming and cool.

TEENage definitely recommends that you stay tuned to this young artist as he promises to take off and remain Airborne.

Personal Favourites: Oh Yeah, No Gravity and Thinkin Bout’ U.

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