After a very promising (and very free) test release of the clean version several months ago, Diamond District’s In Da Ruff is officially available in stores today, with cuss words restored and bonus tracks. Though it isn’t getting the national acclaim that Wale is, the trio of emcees XO, yU and rapper/producer Oddisee have cut what is certainly the most complete D.C. rap album of the year. And it might just be the best in many years.

In The Ruff was also released on nice double vinyl, a huge look for a contemporary rap album. Whether that vinyl can actually be purchased within the city limits is yet to be seen—not one of the remaining boutique-y record stores in this city actively stocks new hip hop vinyl. (Shame on you, Smash, Som, Red Onion & Crooked Beat. Oh yes, we’re naming names.)

Diamond District (geddit?) is a hip hop supergroup consisting of underground favorites XO, YU, and Oddisee. Their debut album In The Ruff dropped yesterday and is a nice slice of boom-bap rap that nods subtly to Marley Marl and Pete Rock with one foot in the present tense. The clean version is available for free download. Presumably, the curse words will cost you.

Check after the jump for a short documentary about the group. Read More “Free Download: Diamond District – In The Ruff” »