In the vast landscape of underground hip-hop, we’ve recently stumbled upon a gem that’s been steadily making waves in the scene. Dual Diagnosis, a hardcore hip-hop duo hailing from New Jersey, has caught our attention with their unique blend of rap and rock influences, coupled with powerful, introspective lyrics. As we delved deeper into their discography, we found ourselves particularly intrigued by their latest offering, “Nature of the Beast,” an EP that showcases the Dual Diagnosis‘ evolution and their commitment to addressing mental health through their art.
Dual Diagnosis, comprised of brothers Mad Mike and Paulie Walnutz, has been making music since the early 2000s. Their journey in the music industry is a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft. The duo first made their mark in the streaming scene in 2020 with their album “The Intake,” which set the stage for their unique brand of horror-core music. Since then, they’ve been steadily building their fanbase, amassing over 9,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and 10,000 followers on Instagram alone.
Their achievements extend beyond streaming numbers. Dual Diagnosis has collaborated with notable artists in the underground scene, including American rapper and actor Slaine, with whom they worked on the song “I Get Up” in 2019. They’ve also produced music videos, including “Mad Man” in 2018, which showcased their multifaceted talents in acting, producing, screenwriting, and creative direction. Their live performances at venues like Culture Shock in Scranton, PA, and the Blue Lounge in Queens, NY, have further cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the underground music scene.
Now, let’s turn our attention to their latest EP, “Nature of the Beast,” released on June 13, 2024, through Lost Soul Productions. This six-track EP, running just under 17 minutes, is a powerful exploration of mental health struggles and the human condition. The EP’s structure and sequencing create a metaphorical narrative, with each song serving as a release of emotions that express self-awareness and higher consciousness.
“Nature of the Beast” is a statement piece that honors those still suffering from mental health issues. The EP’s release timing is particularly significant, with the single “Patient On The Run” and the music video for the title track “Nature of the Beast” both released in May 2024, during Mental Health Awareness Month. This deliberate choice underscores Dual Diagnosis‘ commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
The EP features a mix of production styles, with Mad Mike producing half of the tracks (“Intro,” “Nature of the Beast,” “Harsh,” and “The Edge”) and The Arcitype handling production for “Patient On The Run” and “Murder One.” This collaborative approach adds depth and variety to the EP’s sound, while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread throughout. The EP was recorded at Bow Wow Studios in New Jersey and mixed and mastered by CJ Scioscia, ensuring a polished, professional sound that enhances the raw emotion of the lyrics.
We encourage our readers to take the time to listen to “Nature of the Beast” and experience the journey for themselves. The EP is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify. For those who prefer a visual component to their music, the music video for “Nature of the Beast” is available on YouTube, offering a powerful visual interpretation of the EP’s themes.
Looking ahead, Dual Diagnosis shows no signs of slowing down. Mad Mike is already planning to record and release a song featuring Lex The Hex Master sometime this year. This upcoming collaboration promises to be another exciting chapter in Dual Diagnosis‘ musical journey.
For those interested in learning more about Dual Diagnosis and their work, we recommend checking out their Instagram page (@dualdiagnosis_) for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can also visit the Lost Soul Productions website (https://lostsoulproductionsllc.com) for more information about their projects and upcoming releases.
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