America’s rising star Connie Diiamond talks to GRUNGECAKE ONLINE about ‘Jodeci’ and New York City scene (Interview)
Big Bronx: Connie Diiamond talks elevation, collaboration, and staying true to her sound
Hailing from the Bronx, Connie Diiamond has been steadily rising through the ranks of New York City’s Rap scene with her undeniable talent, sharp lyricism, and commanding presence. Over the past few years, she has proven herself to be one of the city’s most exciting voices, capturing the attention of both fans and industry heavyweights alike. Since 2021, Connie has made major moves, solidifying her place in the game with a standout freestyle on ‘On the Radar’, viral success with her ‘Ghetto & Ratchet’ track, and a major-label deal with Def Jam Recordings. Her versatility, blending Drill, classic East Coast grit, and modern flows, has helped her carve out a lane of her own.
In this exclusive conversation, Connie Diiamond opens up about her journey, the realities of being signed to a label, and the camaraderie within New York’s new wave of artists. She also shares her experiences working with Vontee the Singer and Cash Cobain, her earliest memories of Jodeci, and her openness to experimenting beyond Drill music. Most importantly, she reflects on the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way.
Dive into our interview below to get a closer look at Connie Diiamond’s world.
Richardine: Is your current lifestyle everything you thought it would be? Is there anything you would change if you could?
Connie Diiamond: My current lifestyle isn’t anything close to what I expected it to be. It appears that the real work starts once you are officially locked in with a label. You must continue to work as if you are not signed. There isn’t anything I would change.
Richardine: It appears that most of the new artists on the New York City scene have come together and are working together more; I love that! What was it like working with Vontee the Singer and Cash Cobain on the record? Was it recorded in one session, all of you together?
Connie Diiamond: New York definitely became one big boiling pot. I’ll blame that on Sexy Drill. It made everyone come together. Working with Vontee and Cash went really smooth. I’m closer with Vontee than I am with Cash but both are really cool individuals. We knocked the session out in about an hour and we were all in the studio together.
Richardine: What is your earliest memory of Jodeci and their music? Were you a fan of Jodeci’s music coming up as a young girl from The Bronx?
Connie Diiamond: My earliest memories of Jodeci was my aunts, uncles and parents always having them in rotation — Anytime they cooked up their playlist for a function. Listening to them as a youth made me a fan.
Richardine: As I shared with you many years ago, I think you sound great over the Drill beats! Do you think you’re going to stick with this style for a while? Have you connected with RCA/Winners Circle’s Sheff G or Sleepy Hallow yet?
Connie Diiamond: Thank you. I like Drill music but it’s not my favorite genre. I’m always interested in trying new styles of music. As far as Sheff and Sleepy, I got the opportunity to open up for them a while back for their show in NYC. It was fire.
Richardine: Seeing your imminent growth over the years has been incredible to witness. What would you say is the most valuable or meaningful lesson you’ve learned on your journey thus far?
Connie Diiamond: Thank you. I’ve learned to just take every day one step at a time and what’s meant for me will be.
