““A lot of times our thoughts were with the here and now, very angry. Fathers not around and things like that, a lot of social ills, a lot of high crime and violence,” he said. “So you know what’s the righteous path to walk, but there’s times when you about to lose your head because you’re young and immature and you don’t know how to deal with certain things and see everything in black and white.” ”

“Meanwhile, over in Richmond, a duo called The Dime has been keeping it quietly, gently, uncompromisingly real. Chioke Jelani and Knightshift are a two-man bundle of pretty much all the affiliations you usually need to make a rap record: they produce their tracks, write their rhymes, sing their hooks, harmonize with themselves.”

“The Dime, a hip hop collective out of Northern California consisting of emcees Chi and K.nightshift open "The Plunge" mixtape with a track entitled "No Candlelight". Perfect introduction to the crew with a nice jazzy beat complemented by some soulful singing. Almost synonymous to a calm before the storm. The storm more symbolic for brain banging beats and heartfelt rhymes that encompass life learned experiences. The follow up track, "Okie Doke" is the perfect track to cruise to.”

“Taste of Temescal 2010 The Dime in front of Kasper’s Hot Dogs on 46th”

“I don’t get excited about every track I receive in my inbox. In fact, most of it doesn’t make it to a second listen for good reason. And that goes triple for most of the remixes I receive. This track, however, by Richmond, California’s The Dime is mad slick, and it’s definitely been receiving a number of spins on the iPod.”

“Chioke: Artists need to be real careful of believing that the world owes them something because of their talents.”