2010 (Rushden & Diamonds album)

2010 is the debut double album by the hip-hop rap group Rushden & Diamonds, released in 2010 by Volunteer Media, Threshold Recordings and Fontana North Distribution.

Album information

2010 is a genre-bending double concept album that plays out like an audio comic book. 2010 tells the story of both Michael Rushden and Karl Lord Edward Diamonds who embark on a MusicAL journey set in an alternate not-too distant future. In the spirit of Flight Of The Conchords and Mamma-Mia!, Rushden & Diamonds: 2010 is a modern day opera, "hip hopera", fusing both hip-hop music and a dramatic yet humorous storyline. As the story progresses through the albums skits and character sketches, the songs reveal themselves as high points. In October 2010, writer for HipHopDX Andres Vasquez cited the album 2010 to be "similar to Prince Paul's A Prince Among Thieves".

The album features cameos by MC Paul Barman, Jeff Spec, Jacky Jasper, Elaine Lil'Bit Shepherd, Davidson Starr, Moka Only, Beaumont, Ron Contour, Stroker Deluca, Kutmasta Kurt, William White, Lord T & Eloise, Coast Riderz, Hydro and Baba Brinkman. A film trailer and three music videos were also produced in support of the album. Although conceived as a story that could be filmed, an accompanying movie was never made. 2010 was well received by music critics upon its release. Music essayist Samantha Cairns has cited it as "A fantastic listen".

Michael Rushden's album, Suddenly, is the first installment in the 2010 double feature. Fusing together the sounds of 1980's Rock, R&B and hip-hop, Suddenly describes the life of the gritty, burnt out rock star with a hidden past. When Michael's luck seemingly runs on empty, an elegant yet mysterious gentleman takes hold of Michael's career, providing him an offer that he cannot refuse.

2010's second disc, Karl Lord Edward Diamonds, Is Forever brings forth a foray of regal sounds as it explores deep into the lavish world in which the noble Lord resides. At first what seems like a stroll down easy street takes a turn down a darker, more deceiving path. As Rushden & Diamonds join forces to forge a successful music career, a GLIMPSE into the past airs out skeletons in Michael's closet taking the Vancouver rock star on a high speed chase around the world!

Personnel

The Cast In Order Of Appearance

• Michael Rushden : Michael James Gilbert
• Unnamed Racer : Robert Karl Edward Koch
• Unnamed Highway Patrol Officer : Bryan White
• MC Paul Barman: Himself
• Unnamed Casino Attendant : Robert Karl Edward Koch
• Jacky Jasper: Himself
• Davidson Starr : Ivan Mathew
• Karl Lord Edward Diamonds : Robert Karl Edward Koch
• Unnamed Girl 1 : Kate Pelzer
• Uncle Phillip : Robert Karl Edward Koch
• Unnamed DEA Agent : Bryan White
• Chancellor Cameron : Bryan White
• Mrs. White : Kate Pelzer
• William White : Dylan Ross
• Unnamed Girl 2 : Kate Pelzer

The DJs

• Kutmasta Kurt
• Panakronic