By: Dual Diagnosis
While browsing through the internet, we stumbled upon a project that immediately caught our attention. With its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics, “Nature of the Beast” by Dual Diagnosis stood out as a powerful testament to mental health and addiction struggles. This EP, released in June 2024, showcases Dual Diagnosis‘ ability to blend hardcore rap with rock influences, creating a sound that’s both captivating and emotionally charged.
Intrigued by the depth of their music, we delved deeper into the world of Dual Diagnosis. The duo, consisting of brothers Mad Mike and Paulie Walnutz, hails from New Jersey and has been making music since the early 2000s. Growing up in the 90s, they were heavily influenced by their generation’s rap and rock invasion, which became the driving force behind their presence in the underground music scene. Their journey in the streaming world began in 2020 with the release of their album “The Intake.” Since then, they’ve steadily gained recognition, amassing over 9,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
Listen to their music on Spotify.
Dual Diagnosis‘ mission is clear: to create music dedicated to those who are still sick and suffering and those who are no longer with us. Their hardcore hip-hop style serves as a vehicle for addressing themes of loss, grief, pain, and trauma while offering healing and hope messages. This commitment to authenticity and addressing mental health issues has led to several notable achievements. The duo has collaborated with well-known artists such as Slaine, Gorilla Voltage, and UnderRated. They’ve also produced music videos, including “Mad Man” in 2018, which led to a podcast interview. Their live performances at venues like Culture Shock in Scranton, PA, and the Blue Lounge in Queens, NY, have further solidified their presence in the underground music scene.
Now, let’s focus on their latest offering, “Nature of the Beast.” This six-track EP runs for 16 minutes and 48 seconds, packing a powerful punch in its brief runtime. The track list includes “Intro,” “Nature of the Beast,” “Harsh,” “Patient On The Run,” “Murder One,” and “The Edge.” The EP is a collaborative effort, with Mad Mike producing half of the album and The Arcitype handling production duties for the other half. Recorded at Bow Wow Studios in New Jersey and mixed and mastered by CJ Scioscia, the EP showcases the evolution of Dual Diagnosis.
Listen to their music on YouTube.
The title track, “Nature of the Beast,” sets the tone for the entire EP. With hard-hitting lyrics like “Go more than the asylum, get wilded up like a straight violence / Nature of the Beast could be so wild, set me free without any trial,” the song dives deep into the tumultuous emotions associated with mental health struggles. The track’s intensity is matched by its accompanying music video, which was released on May 17th, 2024, during Mental Health Awareness Month. This timing was no coincidence, as Dual Diagnosis aims to use their platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Another standout track, “Patient On The Run,” was released as a single on May 23rd, 2024, further building anticipation for the whole EP. The song, along with “Murder One,” features production by The Arcitype, adding a new dimension to Dual Diagnosis‘ sound. Throughout the EP, Mad Mike infuses hardcore rap with rock elements, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the chaotic nature of the themes they explore. The lyrics are introspective and raw, offering listeners a glimpse into the minds of those grappling with mental health issues and addiction.
“Nature of the Beast” is more than just an EP; it’s a raw, honest exploration of mental health struggles set against a backdrop of hardcore hip-hop. Dual Diagnosis has created a powerful piece of art that entertains and raises awareness about important issues. As they continue to make waves in the underground music scene, we’ll closely watch what Dual Diagnosis does next. Don’t miss out on this rising force in hardcore hip-hop – give “Nature of the Beast” a listen today and experience the power of music as a tool for healing and understanding.
For more information, check out https://lostsoulproductionsllc.com/.
Published by: Holy Minoza
