In addition to Jazzy Jay's teachings, Diamond credited Brand Nubian member Grand Puba as his inspiration to start rapping. And he was ahead of his time.' Recording career
In a 2017 interview he said, 'I learned about 95% of my production skills from him. He credits Jay for inspiring him to buy a sampler and teaching him various production techniques. At the beginning of his career as a producer, Diamond spent many hours at Jazzy Jay's studio on Allerton Avenue in The Bronx. During his youth the two DJs would let him perform on their turntables. Growing up in Forest Houses in The Bronx, Diamond D was influenced by local DJs, DJ Hutch and DJ Supreme.
