D.I.T.C.

The Diggin' in the Crates Crew, also known as D.I.T.C., was a New York-based hip-hop collective, deriving its name from the art of seeking out records to sample for production. D.I.T.C.’s members have achieved substantial and consistent recognition in underground rap circles, having often collaborated with undiscovered talents and underground artists alongside the most commercial of rappers. All of its members were from the Bronx, with the exception of Big L (from Harlem) and O.C. (from Brooklyn).

Their first group appearance was in 1992 on Showbiz & A.G.’s track titled “Diggin' in the Crates” featuring Lord Finesse and Diamond D. Later that year, Big L and Fat Joe joined the crew; both MCs appeared on Diamond D’s debut album Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop, and Big L also appeared on Showbiz & A.G.’s debut album Runaway Slave. They released their first group single, “Day One”, in 1997.

Big L was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in 1999. At the time of his death, D.I.T.C. had not released an album an album as a group. Their debut, self-titled album was released the following year in 2000.

After a hiatus following Big L’s death, the group came together in 2016 to release one more studio album: Sessions.

Their roster includes MCs, DJs, and MC/DJ combos:

• Lord Finesse (MC/DJ)
• Diamond D (MC/DJ)
• Andre the Giant (MC)
• Fat Joe (MC)
• Big L (MC; deceased)
• O.C. (MC)
• Showbiz (DJ)
• Buckwild (DJ)

The group was also closely associated with DJ Premier, as well as Big Pun and Fat Joe’s Terror Squad.