Diverse

Kenny Jenkins, known professionally as Diverse, is an emcee based in Chicago, Illinois. Recognized within the underground hip-hop scene, he has received attention for his lyricism and collaborations with a range of producers and artists. Diverse began his music career in the Chicago hip-hop community while working at a post office. Early in his career, he collaborated with local artists such as J.U.I.C.E., Modill, and Iomos Marad. His debut EP, Move, was released in 2001 and included the track "Time."

He has worked extensively with producers RJD2 and Prefuse 73. He contributed vocals to Prefuse 73’s album One Word Extinguisher on the track “Plastic,” and collaborated with Mos Def on the single “Wylin’ Out,” originally produced by Prefuse 73. The track was later remixed by RJD2 and K-Kruz and featured on the Urban Renewal Program compilation in 2002.

Diverse released his debut full-length album, One A.M., in 2003. The album included production by both RJD2 and Prefuse 73, with notable tracks such as “Jus Biz,” “Leaving,” and “Amberglis.” Songs from One A.M., including “Blindman” and “Explosive (Caural Mix),” appeared on the soundtrack of Final Fight: Streetwise (2006), a video game released by Capcom. His collaboration with Mos Def, “Wylin’ Out (RJD2 Remix),” was also included in the game. Another track, “Certified,” was featured in Tony Hawk’s Underground 2.

In 2005, Diverse appeared on the song “...Something” with Detroit-based group Lawless Element, and in 2006 he was featured on “Gray Scale” by Montreal DJ Ghislain Poirier. That same year, he joined The Storm Tour alongside Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling, Mayday!, and Wrekonize. In June 2006, he contributed to the Chocolate Swim EP—a collaboration between Chocolate Industries and Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim—appearing on a remix of “Wylin’ Out” by Kut Masta Kurt and a remix of “Ain’t Right” by DJ Mitsu the Beats.

Diverse’s second album, tentatively titled Round About, is in development. Reported collaborators include Madlib, K-Kruz, Prefuse 73, Oh No, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Hezekiah, and the late J Dilla. A promotional mixtape titled Standards: The Mixtape was released in 2006, featuring unreleased material, remixes, and covers of classic hip hop tracks.