Dilated Peoples Album: “20/20 [Edited]”

Description :

Dilated Peoples: Rakaa, Evidence, Babu. <p>Additional personnel: Talib Kweli, Capleton (rap vocals). <p>Recording information: Soundproof East, Los Angeles, CA. <p>Dilated Peoples are one of the most creative and compelling underground crews in West Coast hip-hop, consistently striking a balance between laid-back grooves and intelligent street-savvy rhymes. 20/20 offers more of the same, albeit in a loose and freewheeling format. The album plays with a variety of styles and beats (some of which are provided by Alchemist), giving Evidence and Rakaa a chance to freestyle rather than stick to a script, and letting DJ Babu cut up something fierce on the turntables. While it may lack the focus of some of DP's other outings, it is still a fine example of L.A.'s underground sound, and guest spots from Talib Kweli and dancehall star Capelton help sweeten the pot.

I guess it all comes down to personal perspective. 20/20 isn't a bad album. It's very familiar and listening to it gives me a "been there, done that" type of feeling. There are some bangers on the album though (it's Dilated, so you know you can expect a certain level of quality). The production on the album is definitely soulful and dope. Standout tracks like "Back Again", "The Eyes Have It", "Kindness For Weakness" feat. Talib Kweli, and "You Can't Hide, You Can't Run" definitely make this album worth owning. Also, as a DJ, I'm especially fond of albums that allow the DJ to showcase their talents. Babu does his thing and he does it well. Just check out "The One And Only" to hear what I'm talkin' about.

With soulful, bangin' production and precise scratches and cuts all throughout, what makes the album somewhat lackluster is the lyricism.....or lack thereof. I think I said this on the Neighborhood Watch review, but Evidence needs to step up his game. His content never changes and his flow is virtually nonexistent and I think we've heard everything he has to say (you're loyal to your crew, you smoke weed, and you'll never change....okay, we get it already). Rakaa is still tight, but I think Ev's lack of improvement is what keeps this from being a 4 star LP. Also, there are a few tracks that simply do not work. Tracks like "Olde English" feat. Defari (who is in the same boat as Evidence lyrically), "Satellite Radio", and "Another Sound Mission" could've been left off the album. And "Firepower" was straight up boring despite it's good lyrical content courtesy of Rakaa. I wasn't feelin' the skits either, but they stayed within the theme of the album, so I can't complain about them too much.

20/20 is a decent album. The beats are strong, but the lyrics can be spotty from time to time. Evidence needs to step up his lyrical game. The lyrics may have taken a step backward, but it's still a solid effort. When it's all said and done, the album won't blow your socks off, but you won't be mad at yourself for buying it either. Like I said in the beginning, it's really consistent or really redundant depending on your personal view, but it's still a good album. I recommend checking it out.

Standout Tracks: 20/20, You Can't Hide You Can't Run, The Eyes Have It, Back Again, The One And Only (My Favorite), Alarm Music, and Kindness For Weakness feat. Talib Kweli