Dilated Peoples Neighborhood Watch CD

Dilated Peoples--there could hardly be a more apt name for the long-running California rap crew who, with only three members, sound like a much larger collective as they expand a potent West Coast-heyday sound into bold new territory. Inspiration runs high on Dilated Peoples' NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (the outfit's third album on Capitol after countless underground releases), as revealed by the single "This Way." Joined by Kanye West, one of the most celebrated and prolific rapper/producers of 2004, the trio melds a gospel-tinged R&B sound with a wandering flute line and layers lyrics that range from silly-but-clever observations about girls and money to raw revelations about the sadness of life.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH opens on a powerful beat provided by the Alchemist, with the troupe sagely rhyming on "Marathon" and keeping up the pace throughout the solid, insightful record. The group's talent for twisting around language is most evident on tracks like the introspective "Tryin' to Breathe," which, true to its name, practically suffocates with its tight flow of words, as the trio illustrates its route from the streets to rap success. Dilated Peoples are clearly one of the most intelligent rap groups on the scene, and NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH displays how their smart brand of hip-hop has led to a remarkable career.

Recording information: D & D Studios; Daddy's Room; Larrabee Sound Studios West; Soundproof Recordings; The Nodd Factor, Houston, TX; The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA.

Parental Advisory.Guests:K. West,Planet Asia,Defari,Devin

Personnel: J. Rocc, 2Mex (vocals).

Audio Mixers: Manny Marroquin; Richard Huredia; Troy Staton.

Rolling Stone (p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Dilated haven't lost their gritty tone, but it looks like this neighborhood is risin' up."
Entertainment Weekly (4/9/04, p.87) - "[Babu's] blend of hand claps, tribal drums, and squawking horns throughout the disc should get even the most stubborn necks nodding." - Rating: B+
Mojo (Publisher) (p.103) - 3 stars out of 5 - "LA's Dilated Peoples write about Real Issues and wear their knowledge of rap history on their baggy sleeves..."