Dilated Peoples
The Platform

THE REVIEW

"The Platform" is the highly anticipated debut album by Evidence, Rakaa Iriscience, and DJ Babu, better known as Dilated Peoples. The three, originally from the Bay Area, come from a long stint in the underground scene and, after making a name for themselves in '98 with the fantastic single "Work The Angles" produced by Kutmasta Kurt, released their first album in 2000. And, by sheer coincidence, "The Platform" is a wonderful album, 16 extraordinary tracks arranged one after the other relentlessly that will have you wearing out the repeat button on your CD player.

After the initial intro, we start off and, as you continue listening, you encounter true gems like the title track produced by Alchemist, "Right On" featuring the Alkaholiks, "Ear Drums Pop" (worthy of a standing ovation), the reflective "Years In The Making," where Evidence recalls the origins of his passion for hip hop up to the present day, finally reaching the true masterpiece of the album: "Work The Angles," a mega-beat by Kutmasta Kurt and an extraordinary performance on the mic by our guys. Add in the fantastic scratches by Babu and you've got the perfect formula...

"The Platform," in short, is a true masterpiece, tangible proof that beyond medals, jewels, and squawking girls, hip hop made in the USA still has something to say and that, in the underground, there are still those who regard rap as an artistic expression, not just a big money-making machine. Try it to believe it.