| Since their beginnings as pioneers of Los Angeles' progressive underground rap scene, Dilated Peoples have been celebrated as one of hip-hop's most provocative and imaginative collectives. Neighborhood Watch - their much-anticipated third Capitol Records release - is the acclaimed trio's most fully realized collection thus far, a remarkably accomplished development of their idiosyncratic meld of inspired beats, ill turntablism and brisk, bright wordplay. Tracks such as the thought-provoking "Big Business" and the soulfully energetic single "This Way" offer amble proof of the power of rap in its purest form - two skilled MCs and an extraordinarily inventive DJ. "It's a continuation of the Dilated Peoples sound," says Evidence, " but at the same time, I feel that it's a better record than the last two. I think it shows the power and timelessness of our music." "It's still imagery, battle hymns and political poetry," says Rakaa. "It's still big beats, big cuts. But hopefully we've gotten better as songwriters, as artists, as people." If their previous album - 2001's breakthrough Expansion Team - found Dilated Peoples opening up their style to the world around them, Neighborhood Watch sees the group bringing it all back home, focusing their widescreen worldview on their native Los Angeles.
"Neighborhood Watch suggests that Dilated may be ready for some more bling." Amelia McDonell-Perry, Rolling Stone
"Chunky, hook-laden songs like ÒTryin' to Breathe" and ÒThis Way" show a newfound sonic confidence..." Dorian Lynskey, Guardian Unlimited
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Notes & Personnel Info |  | 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. |
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