Part 2: Dilating Peoples

As rapper/producer/MC Evidence of Dilated Peoples stated in The Platform, "Dilated is to grow, we are people of expansion point blank," I was left to expect their new release, Expansion Team, to be just that; dilated. Their debut C.D, The Platform, was full of incredibly catchy rhymes and lyrics about how great a group Dilated was, and I was feeling that. Though at sometimes a bit egotistical, I enjoyed Dilated's lyricism due to their originality and positive subject matter. I just knew the peeps would live up to The Platform and substantiate themselves once more in their second C.D.
Well I was proven wrong. Expansion Team was even better than I had imagined. Rakaa Iriscience and Evidence used their writing and rhyming skills to spit something different. This time around they stopped talking about merely themselves, and used their amazing gifts to speak on politics and need to stick with close friends. In songs like Trade Money , Dilated shows how money hungry and selfish our society is to waste our riches instead of investing them into foundation that could build a better future, while in Proper Propaganda, Dilated states how they utilize hip hop to spread influential messages. War, a sensitive subject for us all is a prolific song shedding light on its consequences. Worst Comes to Worst, the first and one of the best singles on the album, is a perfect example of how much they grew. Their songs are no longer focused solely on Dilated but now show how close friends and family are needed to be successful as well.
The struggle for new hip hop artist to break through the main stream pop culture is difficult, yet Dilated Peoples explicates through the much anticipated Expansion Team that it is a battle they're willing and distinctly capable of fighting. It's rare to have new artists whose second releases live up to and surpass their debuts, but Dilated Peoples does so with ease. Worst comes to Worst is now even being played on Los Angeles radio stations; a much deserved recognition. When you hear the complementary voices of Evidence, and Rakaa Iriscience, backed but their excellent DJ Babu, you know this isn't just a typical a** shaking hip hop song. One senses a difference in talent as well as uniqueness. As I stated before, with Expansion Team, Dilated Peoples demonstrates how they're not just another hip hop trio. They have immensely dilated from The Platform once again showing raw and insightful lyricism. Dilated Peoples continue to dilate through their music and through their fans. I can't wait until them solo L.P's drop (DJ Babu droppin this spring). Keep up the good work peeps.

Song List and Description:

1. Live on Stage (good)
- long awaited "Displaying new sound" Let's you know what they're trying to put out this time.
2. Worst Comes to Worst (excellent)
- Tight beat, shows loyalty. different style from last C.D
3. Clockwork (good)
- No need to prove ourselves anymore "Keep it classic" - Evidence
4. Trade Money (excellent)
- "You can use cash as tools..." um... when most rappers talk about money, they're superfluously spending it...
5. Heavy Rotation (very good)
- "Dilated y'all toast to this" chill factor/lighter side of group, a toast to improvement and growth
6. Self Defense (good)
- Don't hate because you can't compete, "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" -Evidence
7. Phil Da Agony Interlude (good)
8. Proper Propaganda (excellent)
- "Pen is mightier than the sword", uses rap to spread political statements, "The principles the same even with out the name, but I still say M.U.M.I.A" -Rakaa
9. Dilated Junkies (excellent)
-Tight beat ode to DJ Babu, "That's a dangerous man who can speak with his hands..."
10. Panic (very good)
- "This year it's time to reclaim the game" " Set your own standards. Not everybody can do what we do, and we can't do what everybody else does. A lot of people get comfortable playing follow the leader, if you want to see change, you need to be the leader to follow." -Evidence
11. Pay Attention (excellent)
- "I'm bout to set it on society watch me how I do it, pay attention..." -Rakaa
12. Night LIfe (good)
- Tight beginning beat "Solidify your game"
13. War (very good)
- "More than you bargin for", "War is how the rich control the poor", "What is it good for, absolutely nothing." -Rakaa
14. Hard Hitters (excellent)
- "Zero strikes zero felonies redirecting energy...", "We care enough to give it uncut straight up. That's why we sending cats back to the lab..." -Rakaa
15. Defari Interlude (good)
16. Expansion Team Theme (excellent)
- "You got life don't wait till its gone to ask questions." Compliments live on stage as conclusion of C.D.