Evidence (musician)

Last updated
Evidence
Evidence of Dilated Peoples 2006.jpg
Evidence in 2006
Background information
Birth nameMichael Taylor Perretta
Also known as
  • EV
  • Mr. Slow Flow
  • The Weatherman
Born (1976-12-10) December 10, 1976 (age 47)
Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)
Years active1988–present
Labels
Website Official website

Michael Taylor Perretta (born December 10, 1976), known professionally as Evidence, is an American rapper and record producer from Venice, Los Angeles, California. He is also a member of the group Dilated Peoples, as well as being one-half of Step Brothers with The Alchemist. Before creating music, Perretta was a graffiti artist.

Contents

Early life

Evidence was born Michael Perretta on December 10, 1976, in Venice, Los Angeles, California to Louis Michael Perretta, an Italian American, and actress Jana Taylor, who appeared in American television shows in the 1960s and 1970s. [1] Growing up he lived next to Quincy Jones III’s studio. He learned the ins and outs of recording and emceeing there. [2]

Music career

Dilated Peoples

Shortly after meeting QD3, Evidence teamed with the like-minded Rakaa to form the group Dilated Peoples and after the success of their 1997 single "Third Degree" b/w "Confidence" and "Global Dynamics" on ABB Records – and the addition of DJ Babu to the fold a year later—the group quickly became a fixture on the hip hop tour circuit. They hoped their success would serve as a platform for solo projects, much as the Wu-Tang Clan's success had done before them.

Four albums, and outside production work-including tracks for the Beastie Boys, Linkin Park, Swollen Members, Defari, Planet Asia and co-production on Kanye West's debut album The College Dropout , which earned him a Grammy, Evidence gave his fans a taste of his talent on his debut solo album, The Weatherman LP (ABB Records).

Evidence also made a track directed at Eminem called "Search 4 Bobby Fisher" during a feud.

Through his work as one-third of Dilated Peoples, Evidence became a champion of hip-hop culture. "This is for people who get what I do," says Evidence. "If I'm going to come out independently and have the freedom to do what I want, there's no better way to represent. I want to be a leader and carve out a new path."

Solo work

With production from The Alchemist, Sid Roams (producers Joey Chavez and Tavish "Bravo" Graham), Jake One, DJ Babu, DJ Khalil, and Evidence himself, the album The Weatherman LP was released March 20, 2007.

Perretta was close with his mother; "I Still Love You" and "Chase The Clouds Away" are both tributes to her. She died due to cancer in 2004. Writing and performing "I Still Love You" was emotionally challenging for Evidence, a single child whose mother was his best friend and confidante. "I produced it, I rapped on it and I recorded it by myself with nobody in the room because I couldn't have anybody around when I was doing it," he explains. "It's the one time you're definitely going to get all of me."[ citation needed ]

On the release of The Weatherman LP, Evidence said: "I am not relying on the success of Dilated Peoples to push this album, while they are featured on it and heavily co-signing my solo venture I understand that I am going to have to work twice as hard and get back in front of the people and re-introduce myself through shows, my music, and constant day-to-day networking with my fans. I am not married; I don't have kids, so I can stay on the road all year long if that is what it takes…so at the end of the day what I put in is what I get out and it will all be a reflection of me, Evidence."

Evidence is also planning to come out with an album with producer/rapper The Alchemist and are to be called the "Step Brothers".[ citation needed ][ clarification needed ]

On July 17, 2009, it was announced that Evidence had signed a deal with Minneapolis-based hip-hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment, with a YouTube video showing Evidence signing the contract to release his next album. [3]

Evidence's second studio album, Cats & Dogs, was released on September 27, 2011. The album charted at number 64 on the Billboard 200, making it his first album to appear on the chart. An album sampler mixed by DJ Babu was released as well. [4] The album won 2011 HHUG Best Album of the Year. [5]

In an emotional interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio, Evidence discussed his 2011 projects, including the status of Dilated Peoples, a future DJ Premier collaboration and citing the problems he had with the internet releasing his music before he does. [6]

In an interview with Hip-Hop Kings at the 2015 Fresh Island Festival, [7] Evidence confirmed he would be releasing a new solo album in 2016 via Rhymesayers. Evidence confirmed that DJ Babu and Alchemist will feature on the record. As of July 2015 he had around five songs recorded, and the album was to be submitted for mastering no later than January 16.

Evidence's third studio album, Weather or Not , was released on January 26, 2018. It debuted at number 187 on the Billboard 200. It covers his personal life in great detail, including the birth of his first son and his partner's battle with breast cancer. [8]

In 2021, Evidence released his fourth studio album Unlearning Vol. 1 . In this album Evidence shares personal stories. Musically he goes back to the roots, therefore unlearning what he has learned during his music making career to produce raw and honest music.

Discography

Awards and nominations

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2005 The College Dropout Grammy Award for Album of the Year Nominated [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dilated Peoples</span> American hip hop band

Dilated Peoples is an American Los Angeles-based hip hop trio, composed of rapper and record producer Evidence, rapper Rakaa, and Beat Junkies deejay and record producer DJ Babu. The group better known in the UK, they reached the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart with two tracks, "This Way" and "Worst Comes to Worst." Their songs were featured in the 2003 video games Need for Speed: Underground and NBA Street Vol. 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Babu</span> Musical artist

Christopher E. Oroc, stage name Melvin Babu, better known as DJ Babu or DJ Babu the Dilated Junkie, is a Filipino-American DJ and record producer. He is a member of DJ crew the Beat Junkies, Los Angeles-based hip hop trio Dilated Peoples together with Evidence and Rakaa Iriscience, and a member of the Likwit Junkies along with rapper Defari. He served as the curator and host of Soundcheck for Beat Junkie Radio on Dash Radio. As of 2017, DJ Babu is the Program Director and a lead instructor alongside fellow crew members Mr. Choc, Melo-D, DJ Rhettmatic, D-Styles and J.Rocc at the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atmosphere (music group)</span> American hip hop duo from Minneapolis

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Rakaa Taylor, better known by his stage names Rakaa, Rakaa Iriscience, and Iriscience, is a rapper from Los Angeles, California. He is a member of Dilated Peoples alongside Evidence and DJ Babu.

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Lawrence Muggerud professionally known by his stage name DJ Muggs, is an American DJ, audio engineer and record producer. He has been a member of Cypress Hill, a member of the trip hop band Cross My Heart Hope To Die and the leader of hip hop and art collective Soul Assassins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Alchemist (musician)</span> American DJ and producer

Alan Daniel Maman, professionally known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ, and rapper. He began his music career in 1991 in the hip hop duo the Whooliganz under the moniker Mudfoot, along with now-actor Scott Caan. He has produced music since the 1990s.

<i>Neighborhood Watch</i> (album) 2004 studio album by Dilated Peoples

Neighborhood Watch is the third studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on April 6, 2004, through Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at D&D Studios in New York, at Soundproof Recordings, at the Nodd Factor in Houston, at Larrabee West in West Hollywood, at Ameraycan Studios in North Hollywood, and at Record Plant in Los Angeles. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Joey Chavez, Kanye West, Nucleus, Rob "Reef" Tewlow and DJ AM. It features guest appearances from Defari, Devin the Dude, J. Rocc, Kanye West, Phil Da Agony and Planet Asia.

<i>20/20</i> (Dilated Peoples album) 2006 studio album by Dilated Peoples

20/20 is the fourth studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on February 21, 2006, through ABB/Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at Soundproof East in Los Angeles, at Al Gibbs Mobile Studio, Capelton's Room, at Ameraycan Studios in Burbank and at Daddy's Room in Corona. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Sid Roams and Porse. It features guest appearances from Capleton, Defari, Krondon and Talib Kweli. The album debuted at number 97 on the Billboard 200 and number 35 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. It also made it to number 56 on the Swiss Hitparade.

<i>Street Music</i> (album) 2006 studio album by Defari

Street Music is the third studio album by American rapper and Likwit Crew member Defari. It was released on August 8, 2006 via ABB Records. Recording sessions took place at Soundproof, Unsung Studios and Likwit Studio in Los Angeles. Production was handled by Evidence, Mike City, DJ Babu, Superstar Quamallah, Alchemist and E-Swift, with Beni B and Defari serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Dilated Peoples, J-Ro, Boo Kapone, B-Real, Threat and Tuffy.

<i>The Medicine</i> (Planet Asia album) 2006 studio album by Planet Asia

The Medicine is a solo studio album by American rapper Planet Asia. It was released on September 19, 2006, through ABB Records. Recording sessions took place at Soundproof in Venice, Los Angeles and at The Lab in New York City. Production was handled by Evidence, Alchemist, Nucleus and Bravo. It features guest appearances from Auch Dixon, Black Thought, Cali Agents, Defari, Dilated Peoples, Jonell, Killa Ben, Krondon, Kubiq, Phil Da Agony, Prodigy, Shake Da Mayor, Supa Supreme and Turbin.

<i>1st Infantry</i> (album) 2004 studio album by The Alchemist

1st Infantry is the debut solo studio album by American hip hop producer and recording artist The Alchemist. It was released on September 21, 2004, through Koch Records. Recording sessions took place at The Lab, Baseclef Studios and Infamous Studios in New York City, at Soundproof and MGS Sound Lab in Los Angeles, and at D-Block Studios in Yonkers. Production was handled entirely by the Alchemist, who also served as executive producer together with his brother Neil Maman, with Prodigy serving as co-executive producer. It features guest appearances from The Lox, Mobb Deep, Big Noyd, Big Twins, B-Real, Chinky, Devin the Dude, Dilated Peoples, Illa Ghee, Lloyd Banks, M.O.P., Nas, Nina Sky, P$C, Stat Quo and The Game.

<i>The Weatherman LP</i> 2007 studio album by Evidence

The Weatherman LP is the debut solo studio album by American rapper and producer Evidence. It was released on March 20, 2007, via ABB Records. Recording sessions too place at Soundproof East in Los Angeles, at Millenia Music, at Chopp Shopp Studios in Durham, at Daddy's Room in Corona, at The Lab, at The River Rock, and at The Hideaway in Minneapolis. Production was handled by The Alchemist, Sid Roams, DJ Babu, Jake One, DJ Khalil, and Evidence himself. It features guest appearances from the Alchemist, Chace Infinite, Defari, Joe Scudda, Kamilah, Kobe, Madchild, Noelle Scaggs, Phonte, Planet Asia, Rakaa Iriscience, Rapper Big Pooh, Res, Sick Jacken and Slug.

<i>The Layover EP</i> 2008 EP by Evidence

The Layover EP is the first solo extended play by American rapper and record producer Evidence. It was released on November 25, 2008, via Decon. Recording sessions took place at Soundproof East, Chop Shop Studios, The Ether, The Lab NYC, Dirt Class West, Daddy's Crib, Soundproof West, Studio 1, Dirty Science Lab 12. Production was handled by The Alchemist, Khrysis, DJ Babu, Sid Roams, and Evidence himself. It features guest appearances from Aloe Blacc, Blu, Defari, Elzhi, Fashawn, Krondon, Phonte and Will.i.am. The album didn't reach the Billboard 200 chart, however, it peaked at No. 27 on the Heatseekers Albums in the United States, and received generally favourable reviews from music critics.

<i>Cats & Dogs</i> (Evidence album) 2011 studio album by Evidence

Cats & Dogs is the second solo studio album by American rapper and record producer Evidence. It was released on September 27, 2011 through Rhymesayers Entertainment. Recording sessions took place at ALC Laboratories in Santa Monica, Soundproof West in Venice, The Drug Lab and Soundproof East in Los Angeles, Infamous Studios in Queens, Stophouse Studios in Minneapolis and All This Could Be Yours in San Francisco. Production was handled by the Alchemist, Sid Roams, DJ Premier, Rahki, Charli Brown, Twiz the Beat Pro, and Evidence himself. It features guest appearances from Aesop Rock, Aloe Blacc, Catero, Krondon, Lil' Fame, Prodigy, Raekwon, Rakaa Iriscience, Ras Kass, Roc Marciano, Slug, Step Brothers and Termanology, with cameos from Amber Strother, Danny Keyz, Noelle Scaggs and Wendy Guerra.

<i>Lord Steppington</i> 2014 studio album by Step Brothers

Lord Steppington is the debut studio album by California-based hip hop duo Step Brothers. The album was released on January 21, 2014 by Rhymesayers Entertainment. The record was produced entirely by Alchemist with one track produced by Evidence, and includes guest appearances from Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, Blu, Fashawn, Rakaa, Oh No, Styles P, Domo Genesis and The Whooliganz – Alchemist's old group which included actor Scott Caan.

Coalmine Records is a Brooklyn, New York-based independent hip-hop record label. Coalmine's catalog includes Pharaohe Monch, El Da Sensei, Kool G. Rap, Talib Kweli, Large Professor, Heltah Skeltah, Dilated Peoples, Bekay, Big K.R.I.T, Custom Made, Emilio Rojas, Torae, Skyzoo, Termanology, Alchemist, J.R.Rotem, M-Phazes, Illmind, Khrysis, Shuko, Domingo, DJ Kayslay, DJ Revolution, and DJ Babu.

<i>Directors of Photography</i> 2014 studio album by Dilated Peoples

Directors of Photography is the fifth studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on August 12, 2014, via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Recording sessions took place at Soundproof in Venice with additional recording at The Drug Lab in Los Angeles. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, 9th Wonder, Bravo, Diamond D, DJ Premier, Jake One, Oh No and Twiz the Beat Pro. It features guest appearances from Aloe Blacc, Catero, Defari, Gangrene, Krondon, Sick Jacken, Vince Staples, with Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, Fashawn, Rapsody and Vinnie Paz appearing on one of the two bonus tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhymesayers Entertainment</span> American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Rhymesayers Entertainment is an American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis.

<i>Weather or Not</i> 2018 studio album by Evidence

Weather or Not is the third solo studio album by American rapper and producer Evidence. It was released on January 26, 2018 via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Production was handled by the Alchemist, Budgie, DJ Babu, DJ Premier, Nottz, Samiyam, Twiz the Beat Pro, and Evidence himself. It features guest appearances from Catero, Defari, Jonwayne, Khrysis, Krondon, Mach-Hommy, Rakaa Iriscience, Rapsody, Slug, Styles P and the Alchemist.

<i>Unlearning Vol. 1</i> 2021 studio album by Evidence

Unlearning Vol. 1 is the fourth solo studio album by American rapper and record producer Evidence. It was released on June 25, 2021, through Rhymesayers Entertainment. Recording sessions took place at ALC Laboratories in Los Angeles, Enzo's Garage Studios, Cores' Dreamroom, and Lucky's Lab. Production was handled by Evidence himself, as well as Sebb Bash, QThree a.k.a. EarDrum, Animoss, Daringer, Khrysis, Mr. Green, Nottz, V Don, and the Alchemist, who also served as one of the executive producers together with Slug and Brent Sayers. It features guest appearances from Boldy James, Conway the Machine, Fly Anakin, Murkage Dave and Navy Blue. The album debuted at number 77 on the Top Album Sales and number 46 on the Current Album Sales in the United States, and at number 12 on the Top 100 Album-Charts and number-one on the Top 20 HipHop-Charts in Germany.

References

  1. ↑ Schindehette, Susan. "Jana Taylor Gives New Focus to the Lives of Inner-City Kids". People.com. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
  2. ↑ ""people's party" podcast episode w/evidence". YouTube . Archived from the original on 2021-12-14.
  3. ↑ Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "Evidence "Cats & Dogs"". YouTube.com. 2011-08-19. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
  5. ↑ Archived May 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ "PodOmatic | Podcast - Conspiracy Worldwide Hip Hop Radio - [Part 1] *THE INDUSTRY PAIN SPECIAL* w/ live guests EVIDENCE - DILATED PEOPLES - SLAINE - MTV FIGHT KLUB CHAMPION NEMS". Conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com. 2010-12-11. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
  7. ↑ Maxwell, Ryan. "Evidence Confirms New Solo Album". Hip-Hop Kings. Ryan Maxwell. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  8. ↑ "Evidence "Weather or Not"". Billboard . 31 January 2018. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  9. ↑ "Evidence | Artist | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
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