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 is better known in the UK, where 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, as well as MLB 06: The Show.
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.
The Platform is the debut studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on May 23, 2000, through Capitol Records. The recording sessions took place at Audio X in Burbank, D&D Studios in New York, Can Am Studios in Tarzana and Threshold Studios in Santa Monica. The album was produced by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Joey Chavez, E-Swift, KutMasta Kurt, and T-Ray. It features guest appearances from Aceyalone, B-Real, Everlast, and Likwit Crew members Defari, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, and tha Alkaholiks. The album represents a movement of several California underground hip hop artists away from the violence and misogyny of gangsta rap, towards a more traditional, conscious form of rap.
Masters of Illusion is the eponymous debut album of American hip hop group Masters of Illusion, composed of producer KutMasta Kurt and rappers Kool Keith & Motion Man. It was released on November 14, 2000, via Threshold Records. The project features no guest emcees, but does feature DJ cuts/scratches by DJ Revolution, DJ Babu and DJ Rhettmatic.
Total Eclipse is the third studio album by American hip hop group Black Moon. It was released on October 7, 2003 through Duck Down Music. Recording sessions took place at the Dewgarde Crib of Hits in New York, at Tha Entaprize, at CDR Studios, and at D.I.R.T. Factory in Norfolk. Production was primarily handled by Da Beatminerz, as well as Dan The Man, Coptic, DJ Static, Kleph Dollaz, MoSS, Nottz, Oshta Hunter and Tone Capone. It features guest appearances from Smif-N-Wessun, Sean Price and Starang Wondah.
Rasassination is the second studio album by American rapper Ras Kass. It was released on September 22, 1998 via Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at Stu's Kennel, at Audio X Recording Studios and Enterprise Recordings in Burbank, at PatchWerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, at Henchmen Recording Studio and Unique Recording Studios in New York, at Echo Sound in Los Angeles, and at Creator's Way Recording Studio in Chicago. Production was handled by Stu-B-Doo, Klev, Easy Mo Bee, Flip, Jaz-O, Toxic, Twelve, and Ras Kass himself. It features guest appearances from Bad Azz, Dr. Dre, El Drex, Jah-Skillz, Jazze Pha, Kurupt, Mack 10, Phil Da Agony, RZA, Saafir, Twista and Xzibit. The album peaked at number 63 on Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. Its only single, "Ghetto Fabulous", made it to number 56 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey is the third solo studio album by American rapper Kurupt, It was released on July 17, 2001, through Antra/Artemis Records. Production was handled by Daz Dillinger, Chris Arms, Damizza, DJ Lethal, DJ Quik, Jeeky Man, Jon B., Mike Dean, Soopafly, and Fredwreck, who also served as executive producer together with Joe Marrone. It features guest appearances from Nate Dogg, Daz Dillinger, DJ Lethal, Butch Cassidy, Damani, DJ Quik, Everlast, Fred Durst, Goldie Loc, Jon B, Lil' ½ Dead, MC Ren, Natina Reed, Snoop Doggy, Soopafly and Xzibit.
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.
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.
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.
Soundpieces: Da Antidote! is the first full-length studio album by American hip hop trio Lootpack. It was released on June 29, 1999, via Stones Throw Records. The production was handled entirely by member Madlib. It features guest appearances from Medaphoar, Declaime, Godz Gift, Kazi, Oh No, Defari, Dilated Peoples and tha Alkaholiks.
X.O. Experience is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Tha Alkaholiks. It was released on July 10, 2001, via Loud Records. Recording sessions took place at Soundcastle and Skip Saylor Recording in California, at The Hit Factory in New York, at Mastersound Studio in Virginia Beach, and at Mirror Image Studios in Dix Hills. Production was handled by member E-Swift, as well as Rockwilder, DJ Scratch, DJ Twinz, Thayod Ausar and The Neptunes. It features guest appearances from Xzibit, Busta Rhymes, Butch Cassidy, Defari, King Tee, Kurupt and Shae Fiol. The album reached number 47 on the Billboard 200 and number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. Its lead single "Best U Can" became a minor hit in 2001, peaking at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 14 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. The album's cover art is an homage to The Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1967 album Are You Experienced.
Home Field Advantage is the debut studio album by American hip hop group the High & Mighty. It was released on August 24, 1999, via Rawkus Records. The recording sessions took place at the Muthafuckin' Spot on Lexington. The album was produced mostly by member DJ Mighty Mi, but also featured production from Alchemist and Reef. It features guest appearances from Bobbito García, Cage, Defari, Eminem, Evidence, Kool Keith, Mad Skillz, Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Thirstin Howl III, What? What? and Wordsworth. The album peaked at number 193 on the Billboard 200, number 45 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and number 11 on the Heatseekers Albums in the United States. The single "B-Boy Document '99" reached number 63 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, number 7 on the Hot Rap Songs. The single "Dick Starbuck "Porno Detective"" made it to number 37 on the Hot Rap Songs.
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.
The Hour of Reprisal is the second solo studio album by American rapper and record producer Ill Bill. It was released on September 16, 2008, via Uncle Howie/Fat Beats Records. Production was handled by DJ Muggs, Necro, Sicknature, Cynic, Darp Malone, DJ Lethal, DJ Premier, T-Ray, and Ill Bill himself, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Everlast, B-Real, Darryl Jenifer, HERO, Howard Jones, H.R., Immortal Technique, Max Cavalera, Necro, Raekwon, Slaine, Tech N9ne and Vinnie Paz.
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.
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.
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.
The Imperial is the only studio album by American hip hop group Flipmode Squad. It was released on September 1, 1998, via Elektra Records. The recording sessions took place at Soundtrack Studios in New York. The album was produced by DJ Scratch, Busta Rhymes, Da Beatminerz, L.E.S., M.D., Rockwilder, Swizz Beatz, and Tony Touch. It features a guest appearance from Buckshot on "We Got U Opin, Pt. 2".
The L.J.'s is the debut studio album by American Los Angeles-based hip hop duo the Likwit Junkies, composed of rapper Defari of the Likwit Crew and DJ/record producer DJ Babu of Beat Junkies and Dilated Peoples. It was released in March 2005 through ABB Records. Recording sessions took place at Daddy's Room in Corona, California. Production was handled by DJ Babu, with Defari co-produced two of its 18 tracks. It features guest appearances from Dodee Westbeach, Noelle Scaggs, Evidence, Krondon, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia and Rakaa Iriscience. The album was supported by four singles: "Keep Doin It" b/w "S.C.A.N.S.", "The Hop" b/w "Dark Ends", "One Day Away" b/w "Strength in Numbers" and "Ghetto" b/w "Brother". The album was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics.
