The Platform | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | May 23, 2000 | |||
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Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 1:04:20 | |||
Label | Capitol | |||
Producer | ||||
Dilated Peoples chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Platform | ||||
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The Platform is the debut studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on May 23, 2000, through Capitol Records. 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. Production was handled 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.
The album debuted at number 74 on the Billboard 200 and number 30 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. It also made it to number 89 on the UK Albums Chart and number 14 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart. The album's self-titled single, "The Platform", peaked at number 81 on the UK Singles Chart.
Aggregate scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 69/100 [1] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [2] |
Q | [3] |
RapReviews | 8/10 [4] |
Rolling Stone | [5] |
The Village Voice | [6] |
The Platform was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 69, based on eleven reviews. [1]
AllMusic's Steve Huey praised the album, saying "the most alluring aspect of The Platform is the array of finely-crafted beats". [2] Frank Tope of Q gave the album mixed review: "their debut album sits comfortably between the party-heart, old skool shape-throwing of Jurassic Five and the darker weedscapes of Cypress Hill". [3] Rob Sheffield for Rolling Stone gave the album 2 out of 5 possible stars, saying "Dilated Peoples are still painfully tame on the mike, especially Evidence, who hits a dubious milestone in The Platform by becoming the first rapper ever to utter the words "between you and I". The vocals sink the music: This is the kind of hip-hop album where the MC compares himself to Steve Howe, and while you hope he means the baseball player, you know in your heart he really means the guitarist from Yes". [5] Veteran critic Robert Christgau picked out two songs—"The Platform" and "Triple Optics"—as choice cuts at his Consumer Guide column for The Village Voice . [6]
MTV named the album "one of those timeless long-players, like Run-DMC's Raising Hell or EPMD's Strictly Business , where you'll want to commit every track to memory". CDNow description was "the most alluring aspect of The Platform is the array of finely-crafted beats assembled by Evidence and DJ Premier protégé The Alchemist, which are in turn juggled and sliced at will by the hands of DJ Babu, the oft-forgotten man in the hip-hop equation". Billboard called it "a balanced, lyrically inspiring collection of songs". Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club wrote that the album "would benefit from greater lyrical diversity, and it suffers from moments of monotony and inertia, but it's a promising debut from a group that should only improve with time". [7] Wall of Sound reviewer found the album "for all its individual strengths, never hits any kind of synergy as an album".
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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1. | "So May I Introduce to You" | Michael Perretta | Evidence | 0:47 |
2. | "The Platform" |
| The Alchemist | 4:37 |
3. | "No Retreat" (featuring B-Real) |
| T-Ray | 5:21 |
4. | "Guaranteed" |
| The Alchemist | 3:52 |
5. | "Right On" (featuring Tha Alkaholiks) |
| E-Swift | 4:56 |
6. | "The Main Event" |
| The Alchemist | 2:34 |
7. | "Service" |
| DJ Babu | 3:16 |
8. | "Ear Drums Pop" |
| Evidence | 4:08 |
9. | "Years in the Making" |
| Joey Chavez | 3:11 |
10. | "Annihilation" |
| The Alchemist | 3:58 |
11. | "Expanding Man" |
| Evidence | 2:52 |
12. | "The Last Line of Defense" |
| The Alchemist | 4:42 |
13. | "Triple Optics" |
|
| 4:14 |
14. | "The Shape of Things to Come" (featuring Aceyalone) |
|
| 5:04 |
15. | "Work the Angles" |
| KutMasta Kurt | 4:01 |
16. | "Ear Drums Pop (Remix)" (featuring Planet Asia, Defari, Everlast and Phil Da Agony) |
| Joey Chavez | 5:05 |
Total length: | 1:04:20 |
Chart (2000) | Peak position |
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UK Albums (OCC) [8] | 89 |
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [9] | 14 |
US Billboard 200 [10] | 74 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums ( Billboard ) [11] | 30 |
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.
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.
Alan Daniel Maman, professionally known as the Alchemist, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and songwriter. 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.
Michael Taylor Perretta, 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.
Lyricist Lounge 2 is the fourth hip hop compilation album by American record label Rawkus Records. It was released on November 28, 2000, as the second installment of Lyricist Lounge album series, based on New York's Lyricist Lounge showcases.
Expansion Team is the second studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on October 23, 2001, through Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at D&D Studios and The Dewgarde Crib Of Hits in New York, at SoundProof and Skip Saylor Recording in Los Angeles, at Encore Studios and Mad Dog Studios in Burbank, at Front Page Recorders in Glendale and at The Studio in Philadelphia. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Joey Chavez, Da Beatminerz, DJ Premier, Juju and Questlove. It features guest appearances from Black Thought, the Beat Junkies members DJ Rhettmatic, J. Rocc and Melo-D, and the Likwit Crew members Defari, Phil Da Agony and Tha Alkaholiks, with cameo appearances from Cokni O'Dire, GuRu, Noelle Scaggs and Shae Fiol.
Neighborhood Watch is the third album from West Coast hip hop group Dilated Peoples and was released in 2004. The album was not as acclaimed as their past releases, The Platform and Expansion Team, and was not able to push a significant number of units, despite having the group's first Billboard Hot 100 hit in the Kanye West-assisted "This Way". The album also features the singles "Marathon" and "Poisonous", as well as the DJ showcase "DJ Babu in Deep Concentration", an ode to Gang Starr's 1989 track "DJ Premier in Deep Concentration". "Who's Who" was used in two video games SSX 3 and Need for Speed: Underground. "Love & War" was used in the video game NBA Live 2004.
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.
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.
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. 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 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 and No. 14 on the Hot Rap Songs. 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. Recording sessions took place at the Muthafuckin' Spot on Lexington. Production 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, and was later appeared on the soundtrack of 2000 video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. The single "Dick Starbuck "Porno Detective"" made it to number 37 on the Hot Rap Songs.
Only The Strong is the second solo studio album by American rapper Big Noyd. It was released on September 23, 2003 via Landspeed Records. Production was handled by The Alchemist, Havoc, Emile, DJ Sebb, Steve Sola and Noyd Inc. It features guest appearances from Mobb Deep, Chinky, Infamous Mobb, PMD and Shamika Rodriguez.
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.
Return of the Mac is the second solo studio album by American rapper Prodigy. It was released on March 27, 2007, through Koch Records. Production was handled entirely by The Alchemist, who produced the project utilizing song samples from the Blaxploitation era, with DJ Muro, who produced two tracks. It features guest appearances from Majesty and Un Pacino.
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 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.
'Decon is a New York-based creative studio that houses production, creative, strategy, and music divisions. The company creates campaigns on behalf of brands and advertising agencies.
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