The brand new album from Dilated Peoples, Directors of Photography is out now on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Directed by Andrew Melby and Evidence.

Los Angeles rappers, Dilated Peoples stopped by Sway in the Morning to discuss their new album, Directors of Photography. First, the group started off speaking about the new class of rappers who are also lyrical, like TDE. Additionally, they explained how using independent outlets to promote their music helped them. In addition to speaking about their work with Aloe Blacc, Peoples spoke about the importance of calling out wack rappers and emcees to bite other people’s styles.

It’s almost hard to believe that Dilated Peoples have been in the game almost twenty years, first appearing in 1995 on Immortal Records’ The Next Chapter compilation. While their first album, Imagery, Battlehymns, & Political Poetry was shelved by the label, their perseverance and independent grind would pay off in the years that followed, leading up to their official debut, The Platform on ABB Records. Largely a collection of now classic singles from their 12″ era, over time the group has built a solid, loyal fanbase who has stuck with them to this day.

Although the trio of Evidence, Rakka, and Babu took some time off to focus on their individual solo projects, they never really broke up, and the camaraderie is clear on their fifth official LP, Directors Of Photography. Taking on the roles of rap photographers, they document their life and times with a highly visual LP, one that paints a picture through their lyrics.

They easily slip back into their old roles on “Directions” and “Cut My Teeth”, both which kick off the LP in the classic Dilated fashion of hard-hitting drums and dirty piano samples. But as the album progresses, it really begins to find its groove, which is largely defined by brooding beats and slow flows, on songs like “The Dark Room” and the Diamond D helmed “Let Your Thoughts Fly Away”. The standout track of this set is the ridiculous basement banger, “Good As Gone”, where DJ Premier still shocks and amazes on the production.

They never really go for a raucous “Work The Angles” type of b-boy blazer, but instead aim to create tracks with feeling, such as on the soulful lead single, “Show Me The Way” featuring Aloe Blacc. This is the closest thing to a “commercial” record that they’ve done since “This Way” with Kanye West, but hardly sacrifices their sound or integrity in any way. It’s catchy, but still largely dark and bluesy.

Each member gets their solo time to shine as well. “Figure It Out” is still a track that features all three members, but allows Babu to take center stage on the cut for a good two-and-a-half-minutes, before anyone starts rapping. Ev goes for an LL “Going Back To Cali” flow, while Rakka juxtaposes with a double-time switch up. Later Rakka examines the links between politics and big business on “Century Of The Self”, while Evidence flies solo on “The Reversal”. Both are decent tracks, but truthfully they sound better together.

Overall a solid LP, it begins to lose steam towards the end of its lengthy 16 tracks (18 on the digital version). Since they are not trying to throw a bunch of things at radio to see what sticks, Directors Of Photography could have benefitted from trimming things down a bit. But then we might have missed out on those fun posse cuts like “Opinions May Vary” with Gangrene or “Hallelujah” with a buncha rappers.

At the end of the day, Dilated Peoples have proven to be much more than just a flash in the pan act, or leftover from the indie hip-hop era. While many of their peers have faded off into obscurity or disappeared completely, the DP’s still deliver a consistent product even two decades later.

Backpack rap dons team on this Audible Doctor remix of “Twenty Squared”.

Last week, Evidence, Rakaa, and DJ Babu otherwise known as Dilated Peoples dropped by to spit a quick freestyle. Of course, DJ Tony Touch had to oblige. Tune in to Toca Tuesdays each and every Tuesday from 8p till Midnight EST on Shade 45.

Directors Of Photography hits August 12th.

From the Out Da Box TV camp: “Its been almost over a year since we released our last “Out Da Box TV” Episode and I am happy to announce that today we will be relaunching the show. We’ll be giving you the same valuable content under a slightly different format. So, to kick off the relaunch officially, our first episode features a group who themselves are actually relaunching as well, comprising of 3 talented artists by the collective name of “Dilated Peoples”. We got a chance to speak with members Evidence and Babu in reference to their upcoming album entitled “Directors Of Photography”. They gave some insightful words about their experiences as a group along with their goals, set out for the music on their new album. “Rakaa Iriscience” the other emcee member of the group, was unable to make the interview, but Ev and Babu held it down for the homie during the time. This interview is a must see for fans of Dilated, especially those anticipating the release of their new album. So take a moment to kick back for 7 mins and check out our special new Out Da Box TV interview with DP. Thank you for supporting us always. Enjoy!”

Dilated Peoples give an inside look at the creative process behind their new album, Directors Of Photography. Also check out the packaging for the album, which includes full color custom printed digi-pak with a gold foil stamped pocket containing 20 full color photo inserts. Plus a special camera lens disc and full album lyrics. LP packaging includes custom printed gatefold jacket with spot gloss finish, double transparent clear vinyl, and 2-panel insert containing full album lyrics. PLUS custom printed labels and free digital download card.

While the audio isn’t great, it’s rare we see Dilated interviews, so here’s one from Adramatic crew. Babu talks about the new album, Directors Of Photography, how the song “Rain Or Shine” produced by Babu for Evidence was originally for Common, a track on the new album called “Hallelujah” featuring Evidence, Rakaa, Fashawn, Rapsody, Action Bronson, Domo Genesis and Vinnie Paz, and other topics.

First single/video from Dilated Peoples’ long-awaited comeback LP, Directors Of Photography – first mentioned to us by DJ Babu, way back in 2011. Check out the cover art and tracklist for the August 12th Rhymesayers release down below.

1. Intro
2. Directors
3. Cut My Teeth
4. Defari Interlude
5. The Dark Room (feat. Vince Staples)
6. Good As Gone (prod. DJ Premier)
7. Show Me The Way (feat. Aloe Blacc)
8. Figure It Out (Melvin’s Theme)
9. Let Your Thoughts Fly Away
10. Century Of The Self (feat. Catero)
11. @MrEvidence Interlude
12. The Reversal
13. Opinions May Vary (feat. Gangrene)
14. Trouble
15. L.A. River Drive (feat. Sick Jacken)
16. The Bigger Picture (feat. Krondon)
17. Times Squared (Bonus Track)
18. Hallelujah (feat. Fashawn, Rapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinnie Paz, Action Bronson) (Bonus Track)

Developed and directed by Jason Goldwatch, Mass Appeal’s Time Alone is a new innovative series where celebrities interview themselves. In this episode, rapper Evidence asks himself some in-depth questions.

Video directed by Dave Wilson. From the acclaimed album, Cats & Dogs.

The entire lineup is listed above, with notable acts including Wu-Tang Clan, Dipset, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quick, Psycho Realm, Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Hieroglyphics, People Under The Stairs, Three 6 Mafia, RA The Rugged Man, and more.