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.

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

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.

New single from NJ producer Analogic “Twenty Squared” featuring Evidence, Rakaa and Sean Boog. This is the first single on Analogic’s upcoming debut album The Booth Shall Set You Free via Soulspazm Records which hits stores on April 1st, 2014. Other features on the album include Wordsworth, Supastition, Kenn Starr, Silent Knight, Hassan Mackey, Madkem, Bilal Salaam and more.

“Since about 1992 I’ve religiously followed the West Coast Underground. In 1997, living in Bentonville, AR, of all places, and copping 12″ records in Fayetteville and Tulsa, OK, I happened on this label ABB. Many are familiar with this label for their release of Little Brother’s “The Listening” LP. By frequenting Mission Control in Fayetteville, the shop in Tulsa (I forget the name), and bumping Maxmillion mixtapes, I became familiar with some of my West Coast favorites by virtue of their appearances on ABB records: Planet Asia, Defari, Phil Da Agony, Self Scientific, Krondon, Ahmad Jamal, Superstar QuamAllah, and Dilated Peoples.

When I got this beat from Kev Brown and dropped these 8 bar verses on it, the scheme reminded me of “Worst Comes to Worst” by Dilated. I IMMEDIATELY heard Raaka spitting to this.

I reached out, let him hear it, and he was in. I must say, of all the “established” cats I’ve worked with, this is one of the most exceptional performances. This Bro. became a part of this song. I’m both grateful and honored to share this song with both Rakaa and Kev Brown. If you ain’t ready.” -TU

Better late than never video from Rakaa-Iriscience’s 2010 of the same name. Word to Steve Jobs.
]]> http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/10/25/rakaa-crown-of-thorns-feat-aloe-blacc-video/feed/ 0 http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/03/26/decon-never-not-fresh-sxsw-recap/ http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/03/26/decon-never-not-fresh-sxsw-recap/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 07:42:59 +0000 http://www.hiphopsite.com/?p=32005

2011 Decon Never Not Fresh SXSW Recap video with Freddie Gibbs, Rakaa, Aceyalone, Gangrene, Classified, Shad, DJ Babu and more. Shoutout to HipHopDX.

From Decon:

Here’s the first leak off Closed Sessions: ATX titled ‘The Roadhouse’ featuring Curt@!n$, GLC, Rakaa and produced by DJ Babu. Look for Closed Sessions: ATX to drop in stores and on iTunes on 3.15.11. If you’re headed to SXSW in Austin this year, be sure to check out the official Closed Sessions: ATX Showcase + Release Party featuring many of the artists on the project and some special guests.

Wow, Curt@ins taking shots @ Jay, Nas, and 50? Heh.

LISTEN: Closed Sessions: ATX – “The Roadhouse” (feat. Curt@!ns, GLC, & Rakaa; Prod. by DJ Babu)

Closed Sessions: ATX – “The Roadhouse” (feat. Curt@!ns, GLC, & Rakaa; Prod. by DJ Babu)

If any of you caught the Dilated Peoples “The Release Party” DVD, you may remember that Rakaa is well versed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or as Xzibit said “knows some karate”. Check out Rakaa’s interview with OkayPlayer TV as he comes to us straight from the Gracie Jiu Jitsu School. Crown Of Thorns is out in stores for all to cop. Highly recommended.

Dilated’s Rakaa made his solo debut this week on Decon Records with Crown Of Thorns. The label is still offering the deluxe pre-order packages including an autographed CD, t-shirt, sticker, poster, and an immediate MP3 download of “Aces High”. Check out DeconRecords.Com for more info.

New ish right here from Rakaa’s forthcoming Crown Of Thorns LP.Brings back memories of some old school Dilated/ABB Records joints.Listen and download below.

Rakaa -”Aces High” ft Fashawn Evidence Defari.mp3

Oh No is present as well, but he kind of just nods in agreement. Rakaa’s Crown of Thorns dropping 7/20 on Decon. Oh No & Alchemist’s Gang Grene dropping……in the future.

Brand new album artwork for Rakaa’s long awaited debut solo album, Crown of Thorns, dropping on 7/20. Cover art is an original painting by Doze Green called “Lord Enlil”. Crown of Thorns features production by The Alchemist, !llmind, DJ Babu, Sid Roams & El-P. Guest apprearances by Aloe Blacc, Fashawn, KRS-One, Dilated Peoples & more. Rapid fire’s how he transmits.

TRACKLIST:

1. “Crown Of Thorns” feat. Aloe Blacc, prod. by: Sid Roams
2. “The Observatory” feat. MAD LION, prod. by: King Jahzzy for Keepers Of The Light
3. “Delilah” prod. by: Evidence
4. “Human Nature (Now Breathe)” feat. The Teacha’ KRS ONE, prod. by: Exile for Dirty Science
5. “C.T.D.” prod. by: DJ Babu
6. “Assault & Battery” prod. by: Oh No for Disrupt Productions
7. “Ambassador Slang” feat. Tasha (aka Yoon Mi Rae), Tiger JK (Drunken Tiger), Roscoe Umali, BIGRYZN (CHIEFSONS), MOSHPIT (CHIEFSONS), Dumbfoundead, Tassho Pearce, Tablo (Epik High), Mithra Jin (Epik High), Jay Jaballas, King Kapisi, prod. by: dj honda
8. “Eyes Wide” feat Krondon, prod. by: DJ Babu
9. “Mezcal” prod. by: !llmind for Little Trouble Big China Productions
10. “Rosetta Stone Grove (Universal Language)” feat. Noelle Scaggs, prod. by: Eric Bobo & DJ Rhettmatic for Cypress Junkie Productions
11. “Aces High” feat. Fashawn, Evidence, Defari, prod. by: The Alchemist
12. “Mean Streak” feat. Chali 2na, prod. by: El-P
13. “Upstairs” prod. by: The Alchemist