Dilated Peoples June 20, 2008

With just a few (mostly underground) releases, Dilated Peoples have energized the rap underground in similar fashion to fellow West Coast crew Jurassic 5. The duo of Evidence and Rakaa came together in the mid-'90s, when they met at many of the same hip-hop shows; after deciding to start making tracks together, they formed Dilated Peoples. Once they added to the fold an excellent turntablist, DJ Babu of the Beat Junkies, the group recorded the singles 'Third Degree' and 'Work the Angles' for ABB Records. The latter became an underground hit via hip-hop radio and clubplay, prompting Dilated Peoples' signing to Capitol. Releases include 'The Platform,' 'The Expansion Team' and 'Neighborhood Watch.' Their latest is '20/20.'