Dilated Peoples’ progress from hip hop underground to world stage is slow, but unmistakable. Three albums in, their belief that success and integrity don’t have to be mutually exclusive, is finally starting to pay off.
Not that “Neighborhood Watch” is about to make a household name of the trio who used to hang out on the same old skool LA stoop as Jurassic 5 and Black Eyed Peas. The balance of power still has them playing to the head nodding faithful. But with solid hooks starting to match their street credentials, there’s reason to believe they’ll make good their promise to make it big. Eventually.
Evidently though, their progress isn’t fast enough for some. Either a nasty record company executive has suggested they should take a leaf out of the Black Eyed Peas book - hire a sexy female, go R&B and get some hits - or they themselves are having doubts that slow and steady really is the way. Whichever, “Neighborhood Watch” is dedicated to demonstrating that they have a game plan and that it’s working.
Sticking to low slung, sample strewn grooves and arms crossed raps, “Tryin’ To Breathe” and the title track definitely straddle the line that separates rapping on street corners and singing in the shower. “Caffeine” commits itself to memory with dogmatic piano loop and a chantable chorus and “Who’s Who” takes the Public Enemy route to uncompromising party piece. Meanwhile, barely a couplet goes by without mentioning how they’re gonna be huge and won’t have to sell out to do it; to the point where their insistence is so strenuous as to question who they’re actually trying to convince.
If anyone does have serious doubts about their ability to make it and keep it real at the same time, their collaboration with Jay-Z’s super producer buddy Kanye West should set them straight. Driven by funked-up flutes, spluttering turn tables and a monumental shout-out chorus, “This Way” is the most addictive thing to happen to hip hop in years.
