According to some pre-release interviews,
Dilated Peoples
member
Evidence
sees
20/20
as one of the more casual full-lengths from the crew. The album wasn't built as a traditional album, but rather a collection of tracks, or as
puts it,
was "made on a 12'' mentality." It's a great analogy really, since the track list bounces between outstanding and hypothetical A-sides -- the body-moving
"Back Again,"
the fiery
"Alarm Clock Music,"
and
"Kindness for Weakness,"
which features guest
Talib Kweli
along with some of
DJ Babu
's fiercest scratches -- and the more word-filled, almost freestyle B-sides that could accompany them.
flows like a compilation of street tracks, which is quite an achievement when you consider the group is still signed to major label
Capitol
. Only two tracks feature the work of producer
Alchemist
--
"Back Again"
and the title track -- which might be a disappointment for some, but
Babu
are up to the challenge of an increased workload and offer lean loops that recall their debut. Unfortunately, a team-up with
Capleton
feels forced, as the
reggae
revolutionary isn't given much to do. For hardcore fans, it's the lone disappointment, and while
might be a shade too unambitious for casual listeners expecting another
Expansion Team
,
DP
heads looking to kick back and listen get plenty of pure underground to devour. ~ David Jeffries