Dilated Peoples - The Platform

The Platform is a declaration of intent: a geographic map of Californian hip-hop where the territory of gangsta violence gives way to a more traditional and conscious approach. Published by Capitol Records in 2000, this album marks the official entry of the trio formed in 1992 in San Francisco onto the underground scene with rigorous production. The sonic architecture is based on a collaboration between Evidence and DJ Babu, supported by beatmakers such as The Alchemist, Joey Chavez, E-Swift, KutMasta Kurt, and T-Ray. The total duration of the album extends over 1 hour and 2 minutes for sixteen tracks, offering a dense panorama where each beat is meticulously crafted.

An earnest and clear ambition from the very opening

The album immediately opens with So May I Introduce To You, a track that sets the tone of a solemn ambition from the very first second. This opening track establishes a sonic framework where the group's voice is heard without the usual distortions of gangsta rap. The recording at X Audio, D&D Studios, Can Am Studios, and Threshold Studios made it possible to achieve the clarity necessary for the group's artistic approach. The track initiates the journey towards a lyrically balanced collection where the beats are ready to be manipulated and sliced according to the producers' whims.

Work The Angles: The group's turntablist anthem

Paste Magazine describes this track as a "turntablist anthem," a recognition that goes beyond mere listening to enter the realm of technological sacredness. This song perfectly illustrates Dilated Peoples' ability to transform high-pitched vocal samples from soul songs into major compositions. The production by Evidence and DJ Babu finds its fullest expression here, while the sounds are described as finely-crafted and sliced at will. The contribution of this track is twofold: it validates the group's technical mastery while anchoring the album in the tradition of old school that prioritizes style over flash.

The legend B-Real reinforces the collective stance

The sovereignty of the collective extends beyond the three founding members when B-Real participates in the track No Retreat. This collaboration is not a simple addition of voices but a fusion of styles that reinforces the group's stance. B-Real, a legend of Californian rap, brings here a raw energy that contrasts with the finesse of the beats produced by The Alchemist and his associates. On this particular track, B-Real's presence validates the trio's approach by providing it with immediate historical legitimacy. The track No Retreat becomes the anchor point where the West Coast influence is felt without altering the integrity of the original sound.

Right On feat. Tha Alkaholiks: The underground roots

The collaboration with Tha Alkaholiks on the track Right On confirms the group's roots in the Californian underground scene. Tha Alkaholiks, another influential West Coast group, participates on this track to strengthen the ties between independent artists who rejected the commercial codes of the late 90s. In this particular song, the collaboration with Tha Alkaholiks serves to weave a collective tapestry where each voice brings its own unique color. The association with these artists perfectly illustrates the movement described by the sources: a shift towards conscious and traditional hip-hop. The presence of Tha Alkaholiks on Right On does more than just fill out a track; it acts as a seal of belonging to a generation of rappers who prioritize collective consciousness.

Aceyalone elevates the track to a lyrical dimension

The track The Shape Of Things To Come feat. Aceyalone functions like a sonic prophecy where Aceyalone's flow traverses the beats with surgical precision. Aceyalone, a regular collaborator with the group on this album and many others, brings a lyrical dimension that elevates the composition beyond mere street rap. In this particular song, Aceyalone's presence transforms the track into a space for reflection where words take on their true weight. The collaboration with Aceyalone is essential because it integrates a technical voice that perfectly respects the approach of the beats meticulously crafted by Evidence and DJ Babu.

Ear Drums Pop - Remix: The Epic Finale

The album concludes on a cosmic note with "Ear Drums Pop - Remix", a final version that brings together a legendary constellation of artists. This closing track features the simultaneous participation of DEFARI, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, and White E. Ford, transforming the track into a unique vocal festival. The final remix seals the album as a collective epic where each artist contributes to the overall architecture of the record. The presence of these guests on this specific track lends a mythical dimension to the end of the listening experience. "Ear Drums Pop - Remix" acts as an arch containing the voices of all those who participated in the creation of this historic album. This opus, released on February 29, 2000, stands out for its extensive creative diversity: in addition to Likwit Crew members like Everlast who appear as guests, the tracklist includes key tracks such as "The Platform", "Guaranteed", and "The Main Event" that structure the discographic narrative. This extensive collaboration also includes contributions from E-Swift, KutMasta Kurt, and T-Ray, confirming the collective and artisanal aspect of the sound creation behind each track. The album is not limited to the Californian underground scene where the trio made its mark since forming in 1992 in San Francisco; it achieves international renown via the music charts. The singles "This Way" and "Worst Comes to Worst" reach the charts, while the track "This Way", produced by future icon Kanye West, foreshadows his solo career and stylistic evolution.

Temporal overview of an acclaimed and enduring opus

In 2000, The Platform reached 74th place on the US Billboard 200 chart and left a lasting imprint on the history of Californian rap. This landmark studio album proves that the group made its mark on the underground scene with production acclaimed for its array of finely-crafted beats. The tracks "This Way" and "Worst Comes to Worst" reached the music charts, while "This Way" was produced by Kanye West, offering an early glimpse into Ye's producing genius. The album also contains tracks like "Annihilation," "Expanding Man," and "Triple Optics," which form the core of this seminal album. The production by The Alchemist, who contributed five tracks to the album, brings a unique sonic density to this debut release. The documented singles include "This Way" and "Worst Comes to Worst," while other tracks like "Who's Who?" and "Sorry?" are included as the soundtrack for the video games Need for Speed: Underground and SSX 3. The track "Back Again" is included in the soundtrack for the video games Fight Night Round 3 and MLB 06: The Show, demonstrating the longevity of this musical catalog. In 2012, the group collaborated with Platinum Games on the track "This is Madness" for the video game Anarchy Reigns, showcasing the enduring nature of their work. This album represents a movement by several California underground hip hop artists away from the violence and misogyny of gangsta rap, towards a more traditional, conscious form of rap.

Technical details

- Release date : February 29, 2000 - Label : Capitol Records - Tracks : 16 (1 hour 2 minutes) - Opening / closing : So May I Introduce To You / Ear Drums Pop - Remix - Guest appearances : B-Real, Tha Alkaholiks, Aceyalone, DEFARI, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, White E. Ford