(ABB/Capitol Records)
An artist's second album is cause for eager anticipation and worry all at the same time. Sometimes you have no worries as far as what the quality of the album may be. Examples of this case are Mobb Deep's , NWA's , and Common's . There are also times when you have those hidden or not-so- hidden doubts about the quality of the next release by a newcomer. No one really worried about the quality of Eminem or Redman's second album, but what were we supposed to expect from Trick Daddy on his sophomore debut? We know now, don't we? What happens in the event of a disastrous second album? Ask Snoop or Onyx. There is good possibility that the artist's second album will fall somewhere between as good as the first and \Damn, don't even burn that!"" Actually, this is where a lot of second albums fall.
This is where Dilated People's falls. Don't misunderstand'this is a solid album. The thing is, though, that this is Dilated! When you first put on, it's exciting almost from beginning to end. It met the expectations that the 12 inches and mix-tape appearances created. This time, it seems that there is less of a sense of urgency in the music. This doesn't sound like quite the same group that was just getting heard around here a few years ago. Ev and Rakaa perform well, and the concepts for the songs are thoughtful. It's just that there isn't that same energy in the music on the whole.
There are too many who get caught up giving great reviews because an artist is supposed to sell millions or because an artist represents the righteous underground. Don't let excitement for the underground resurgence the West Coast underground, at that'cloud your opinion. This is a decent album, but my guess is that the future holds much brighter prospects for Dilated Peoples.
Alchemist produces the first two cuts, with Primo and Da Beatminerz making the music for the next two. Evidence, Babu and other underground soundmen do their things, too. Babu's cuts are one of the things that hold this album up. There are also appearances from The Liks, Phil da Agony and Defari; they all do more than their jobs. Defari may have the best 40-second interlude on an album that doesn't even belong to him. The cameos by extended Liquid Crew family help to add some variety to the album. Evidence and Rakaa-Iriscience are tight and creative lyrically, but their deliveries can wear on the ear after too many listens. This is not an album to be listened to repeatedly in its entirety. Listen to it every couple of days or a couple times a week. Don't make yourself sick.
