Hip-hop to 'Watch' out for

Dilated Peoples still work the angles sharp and precise.\nWith the no-nonsense lyrics of Rakaa Iriscience and Evidence, and with DJ Babu on the cut, the Expansion Team has crafted an album which is hip-hop in its truest form.\nThe obvious surprise of the album at first glance is that Kanye West appears. I was skeptical at first on whether his mainstream mode would mesh or even if it signaled a new direction for the group. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been worried, and neither should you.\nThe messages on this album are too powerful to not be heard, and Kanye gives it that immediate attraction for newcomers to the group. \nOn "Marathon" and the Kanye-produced "This Way," Dilated Peoples raps about self-examination and making changes in life for long-term survival. "Pace yourself so you can face yourself. Run hard, you really on race yourself," Rakaa rhymes. \nFor that, Kanye and Dilated are on the same page, even if it's a different book. Kanye's own album, The College Dropout, is about facing up to our insecurities.\nDilated Peoples have always been the kind of group you can count on to provide party music. \nThe Alchemist lays down the best tracks again, and Dilated junkies Planet Asia, Defari and Joey Chavez all appear. \nWhen Ev and Rak are in your headphones making your ear drums pop, they still give you plenty of word play and street lessons to make you think twice.