Dilated Peoples: The Release Party (2007)

Synopsis of Dilated Peoples: The Release Party

Reportedly ten years in the making -- with much of it shot by an enthusiastic fan -- the documentary Dilated Peoples: The Release Party recounts the "inside" tale of the meteoric rise to fame of L.A.-based underground rappers Dilated Peoples (DJ Babu, Evidence, Rakaa). The group emerged seemingly from out of nowhere in 1995, shot up to qualify as a national legend on the underground rap scene within a year, and -- thanks to their launch of one of the most popular indie recordings in history -- received offers in 2000 to sign with several mainstream American labels. They chose Capitol, thanks to that corporation's said flexibility and hesitance to toy with the group's image. Then, four years and four multimillion-dollar Capitol albums later, disillusioned group members shocked record company executives by withdrawing from affiliation with the corporate giant. Their much anticipated 2007 album, The Release Party (its title a witty reference to a "release" from the restrictions of a major label), finds Evidence, Rakaa, and Babu "going independent" once again. That recording constitutes an accompaniment piece to this documentary. The film features guest appearances by Kanye West, Beni B, Xzibit, B-Real, and others. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Director(s):

Jason Goldwatch

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