Dilated Peoples, back in focus

ON paper, Dilated Peoples had everything going its way.

It was spring 2004, and the group’s “This Way” single not only was produced by Kanye West but also featured an inspired rap by the man whose career was taking off after the release of his acclaimed “The College Dropout” earlier in the year. Recorded before West’s breakthrough, “This Way” seemed poised to catapult the trio of Rakaa, Evidence and DJ Babu from a quality group appreciated by a few hundred thousand fans to an outfit with a gold or platinum plaque on its walls.

But despite “This Way’s” heavy radio and video play, Dilated Peoples’ third album, “Neighborhood Watch,” actually sold only 143,000 copies -- less than half the number sold by its predecessor, which didn’t feature a guest turn from the hottest rapper-producer on the planet.

“It didn’t translate directly into sales,” Rakaa says matter-of-factly while seated on the floor of a downtown Los Angeles office, where he and his bandmates are signing posters. “It was probably our biggest song on the radio, but commercially speaking it didn’t translate at all.”

“We really realized that the direct correlation between [radio and video] spins and sales is a little of an illusion,” Evidence adds with a hint of disappointment. “So we were like, ‘Let’s get back on point, do what we do best, establish our sound, our identity, and bring the Dilated sound to the forefront.’ ”

The result is “20/20,” due Tuesday, a new album that reinforces Dilated Peoples’ rare position in Los Angeles’ rap hierarchy. They are among the handful of acts that rely on a mix of clever battle raps, political commentary, turntable wizardry and spare yet powerful beats -- all of which make them stand out like Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance in a city better known for the funk-inspired gangster rap of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

“20/20” is anchored by the aggressive braggadocio of the single “Back Again.” Overall, the collection, which also features the powerful “Alarm Clock Music” and the soulful “You Can’t Hide, You Can’t Run,” has a warmer, more urgent feeling than “Neighborhood Watch,” thanks to more forceful beats and more commanding deliveries from Evidence and Rakaa.

As has been the case throughout the group’s career, DJ Babu plays an integral role on “20/20,” contributing production and adding his deft scratches throughout the mix. Even though fans may not have turned out in droves to pick up “Neighborhood Watch,” Dilated Peoples know that one significant group of supporters is integral to their success: DJs.

“Before we had a label behind us, it was all about DJs supporting us,” DJ Babu says, noting that, indeed, this poster-signing session was for DJs who have supported “Back Again.” “We’ve tried to keep that connection with them over the years. That’s been a big part of our blueprint.”

The blueprint also has included a fair dose of social commentary, including the anti-violence “War,” from 2001’s “Expansion Team,” and the inspirational “This Way.” Even though understanding many of rap’s most popular songs requires only a basic knowledge of fashion and liquor, Dilated Peoples continue separating themselves lyrically on “20/20,” most notably on “Firepower (The Tables Have to Turn),” which has Rakaa skewering Barbara Bush’s post-Katrina comments, among other things.

In addition to making thought-provoking music, Rakaa hopes to encourage rappers to address serious issues. “A lot of people are real comfortable with ignorance,” he says. “They think it’s cool. I don’t feel that way. If you get [entertainers] in a boardroom talking about their money, behind closed doors, they are very intelligent. But they get on TV and they feel like they have to portray a certain thing in order to be successful. We just do what feels right.”

It’s been that way since Rakaa and Evidence met at a graffiti show in the early ‘90s and found they had a lot of common ground, having grown up listening to KDAY-FM and Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J.

In 1997, Dilated Peoples -- then just a duo -- broke through, thanks to its “Third Degree” maxi-single, which featured the songs “Confidence” and “Global Dynamics.” DJ Babu joined the group in 1998, giving the group’s live show extra punch.

Since then, the group has released three solid albums and is eager to rebound from the surprises that accompanied the release of “This Way.”

“The stars didn’t line up perfect for us last time,” Evidence says. “That’s the only way I can say it. We got a lot stronger because of it.”

*

Soren Baker may be reached at weekend@latimes.com.

*

Dilated Peoples

Where: House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday

Price: $20

Info: (323) 848-5100