PHOTO BY B

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Recorded by Dilated Peoples at Soundproof / Venice, CA
Mixed by Eddie Sancho at Bass Trap Studios / NYC (except where noted*)
Mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound Mastering / NY, NY
Creative Direction by Tristan Eaton
Graphic Design by Shane Jessup
Photography by B
Band Management: Ivory Daniel & Kevin Zinger at The Regime
Business Management: Michael Leonard at Leonard Business Management, Inc.
Legal Representation: Guadagnoli & Redding, P.C. / NY, NY
All Songs were recorded on a hand held microphone. It was a comfortable and familiar way to rock. Try it.
All Artists appeared out of genuine interest and mutual respect. The paperwork is straight though. Dont trip.
Peace to Peter Schwartz and Sean Goulding at The Agency Group, everyone at The Empire Agency, Mos Music, indiratravel.nl, and all of the
other agents, promoters, event partners, tour crews, specialists, and artists that have helped us bring it live to the planet.
Dilated Peoples would like to thank each other for continued inspiration, patience, and understanding. We would also like to thank our
families, loved ones, friends, business partners and associates, peers, teachers, students, supporters, critics; AND EVERYONE AT LBM,
Regime, g&r, RSE, and the Expansion Team worldwide. Greater things ahead.
Executive Produced by Dilated Peoples, Kevin Zinger, Ivory Daniel, B. Sayers AND S. DALEY.
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PROJECT COORDINATED BY J. COOK, S. ROSSI & A. Abdullah
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photo by evidence
I do this for you, Kanoa. I do this for you and Ritzy (AOS), and for our immediate and extended family / familia / ohana / aiga around the
world. Love and strength to my brother JaMyung Big Jae Taylor! DP.UZN.RSC.GJJ/BJJ.HHCF.ETS.CTD.
I took this photo of Rakaa at LACMA NEAR Wilshire & Fairfax at 3am the night before him and Babu went on a quick 2 week run in Europe. Its in
the heart of Miracle Mile, which is also very Mid-City -- a place you know well from the many vivid stories he has painted about it. Although
this place has become popular for photographers around the world to shoot, to me there is nothing better than seeing a real resident who
embodies Los Angeles in his day to day life, music, and art standing where he belongs.
- Words and photo by evidence
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photo by Babu
Dedicated To Jana Taylor. Evidence would like to thank every airline pilot that has ever safely gotten me from one destination to the next.
WHEN I FIRST MET RAKAA, HE WAS QUICK TO TELL ME ABOUT HIS PARTNER EVIDENCE AND THEIR GROUP CALLED DILATED PEOPLES. I HAD ALREADY HEARD OF
DILATED, SO I WAS EXCITED TO MEET BOTH OF THEM. I FINALLY MET EV WHILE DJING AT AN EVENT IN SAN DIEGO CALLED THE B-BOY SUMMIT. LITTLE DID I KNOW
THAT I WOULD SOON BECOME THE THIRD MEMBER OF DILATED PEOPLES. FAST FORWARD YEARS LATER, EV IS MORE THAN A FRIEND TO ME BUT A BROTHER -- AND ONE
OF THE MOST GENEROUS PEOPLE I KNOW. WEVE SEEN EACH OTHER GO THROUGH HIGHS AND LOWS AND UPS AND DOWNS, SO JUST CALLING US FRIENDS WOULDNT
ACCURATELY DESCRIBE OUR RELATIONSHIP. BEYOND THAT, HE HAS A LOT OF GOD-GIVEN TALENTS BUT WORKS AS IF HE HAS NONE; AND HES AN INCREDIBLE MC,
PRODUCER, AND PHOTOGRAPHER. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO SHOOT HIS PHOTO FOR THE ALBUM AT VENICE BEACH, BUT THEN HE RECALLED GROWING UP NEAR
DENNIS HOPPERS HOUSE JUST DOWN THE STREET. HE EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS SIGNIFICANT TO HIM BECAUSE HE LIVED CLOSE BY AND SAW IT ALL THE TIME, BUT
IT WAS ALSO A BIG DEAL BECAUSE A FAMOUS ACTOR BUILT THIS UNIQUE HOUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND IT STUCK OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. I THINK IT ALSO
SYMBOLIZED A NEW VENICE WHICH EMBRACED THE COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS THAT WERE BORN AND RAISED IN THE AREA. EVIDENCE IS VERY PROUD TO BE A PART
OF THAT, SO IT SEEMED FITTING FOR ME TO SHOOT HIM IN FRONT OF THIS LOCAL LANDMARK.
- Words and photo by Babu
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photo by Rakaa
Babu would like to thank all of my family and friends, your love and support mean everything to me, I love you guys. Shouts out to my
Beatjunkies family, the greatest DJ crew on planet Earth! To my brothers Rakaa and Evidence, thank you for everything. Thank you to
the most incredible mother/grandmother in the world Rita Oroc, you are the best! I love you mom! Maricel, thank you for being in my
life, I look forward to our future, I love you. To Niko aka Nikobeats and Micah, you two are my world, always remember, melvin loves you.
Finally to anyone thats ever supported Dilated, Beatjunkies or Babu, thank you from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you more than
you know. Peace.
I first met Babu in person through a mutual friend, but I was already aware of who he was and what he was capable of because of his
battle rep and Comprehension project. He is truly my brother, and he is one of the kindest and most hilarious people Ive ever met. Just
know that when you look at this picture of the evolution of his family and craft, you are also looking into the eyes of a serial killer.
- Words and photo by Rakaa
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PHOTO BY BABU
1. INTRO
Produced by Evidence & Babu
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP)
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PHOTO BY B
2. DIRECTORS
Produced by Evidence
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc)
Additional Keys by Brew for House of Vibe
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP)
Evidence:
First up in flight like I studied Raleigh
Same sky that Im flying that got Buddy Holly
Back from tour with the Brother Ali
On my Fellowship shit
Pumping 5 OClock Follies
I dont say something
I got something to say
Sometimes Im colorful
Sometimes Im gray
We get cancer twenty times a day
Were just strong enough to brush it off
And kneel when we pray
The truth reveal what it may
Tumbling Dice, Dice Raw, Dice Clay
Bad cards are nothing nice to play
California nights a gamble but I stay
They say home is where you hang your hat
Well I aint hanging up that
Theres no time to relax
Only time to react
Its Dilated for life
Id like to welcome us back
Directors
Chorus
(DJ Babu)

Rakaa:
First to light up the crumbled collie
I could ride skateboards but I could never ollie
Forced to war like Muhammad Ali
Shape the future like cash is clay
Melt time
The Salvador Dal
The world spins through my lens
Im focused now
Thoughts wandering through my sins
Fish-eye, birds-eye
Viewfinder third eye
High-definition, high-resolution words fly
Riots for celebrating the game
Then live via satellite Laker parades
Danger in the pit
Are they dancing? Are they fighting?
I block off the angles then adjust lighting
Dont believe I touch thunder and lightning
Until they see the miracles pictures, then Im frightening
We just capture the facts
Dilated never left
Id like to welcome us back
Directors
Chorus
Outro
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
3. CUT MY TEETH
Produced by The Alchemist
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, A. Maman)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), A. Maman Music (ASCAP)
Chorus
The strong prey upon the weak
This is where I learned to stand on my own feet
So much I see
On the streets of Venice Beach is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
On the streets of Venice Beach is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
Cut my teeth
Evidence:
I remember how it all began
I used to switch graffiti tips on cans with both hands
No chance
I knew they couldnt stop this rush
Our bus bench was a stop, and they aint stopping
the bus
I caught the fever
At sixteen I copped a beater
Now Its me against the world
Sit in my own 2 seater
I drove slow on roads that lead freedom
What I believe in
Known that Id be leaving
Let me in jump up the timeline to currents events
I went around the world twice on award tours
It never ends
Mike Will did, but others didnt make it
Others still hungry, so the others gonna take it
Shit is basic when you put it the pot and let it simmer
Like the sun been setting later in the summer than
the winter
Shit
Where Im from I keep the oven sizzling
I cut my teeth at Venice beach
Then hit my peoples with some of the wisdom
Chorus
The strong prey upon the weak
This is where I learned to stand on my own feet
So much I see
On these Mid City streets is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
On these Mid City streets is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
Cut my teeth
Rakaa:
I learned a nickel cost more than a dime
Before I learned to rhyme
Crenshaw and Venice
St. Charles is more specific
Then Pico and Fairfax -- the Ethiopian District
Everything changes
Noticing both of them look different
I can think back
Though life goes on so keep living
Didnt step to OGs on the block to seek wisdom
Or Id be Crippin
But they teach the street systems
Street soldiers and street politicians
Id keep listening
Smoking in the homeys rental
Blazing instrumentals
Something like a steel elephant trunk came through
the window
Eyes traced the barrel to a friendly face
Caught you slipping!
Broke the blunt
Gave us back the lit half and kept dipping
Had that beach cruiser whipping
Then stopped
He turned around, came back and told me,
Its a war zone -- go home!
Draw something
Matter of fact, write something raw for me.
Call you tomorrow.
That was the last time that I saw him
But I took it as a sign
Standing at the crossroads
I saw a different world was mine
It was with me all the time
Appreciative, never satisfied
Inspired to climb
Eyes wide
Mid City lit that fire inside
Chorus
The strong prey upon the weak
This is where I learned to stand on my own feet
So much I see
On the streets of Venice Beach is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
On these Mid City streets is where I
Cut my teeth
So much I see
Cut my teeth
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PHOTO BY SKINHEAD ROB
4. DEFARI INTERLUDE
Produced by Evidence
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, D.A. Johnson Jr.)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Herut Music (BMI)
DEFARI:
Filter all this noise like these Beats on my ear
Im really froggish
Every year is leap year
Freshly cut to death
Every week Im off that chair
Taco Tuesday find your boy at The Savoy
Savoir-faire
In Inglewood Im really good
In Venice I get plenty bud
These niggas think they really good
Reality they really none
They really like my little sons
They really like some little bums
They not even a factor in this burn
They really get no run
Ruby drop a ton of rhymes
A ton of beats Im known to eat
I gotta eat like Megatron on Monday night against the Chiefs
I gotta bring my A game
My main frame 200 pounds
Id rather dump 200 rounds
And watch you fucks run out of town
This L.A. City all Southern section
True confessions
You bad ass little kids
You could all learn a lesson
Im not stressin
And i surely aint hidin behind no textin
Here i stand
Just a man in all of his imperfections
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PHOTO BY RAKAA
5. THE DARKROOM FEAT. VINCE STAPLES
Produced by Evidence & Twiz The Beat Pro
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, V. Staples)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Drum Set Music Works (ASCAP),
Never Go Broke Publishing (BMI)
Evidence:
I felt emotions so deep
But my words got blocked
You see I never smoked before
So my nerves got shocked
I couldnt talk a word
But I could see the world
I mean everything became so clear
I didnt slur shit
I just kept quiet and made a note of it
Before the poetry is out the fire and Im over it
Retire notably and every moves a curtain call
Smooth with the groove
So, honey, dont take it personal
Im trying to make it out of dodge
Dont need to see the rainbows end
I need a lift before Im looking at the wall or
great decent
I owe rent and love the months that got a 31
I miss Pun and only met him once
This is kettle chips and blunts
The funk Im on the road still
Im on a cold bill
She got a Coke body so ill
Pick the code to the lock and all my people free
I found the road to the top behind the...
So lets turn to Chapter One
These are the hood parts
Life is make believe
And death is when the book starts
I got good heart and aint afraid to show you
At 15 I shot a 22 now Im older
I spill my 16s and dip clean
This bodys grown up
And clinging to these kids dreams
I found a new feeling Imma chase it
A newfound town
A new scribe you cant erase it
Chorus (Vince Staples):
I done tried
I done tried
I done tried
I done tried
You dont live til you die
You decide
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
I done tried
I done tried
I done tried to survive
You dont live til you die
You decide
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
Near the flames of the fire
Rakaa:
I swam in oceans so deep
The models seemed like dots
Something brushed up against my feet
My insides dropped
Fought the panic and I swam to the top
The only non-1%er member
Climbing back on the yacht
Its a strange life
Wonderful world
Process the pain right
enact change
Sipping Champagne
The same night (blah)
Half disgusted, half delighted
Half divided on it
I Robin Hood and I smile
Mad inside
Im haunted
But party to the break of dawn
Until the night is gone
In glass mansions
They throw hard words like right and wrong
Intoxicating darkness but my light is on
These battle hymns
Ballad of the freedom fighters song
Life chiseled into blocks
On the wall and into skin
Complicated
Ultimately, only spare the innocent
Festivals we massacre
Hit the stage and snipe them from it
Killing grimy clubs
Close and personal like knife to stomach
The code is in the DNA of the fam
Talking flashlight rips with DNA in The Dam
Worldwide
Running live-fire exercises
Flame throwing
Gasoline graffiti bombing
Drop the joint
The names glowing
Thats burner redefined
Learned to read between the lines
The hints and the clues
The symbols and the signs
Its Rakaa Iriscience
Recognize the grand design
Making more move
Than just clock hands and sands of time
Chorus
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
6. GOOD AS GONE
Produced by DJ Premier for Works Of Mart, Inc.
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc C. Martin)
*Mix Engineer: Parks at HeadQcourterz Studios Ltd. / NYC
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Gifted Pearl Music Inc. (ASCAP)
Rakaa:
I was getting buried alive
Heard the dirt hit the coffin top
I barely survived
But I broke through my grave
Ripped the pine box cell apart
Head first yelling
Maggot Brain, Funkadelic art
Dare Iz a Darkside
Fair-weather friends flock
Hitchcock
Same birds scatter when the ends stop
A couple let their guards down
Figured it was done for certain
Next! Time to pull the plug and close the curtains
Eyes wide
I thought that yall were Nevermind
Haz-Mat
Clutching their chests like asthmatics
From mathematics
A natural dash of Black Magic
Salute to new voices flexing power advancing
The balance of modern branding
Versus classic sound clashing
Took heavy fire
Survived the crash landing
Smiled, then walked away from the wreckage
The last standing
Chorus
They thought that it was gone for good
They figured it was good as gone
They thought that it was gone for good
They figured it was good as gone
They thought that it was gone for good
Evidence:
Devise a plan
If the record never stated
At time when my peers declined
I used it as a booster
Used the dedication as a plus
Rock the rare loops from the safe
Then I set the pace
Drew an outline that made me think
But kept an older frame of mind
Different walks of life
Some are extras
And I aint easily defined
Whats fame?
A thin line
Walking over the edge
Taking two steps back to my zone
For no reason
Not the best way to end
Chorus
Evidence:
I was out of mind and sight
Dark clouds all around me
Trying to find the light
I took flight with the dot, dot
Legs dangling, cliffhanging
Never dock in my spot
Rakaa:
I stand by what I say cause Im easy to find
Evidence:
Dates posted every day of the year in bold lines
The more that I roam
The more that Im free
The more Im in Rome
The more that Im me
The more Im at home
The more that its stress
The moral is
We be touring it best
Im not the same old run of the mill
Who keeps running until
The feet tell him
Put the runners to rest
Rakaa:
Ive seen the last come first
Evidence:
Ive seen the first last
Rakaa:
Double majored in life
Evidence:
Some of the worst passed
Rakaa:
Back to school
Learning the secrets that the earth has
Sat in coach
And studied business before my first class
Chorus
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PHOTO BY RAKAA
7. SHOW ME THE WAY FEAT. ALOE BLACC
Produced by Jake One
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, E. Nathaniel Dawkins III, J. Dutton)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Triomega Music (ASCAP),
White Van Music (ASCAP)
Intro
The harder the work, well the longer the day
Easy may come but it sure dont stay
Trying to cope, boy, I hope and I pray
Show me the way
Chorus (ALOE BLACC):
The harder the work, well the longer the day
Easy may come but it sure dont stay
Trying to cope, boy, I hope and I pray
Somebody show me the way
Evidence:
I say hello to my people
Hello to the day
I watch the world on wheels
Hit the yellow and gray
The ones dont work are the ones dont eat
And once again
From the city where the sun dont sleep
Its time to get live because the terms are
breached
Ride the wave like the world is a beach
Learn more I teach
I was raised by NWA and stayed CA
All day
Same story, difference brief case
Im nonchalant to others peddling weight
I got a purpose to serving up and settle my state
Been through it, all of it great
Put the ruler to the moment
All of it straight
Big fish? Even all of them bait
One love, one dish
See em all on my plate
Ill take the lady on a vacay
She call it a date
Now she calling in sick
Now she calling in late
Chorus
The harder the work, well the longer the day
Easy may come but it sure dont stay
Trying to cope, boy, I hope and I pray
Somebody show me the way
Ive been through some pitfalls
That knocked me down
Made it through close calls
And lost some ground
Its a hell of a price I pay
Somebody show me the way
Somebody show me the way
Rakaa:
The moon tagged the sun in
Love to be alive
Feet hit the ground running
Butterflies in my stomach
Like Im anxious trying to get it
Trying to learn a lot from it
On a planet in regression
In a loft at the summit
Air is much clearer
Catch me on the high road
Some fight to live
Others settle for survival
Its your world
You can write the line you live your life on
Its heavy
But youre strong
Just hold on until that light dawns
Its starting now
pardon me -- were partying
Escalating
Redefining the state of the art again
Celebrating
Elevators open up to secret floors
Different rules and secret laws
From the roof youll see the stars
Only fear boredom
In a world of raw materials
Excited by potential
Inspired by adventure
Calculated circles
Circumference and radius
The only cats that float without a float through
the parade is us
Chorus
Evidence:
Its routine by the beach I rise
First up I hit the weed then I bleach my eyes
Then its to the drum machine to speak my mind
Tracks like fitted hats pick a beat my size
Rakaa:
Energizing
On the darkest streets I shine
Saw the light up on the mountain
To the peak I climbed
Breathtaking new perspectives on the life I grind
First tear of joy fell
Looking like Im crying
For a just a moment
Evidence:
The feeling of being content
Not needing a dollar or a cent
I smiled for my momma cause shes proud
The studio my headphones loud
Rakaa:
Bridge builders will connect these crowds
Dedicated on my honor
You can check these vows
Thats purpose
Power to make the powerful nervous
Hard work aint easy
But easy usually aint worth it
They say
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PHOTO BY BABU
8. FIGURE IT OUT (MELVINS THEME)
Produced by Babu
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP)
Evidence:
Im going back to scratching
Rapping, clapping
Got you realizing that Beat Junkies the sound
So since he came into town
You know hes shutting it down
And all the people cant get off of his (Hey!)
Speed it up, slow it down
Either way
Rakaa:
Put the needle on the record
And the static sends chills through the body of a real DJ
The selectors dream
Is to only play the records that they feel and still be paid
Add it up
Dance floors packed
Plus armed if they want to come clash with us
DJ Babu
Now catch the rush
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
9. LET YOUR THOUGHTS FLY AWAY
Produced by Diamond D.
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc J. Kirkland)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Dusty Fingers Music / All Jams Music (BMI)
Evidence:
Cause they go hard in the paint
Describe pain like angst
I hit a nerve like hypesll hit a vein
Undecided if Ill ride or refrain
Through the night Im on the side of them trains
Lifting up what I dont touch
Designer the same
In the line of fire is fortune and fame
(So let your thoughts fly away)
Rakaa:
From the Angel City politics
Heavens what they call it
But therere angry spirits haunting it
I need a break from all of it
Empty promises
And COINTELPRO policy legacies put us all at risk
Punch the code in place where the passports safe
The mind travels continents from LA
Evidence:
On my block they said stacks are king
So once I got a couple stacks
I started packing things
Venice on the map is the jack that rings
Moving through a new a town a day
I kick the ground up
They found
Hear the sound displayed
Once I hit the stage rounds are made
(So let your thoughts fly away)
Bridge
Rakaa:
I meditate before I open my eyes
And visualize mercy on my enemies
Then I rise
I guess Im praying in my own way
Sight tracing the sunshine
Illuminate my sons face
Or beaming from my sons mind
Cutting through dark clouds even when the
skys grey
Dreaming even though were wide awake
(Let your thoughts)
Evidence:
Say whats in your heart
Til the clock tics dont move
Between the hourglass sand
Ive been zoning on cruise
So check it out
A world premier
And this my Moment of Truth
No fear
I kept devoted, then from going insane
The coldest road is now heating up the snow and
the rain
Between the heavens til Im boarding the plane
Rakaa:
To a better place that was or will be
Why dont you fear death?
You say life is trying to kill me
Climb higher, youre still free
Free your mind
And explore the masterpiece thats outside of
the frame lines
Sightsee at the same time
The world is in range
And its strange
The only constant is change
(So let your thoughts fly away)
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PHOTO BY RAKAA
10. CENTURY OF THE SELF FEAT. CATERO
Produced by Oh No
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, C. Colbert, M. Jackson)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Cool Ace Cat Musicworks (ASCAP),
Disruption Productions (ASCAP)
Chorus (Catero):
We the people of the future
Seem to see the evil known
Secret systems
Regulations
Worldwide pandemonium
Rakaa:
Now, I dont bother with if Jays illuminati or not
but I know TSA got me throwing the Roc up
Hollywood rules
The illusion is cruel
Banker wars planned
And confusions a tool
In fact
Vampire swarms attacked us
Grappled with corporate Draculas
Tried to consume our worlds
Battled Unicron, Galactus
They point their weapons at us
And they back aristocrats up
I say its big business
When they bring the secret frats up
Big Pharma
Check the rate of disease
Big Agra
GMOs and the fate of the bees
Big Oil
Seven Sisters still drill as 4 Horsemen
Blocking natural power
Then raping nature for fortune
Its unfortunate
Century of the Self
Creditors loansharking
Eager parents empty the shelf
Universal babysits
Jimmy Iovine raised their kids
Then they wonder how and why
Were caught up on this craziness
chorus
Rakaa:
Its a complete disaster
A glass ceiling and a greasy ladder
Hit the leaders
Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter
Demons playing God
Born again or born in sin
More in danger when they seed the clouds with HAARP
Storms begin
Some say its fiction
Some say Egyptian
Others prayed with strangers
And they somehow traded land and culture for religion
Slavery aint color
Bodies for these private prisons
Military biz is booming
Private armies pilot missions
FISA courts unchecked
Watching Prism watchers
NDAA interpretations -- now the system got ya
The net has been bugged
Call for the exterminators
Micro drones have been home
DAARPAs building terminators
Watch out for the shills
Traitors cut a deal
Or agents planted
Manipulating games from the field
Republicans want the old days
Democrats -- new slaves
Bigger business wants it all
And they dont care who pays
Chorus
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
11. @MREVIDENCE INTERLUDE
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PHOTO BY DJ TODAA
12. THE REVERSAL
Produced by Babu
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP)
Evidence:
When they change tones
They go off the days on
They go on Im home
I roamed the Venice district by the time I hit
My first chick
I was distant
And aside from it
Ive had trust problems every month
It is now an issue
My life as a dog is now
Wag the tail official
Put a stage on a yacht
Ill rock the boat out in Bristol
Its Dilated Peoples
Like were made into a missile
Chorus
Evidence:
Thats my word
I met the best of the best
And let me tell you, theyre herbs
I met the worst of the worst
And those were people to meet
Its like the games all reversed
So Im just working on me
Im miseducated
Lauryn Hill made it possible
Undo anything Ive known becomes the obstacle
Im trying to go blank
And throw the old paintings out
Garage sale, Sunday when the rain is out
Tis the season for no reason
Time to let it go
I didnt smoke today
Cause everybodys on that medical
Im on a schedule
Maybe on a edible
And history is to repeat itself
Then it aint set in stone
I never told my mom I would make it big
I just said, Youll be proud of your kid
Fuck the world is what my statement is
I state my name, then I state my biz
And its on
Chorus
Evidence:
I captured moments
And I never shook the Polaroid
High as fuck
Head in the clouds
Im on that null and void
Controlled the substance of my language
When I laid it out
I said its dangerous
I said what goes around is coming back around at angles
Lord forgive my sins
From when the first one started till the last one ends
For every time I thought about sales and spins
Worship of a Benz and birds before friends
Was certain when I came into the game and still the same to date
About the crowd I keep
Sound of beats
About the moves I make
About the rules at stake
Moving with a jewel to take
And still rock a gold chain
For Slick Rick The Rulers sake
At times like these
I hold my wallet tight and eye my tress
Never saying that Im out of my league
Im staying separate at 6 degrees
And its on
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
13. OPINIONS MAY VARY FEAT. GANGRENE
Produced by Babu
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, A. Maman, M. Jackson)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), A. Maman Music (ASCAP),
Disruption Productions (ASCAP)
Oh No:
Pardon my French
Fuck anybody not fucking with this
Start up the disc
Suicide
Cut up your wrist
Like a Cheap watch
Your weed spot something like this
Local dime bags
From some dirty nickel dime slicks
Why gamble that risk?
Dealing feces go
Go examine that shit
Like, Man, you are sick
But you are not as sick as the niche
Of these niggas not even quarters
But dying to get rich
Will lie to their click
Cheat, steal to survive in this bitch
Then fight with their chick
Same time deny he a snitch
Then lie on his dick
But aint nobody buying that shit
Theyre just waiting to find em driving
When they ride in their whip
Clyde with the dip
Them ballers gonna fly when they hit
Defy gravity
Super conductor from the slip
They all mad at me
Aint nothing yall do from the rip
Its all strategy
Rakaa:
Existentialist in my temple
I shook the world
With etch-a-sketch force
Then sketched a masterpiece with a pencil
Thats how lead fires
Ink that black
Crispy outlines
UFO, Ancient Aliens
Is how their head flies
With my red eyes
Heavy squinting just to let light in
Learn the handshake
Step right in
ATF, DEA wanna check my pen
It can stick a fiends heart and jumpstart
adrenaline
At minimum its a spark
Back yard like a National Park
Animal sightings, heavy lighting
But the flashes are dark
Everyones an expert until the classes start
Ask them who the best is
Then watch the clashes start
Ill smack animated stars out your head
With the Chaka Zulu, Sun Tzu strategy
One, two
Boom Bip
Rescue the princess and jump the broomstick
Lunatic
On that Dark Side of the Moon shit
Alchemist:
Spray words and let the Krylon drip
Crowd surfing
Bitches tugging on my jersey
Made the nylon rip
Dance over rhythms like a fly on shit
Keep the yarmulke diagonal
Play the avenue
Rare verse
Like a 48 bar acapella feature from Maganoo
With Timbo on a Bow Flex
The spliff that I finesse resemble Kotex
Hold down the West
Ferraris jet
My vision is slightly tinted
ODB face
Elephant briefcase
Sweepstakes
Im on the grill
Like Geno with the cheesesteaks
Stay with a pigeon like Reed Space
Cooking the freebase
Hard to get it off my clothes
Take my jacket to the laundromat
It still leaves a discrete trace
Camaro got metallic windows
Bitches swanging off the phallic symbol
Lick off a shot thru the roof
Blow off a shingle
Peel off bumping Latin Lingo
Evidence:
Are you number one?
Depends who you asking
Who? Who? Who?
Thats for owls in the Aspens
Why do rappers rap in past tense?
Its veteran
They think De La Soul and David Letterman
That wasnt fact checked but I go off
Got a fat check
Wheres deep end?
And dove off
Weekends were...
Down by the beaches blurred
They come and go
But you could never put a leach on a bird
You never know if you never go
Out of the zone where youre comfortable
Where you come from?
I sing the role of the unsung
Out the dungeons of rap
Where cats dont make it back and run from
I got a gun and arose to the world
I come undone
Shooting all under the sun
Im gassing, stingers
Bulletproof wallets
Money on top of my heart if they want it
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PHOTO BY BABU
14. TROUBLE
Produced by Evidence & Bravo
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, T. Graham)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), T. Graham (BMI)
Rakaa:
Vampires feed on fresh blood
Money runs the show
Fuck how they feel about it
seen the waves come and go
But watch your step when its warm
And critics sound their horn
Theyll throw flowers at your feet
The roses with the thorns
Marathon tours
Learned to maintain my pace
Generations sacrificed for the paper chase
And I aint talking age
But they will respect my space
Old cats put in a home
Young cats put in their place
Evidence:
We get high this my sworn in statement
Hand on the good book is more than makeshift
I never lie on any people are places
Bagging a chick or rocking on these stages
Theres no such thing as half way aces
Inside or outside the box
Its placement
Didnt grow up in the hood
Adjacent
But close enough to hear the ghetto bird awaken
Chorus
Hands up! (Trouble)
3 of the 1 of a kind
That means trouble
You dont have to look for it to find
Youre in trouble
Dont start none
There wont be no trouble
Evidence:
Im already on the double
Troubles nothing new
About to burst out this bubble Im accustomed to
Straight out the W
Do unto others
Do not stay in a box
Not until the day they cover you
Im covered plenty here
Movement of the shutter slow
A blurry image at the finish when I cut a rope
And I aint cutting dope, but Im known for something great
Some known for treble up
Some known for pumping bass
Rakaa:
Heavy hands
knock the image out
With steady cams
Rakaa chanting Zs up!
Amateurs just freeze up
Mad crazed like Harmanov
Kids can get their problem solved
Spit it so Kalashnikov
Spill it so Molotov
Im Kasparov slash Pavlov to these lap dogs
Yapping under tables or staring hoping that scraps fall
Checkmate savage
War chest in the cabinet
Im so adjective that I verb nouns
Imagine it
Chorus
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PHOTO BY EVIDENCE
15. L.A. RIVER DRIVE FEAT. SICK JACKEN
Produced by The Alchemist
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, J. Gonzalez, A. Maman)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Music Of The Mask (ASCAP), A. Maman Music (ASCAP)
Intro / Refrain
From the time I ride out until the time Im home
I pray for a safe travel, God, while Im gone
Rakaa:
Overstanders vs. Overseers
Overseas or over here
Classic overachiever
Holding class for non-believers
Hold your pass at will call
Biggest Giants will fall
Lightning bolt your ear like LT
But this aint football
Mid City magic
Its parades after the rat race
Wreck the grand marshals
Buffet until they stack plates
Sparking martial arts
Heavy metal on the podium
Head spinning like Cesar
No cardboard or linoleum
Breaking history out the freezer
Finding future where the seeds are
Roll with Jesus types
Knowing these lights
Can cause a seizure
Downtown skyline
Til the plates shifted
Big brain-teaser scriptures
Moving major motion pictures
Put the night to sleep
Then I rise
And wake the morning up
Study the queen Calafia, California
Sprinkle holy water
Blessed oil anointed
Some rap to spit
Some would say a circle is pointless
Chorus
Live from L.A. River Drive
Where some are happy enough
To know theyre getting by
Where some are at their lowest
When theyre getting high
And open up their eyes
Where the cold streets
Are warming up
Put the night to sleep
When I rise wake the morning up
(Put the night to sleep
When I rise wake the morning up)
Refrain
Evidence:
They watch our moves
Every step becomes the cinema
With cameras in the street lights
They city life I live it up
Only my notable moments are here for quoting
The rest are over
Gone with the wind
Its like the cold is blowing
But fuck it
The pens in motion like my Venice ocean
Like my city done switched up
But Im still devoted
I ride the coping out
My reputations spoke about
A Westsider killing
Til Im paid in full and bills are folded
Damn, its nothing new
Like, this the cutting room floor?
Picking up a scrap or two less
And break the rules more
So whos up for being up to something?
Used to being nothing
Used to be confused
But aint no future in yo frontin
Times is hard as fuck
Like back then when the Carter struck
Im talking New Jack
And not a new rap or some artist, look
I been different from the coast of the Pacific
The shit is scripted
Just directors with a vision
Chorus
Refrain
Sick Jacken:
Every morning that I get up
Wake up thankful that I wasnt set up
Blessed with another day
So I bow my head and shut up
Cause anything can happen on these streets
It dont mean Im out of reach
Cause Im rapping over beats
Ask Big, ask Pac
Ask pigs, ask blocks
Disrespect
Ass drop
It dont matter if you have props
Enemies I have not
So I dont gotta deal with this
Been able to avoid the drama
Cause I kept it real with it
Disregard the negative
Cause all that shit is relative
Sedative with Dilated
Alchemist is editing
Rep Los evidently
Its good to be home
A microphone some moonshine
And Im in the zone
Its on
Concrete and palm tree
Constantly were off beat
Everything I saw today
Determines how the song be
All around the world with this
So you can say you saw me
And if you didnt know
Double-S got an army
Like that
Chorus
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PHOTO BY BABU
16. THE BIGGER PICTURE FEAT. KRONDON
Produced by 9th Wonder
(M. Perretta, R. Taylor, C. Oroc, M. Jones, P. Douthit)
Published by Double Vinyl Music (BMI), Triclops Media Publishing (BMI), Dilated Junky Music (ASCAP), Heaven On Earth (ASCAP),
Its A Wonderful World Music (BMI)
Chorus (Krondon):
I learned when I was growing up
Sometimes you, sometimes me
Always love
Train hard, now my focus up
Got it all but aint had enough
(Repeat)
Evidence:
Im out the shed and the tools brand new
Dear Mama
Dropped them jewels that I never ran through
The most driven
Never sat up in the backseat
The most forgiving
Never flagging down a taxi
Thats my word
If its meant to outgrow
Like I used to run home to catch the last of my show
Some moved towards the future
Others living it slow
Old tunes
Trying to find where the memories flow
You know I try to chase em down
No dragon
Shit, they shot a Beatle
Do people still imagine?
Think the world could be a better place
No fam
But I still set a table and I said its grace
I think Ill let you in my life all access
Gift and curses - cursive closed captions
Misinterpreting the passion
Saving face aint a game
Aint a time for retractions
I learned one way then front the opposite
I learned behind the beat
N ow I learned on top of it
I do go against the grain
I do take bigger pictures that dont fit in the frame
Chorus
Rakaa:
Dip the scriber in the inkwell
Thoughts sketch a snapshot
Vibrant
Check the detail
Now the family eats well
Used to cut the mold off bricks for grilled cheese
melts
Wandering the crumbling castle
Wondering how the things fell
Mansions and lap pools
To sleeping on back pews
Pictures and statues
Where roaches and rats moved
Faithfully
Ive seen it all
Alive, and Im grateful
With Curtis Mayfield singing, just be thankful
Pearl enamel tooth color
Seasoned old cats in a ragtop
Roof covered
Respect acknowledged
Got Fine Arts degree
Plus the streets are a college
California campus
Ive studied abroad
Bloodied the canvas
Pondering Atlas
What if he shrugged?
The rich lady asked,
What if we thug?
Humanity said, Im feeling drowsy what is the drug?
Wake the team up
Never alone
But on my own two
Held the elevator
Check the levels that weve grown through
Philanthropic
Maybe cause I did my dirt
There, Im haunted
Honestly I never fronted
All is all I ever wanted
Watch out for the schemers
No more kid gloves for the dreamers
Awake trying to live dreams physically
Energy is extreme
Lessons of Infinity
Are vivid on the big screen
Chorus
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