The Hiphop Tip

This Thursday, April 1, Dilated Peoples and Kanye West will be performing at the Showbox. For Dilated Peoples, this is a chance to spotlight their new album, Neighborhood Watch, which drops this week. I got a chance to chop it up with DP's Rakaa-Iriscience about the new album, the Seattle scene, and what's in store for the future.

Kanye West seems to be the hottest thing now, and you're hitting the road with him. What was it like working together on "This Way" [on the new album]?

It was cool, because on a production level, he can show the difference between beat-making and production. Not just making the beat, but how the beat and lyrics fit. Kanye is somebody we respected and [who] brought something new to the table.

You've also worked with the likes of Jake One and Boom Bap Project--who else are you feeling up here?

It's all love up [in Seattle]. I have family. Aside from them, working with the Jasiri Movement has been really positive. Working with Jake, chilling with Bean One, it's been nothing but love. I know I can always come out here [to Seattle] to escape from the drama of living in L.A. and know that I got family out here looking out for me, from Wordsayer and Kylea to DV One, the L. Bros.

What will it take for artists in Seattle to take it national like you guys have?

It just comes down to the right song and the right time. The Northwest has already made its mark. That was proved with Mix-A-Lot. The more the cats support each other and promote each other, the more it helps the overall scene get noticed. It's just a matter of everybody staying focused.

Do you find it difficult to keep a consistent training regimen of jujitsu while touring?

It's very difficult because a lot of [jujitsu] has to do with sensitivity. It's hard when nobody is there to train with. I do what I can, and mentally go over the moves, counters, and things like that. When I do get a chance to get on the mat, I definitely appreciate it.

What's on tap for the future? You did a solo 12-inch with Jake One for Babu's tape--what about a solo album?

It'll definitely happen at some point. We have a lot of light shining right now; we're trying to just stay focused and push ourselves. Ev's doing his thing producing and Baby has Duck Season Vol. 1 & 2. I did a joint with Emirc and still love to do work for Penny Lane [a children's social-service organization in Southern California], and in the summer I enjoy coming up to Seattle with the EMP youth camps. I do what I can do to lend my voice to the community and society. I love to rock shows; the more places to rock, the more people I can touch.

hiphop@thestranger.com