DJ Babu (from the DJ crew Beat Junkies), Evidence, and Rakaa joined together in 1992 in Los Angeles, CA and released Third Degree and Work the Angles, which were quickly established as favorites in the underground scene and among rap critics. They eventually signed to Capitol and in 2000 released The Platform, to more critical acclaim. Their sophomore set Expansion Team was released in 2001, led by the Alchemist-produced single Worst Comes To Worst, which sampled from Mobb Deep's Survival Of The Fittest. Their third album, Neighborhood Watch, was released in 2004 and debuted at #55 on USA's Billboard 200 Albums Chart. In addition to the Kanye West-produced single, This Way, it also featured the single Who's Who?, which was also included as a track on the Need for Speed: Underground and SSX 3 soundtracks, and peaked at #35 on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2006, they returned with the single Back Again, produced by The Alchemist. The trio's fourth album, 20/20, debuted on February 21, 2006.
In 2007 they released The Release Party. This package included a feature-length documentary on DVD as well as EP featuring new songs and remixes. The film, released through Decon, is a celebration of the release from their contract with Capital.
Directors of Photography is the fifth studio album by the American hip hop group. The album was released on August 12, 2014, by Rhymesayers Entertainment.
Expansion Team Theme
Dilated Peoples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"You got light.. don't wait till its dark to as questions"
[Hook number one - Iriscience]
You should check the signs, symbols, hits, clues,
The writings on the wall but it's up to you
Expansion Team Dilated Peoples Crew
"What you want to do is watch for clues"
The writings on the wall but it's up to you
Expansion Team Dilated Peoples Crew
And If you still don't know, this is how we do
[Hook number two - Iriscience and (Evidence)] X2
There ain't nothing as bright (as heavy) as light
(as dark) as night (as set to strike)
As ready (as right) as loose (as tight) as quick to expand
As we on the mike
[Verse number one - Iriscience]
If it was a snake it would have bit ya'
Slithered up like a boa-consticta and griped ya'
Step back and beat the big picture
These cats as though in my head
I charge the mound just to get the picture
Bitch clearest specialist better hit ya'
But never miss ya'
y'all need to double check the scripture
Deco, Deco, unload, reload
Pressin' heights Peco, live like Steve Beko
Piss on trees and leave marks to graffiti
Even gang graffiti though I'm for the peace treaty
Frustrated cats we hussle but still needy
And whistle like Twity when we see the LAPD
We going four for score for the prize
You need to see with more than your eyes
It's war in disguise
Tanfa callas are vagrants
This goes for every agent
Some are camouflaged others are very blatant
(Babu Scratching and Mixing)
[Hook number one - Iriscience]
[Hook number two - Iriscience and (Evidence)] X2
[Verse number two - Evidence]
Se keep your torch lit, light your flares, have back ups prepared
Wait for the enemy, war is declared
Expansion Team Theme music anthem
Got coloured schemes hot, peak lovers red at random
Up close and personal, songs from my journal
My lyrics are the ink, my reflection is eternal
These words are powerful, so hard to describe
Type to raise eye brows and open eyes
But what we did, get your hands dirty, fingers dusty
I've been around the world, you haven't, you could trust me
Line them up, knock them down,
Keep them cocked, beats and vocals
If you fuck with these locals catch ghost busters logo
Channel zero
Separate suckers from heroes, recorded digital Bobby Deniro
Load your base bags, put on your gloves, lace the shoes
Keep your eyes open for signs and ears open for clues
(Babu Scratching and Mixing)
[Hook number one - Iriscience]
[Hook number two - Iriscience and (Evidence)] X2
Babu Scratching and Mixing till the end
Iriscience
In "Expansion Team Theme" by Dilated Peoples, the song starts with Babu scratching and mixing, creating a beat that builds the momentum of the song. The lyrics kick in with the hook, urging listeners to pay attention to signs, symbols, and clues around them. The Expansion Team, Dilated Peoples crew is introduced with confidence, and the song continues with the theme of empowerment through knowledge. The use of metaphorical language is evident, such as "If it was a snake it would have bit ya'" and "wait for the enemy, war is declared," indicating that there is a battle to be won, and knowledge is the only weapon to fight it. Iriscience's verse uses vivid imagery to describe the frustration and difficulties that come with the struggle for liberation. The lyrics take on a political tone when references to Steve Beko and even the LAPD are used, highlighting the struggles of black people in America.
Evidence's verse deals with self-growth and a search for identity. The use of metaphors such as keeping one's torch lit, having backups prepared, and waiting for the enemy, are all indicative of the need for vigilance in life to achieve success. The lyrics become introspective when Evidence talks about his travels and experiences, urging listeners to live a life that's more adventurous but with caution. The use of the phrase "separate suckers from heroes" is indicative of the need to identify and weed out the people who are not genuine or helpful on your journey. The song ends with more scratching and mixing from Babu.
Line by Line Meaning
You should check the signs, symbols, hits, clues,
Be aware of all the hidden signs and clues that may indicate something important.
The writings on the wall but it's up to you
Instead of waiting for someone else to tell you what to do, be proactive and pay attention to the subtle hints around you.
Expansion Team Dilated Peoples Crew
We are the Dilated Peoples, part of a team that is always expanding its reach and influence.
"What you want to do is watch for clues"
The most important thing you can do is keep an eye out for the hints and signs that can guide you forward.
There ain't nothing as bright (as heavy) as light
Light is the most powerful and illuminating force there is.
(as dark) as night (as set to strike)
Even darkness can be powerful and striking in its own way.
As ready (as right) as loose (as tight) as quick to expand
We are both ready and flexible, able to adapt and expand quickly as needed.
As we on the mike
As we take the stage and express ourselves through our music.
If it was a snake it would have bit ya'
You were so close to the answer or solution that it was practically right in front of you.
Slithered up like a boa-consticta and griped ya'
The situation snuck up on you and grabbed hold of you before you even realized what was happening.
Step back and beat the big picture
Take a step back and look at the whole situation, instead of just focusing on small details.
These cats as though in my head
These thoughts and ideas seem to come to me naturally, as if they were already in my mind.
I charge the mound just to get the picture
I take bold action in order to gain a clearer understanding of a situation.
Bitch clearest specialist better hit ya'
Be careful, because the most skilled and dangerous opponents are often the ones you least suspect.
But never miss ya'
We never let our guard down and always keep our enemies in our sights.
y'all need to double check the scripture
Don't take everything at face value - always double check and verify information and advice.
Deco, Deco, unload, reload
Preparing for action and getting ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
Pressin' heights Peco, live like Steve Beko
We aim high and strive to live up to the legacy of icons like Steve Biko, who fought for justice and equality.
Piss on trees and leave marks to graffiti
We leave our mark and make our presence known, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
Even gang graffiti though I'm for the peace treaty
We may use tactics associated with gang culture, but our ultimate goal is always peace and unity.
Frustrated cats we hussle but still needy
Even when we work hard and hustle, we still have needs and challenges that we must overcome.
And whistle like Twity when we see the LAPD
We have to be cautious and aware of our surroundings, especially when it comes to interactions with law enforcement.
We going four for score for the prize
We are determined to succeed and achieve our goals, no matter what.
You need to see with more than your eyes
Don't be limited by just what you can see - use your other senses and intuition to guide you.
It's war in disguise
Even when things seem calm or peaceful, there may be underlying conflicts or power struggles going on beneath the surface.
Tanfa callas are vagrants
We see through the false facades and pretenses that society puts up, recognizing the true nature of those who try to deceive us.
This goes for every agent
No matter who you are or what position you hold, we will always keep a close eye on you and watch for any signs of deception or wrongdoing.
Se keep your torch lit, light your flares, have back ups prepared
Stay vigilant and be prepared for anything, always being able to adapt and overcome whatever challenges come your way.
Wait for the enemy, war is declared
We are always ready and willing to fight back against those who would seek to do us harm or hold us back.
Expansion Team Theme music anthem
Our music is an anthem for our team and our mission to constantly expand and grow.
Got coloured schemes hot, peak lovers red at random
Our schemes and plans are colorful and unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Up close and personal, songs from my journal
Our music is deeply personal and reflects our own experiences and struggles.
My lyrics are the ink, my reflection is eternal
Our words and music leave an indelible mark on those who hear it, reflecting our own thoughts and feelings for all time.
These words are powerful, so hard to describe
Our words have deep meaning and resonance, even if they are difficult to put into words.
Type to raise eye brows and open eyes
Our music challenges people's expectations and encourages them to see things from a new perspective.
But what we did, get your hands dirty, fingers dusty
We are not afraid to put in the work and get our hands dirty in order to achieve our goals.
I've been around the world, you haven't, you could trust me
Our experiences and travels have given us a unique perspective and insight that others may not have.
Line them up, knock them down,
We are unrelenting in our pursuit of success and will knock down any obstacles that stand in our way.
Keep them cocked, beats and vocals
Stay prepared and ready to unleash our music and our words at a moment's notice.
If you fuck with these locals catch ghost busters logo
If you try to mess with our crew, be prepared for some serious consequences.
Channel zero
We are a force to be reckoned with, with our message and music going out on all channels and reaching a wide audience.
Separate suckers from heroes, recorded digital Bobby Deniro
Our music and lyrics help to separate the genuine from the fake, with complex and nuanced messages that are as powerful as performances by acclaimed actor Robert De Niro.
Load your base bags, put on your gloves, lace the shoes
Get ready for action and preparation, making sure you have everything you need to succeed.
Keep your eyes open for signs and ears open for clues
Stay alert and aware, watching for any hints or clues that can help you succeed and overcome obstacles.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: JOEY CHAVEZ, MICHAEL PERRETTA, RAKAA TAYLOR, Chris Oroc
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind