Dilated Peoples is a hip-hop group that has achieved great fame in the unde… Read Full Bio ↴Dilated Peoples is a hip-hop group that has achieved great fame in the underground hip-hop community, although their only real mainstream success was the song This Way, a 2004 collaboration with Kanye West.

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.

Guaranteed
Dilated Peoples Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Ah HEY, all--"
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen" *cut and scratched*

[Evidence] (Iriscience)
Expand and Dilate, so by the end of the night
When we put down the mic
Thinkin D-Dilated Peoples brings heat
That's guaranteed heat for sure, a pure mix-ture

Some try to do the same but they style ain't pure
(A carbon copy) That's right Rak it comes out so sloppy
(Plus for from crisp) So I leave you wit this

[Evidence]
Yo to me it don't matter how dope you write or look
MC's without a voice should write a book
You heard me properly, claimin that shit you didn't, oh really?
My crew's more dedicated than Rocky training in Philly
Put your gloves on, about to get more than can withstand
The comp they left baffled coffee shops in Amsterdam
I never got redemption from an honorable mention
So my lyrics hug the beat wit the tightest suspension (watch out)
Don't fear on turns, of course floor the corners
Yo, that's my drive, got tracks like beehives
You can't pass my gate, a great mistake, you paid the cost
You bigger than me? You screaming "Shorty No Mas"
Yo, some think I'm clever
Others think I'm the one who makes too many references to weather/whether...
Or not I'm feelin this beyond words explain
Yo you set up a battle outdoors and pray for rain

"Attention ladies and gentlemen" *cut and scratched*

[Evidence] (Iriscience)
Expand and Dilate, so by the end of the night
When we put down the mic
Thinkin D-Dilated Peoples brings heat
That's guaranteed heat for sure, a pure mix-ture
Some try to do the same but they style ain't pure
A carbon copy (That's right Ev, it comes out so sloppy)
Plus far from crisp (So I leave you wit this)

[Iriscience]
Aiyyo you speak like who you hang wit
And piece like who you paint wit
Everything is merging, no matter who you bank wit
Imagery battle hymns, political poetry
Platform show, by now maybe you know
Who don't scheme, but knows more lines than coke fiends
Closing dark plates, it's hot and smoking
Sneaky green slow flow, thought provoking
Leaves mics, turntables and stages broken
Dilated y'all, Irisciece y'all wide awake
Babu revolve while Rakka rocks the break
Revolution is a cycle to turn, vital to learn
Next time other neighborhoods are liable to burn
Toys meet the same fate steppin in range
Ain't your folks hollering at you 'bout playin wit flame?
Can't be contained, front row's insane
Alchemist load the track, Irisci bullet train

"Attention ladies and gentlemen"

[Evidence] (Iriscience)
Expand and Dilate, so at the end of the night
When we put down the mic
Thinkin D-Dilated Peoples brings heat
That's guaranteed heat for sure, a pure mix-ture
Some try to do the same but they style ain't pure
(A carbon copy) That's right Rak it comes out so sloppy
Plus far from crisp (Babs leave em wit this)

*DJ Babu scratching*

"Can we do it again" 2x
"My goodness" "Ladies and gentlemen"

"Babu's on one's and two's"
"HEY"

Overall Meaning

The song "Guaranteed" by Dilated Peoples is a powerful statement of the group's confidence and skill in the world of hip-hop. The song starts with a scratch of a voice saying "attention, ladies and gentlemen", which is repeated several times throughout the song. The verses are delivered by Evidece, Iriscience, and Rakaa Iriscience, with each rapper showcasing their unique styles and techniques.

In the first verse, Evidence and Iriscience assert the group's dominance over the competition. They say that some try to imitate their style but cannot match their pure mixture of skills. They reference Rocky training in Philly to emphasize their dedication and hard work. Evidence suggests that MCs who lack a unique voice should write a book instead of trying to rap. He also mentions his tight suspension and makes a clever wordplay by saying his tracks are like beehives that others cannot pass.

In the second verse, Iriscience talks about the importance of political poetry, battle hymns, and thought-provoking lyrics. He warns about the potential consequences of a revolution and urges others to learn from history. He also mentions the danger of playing with fire and toys, implying that playing with hip-hop can lead to disastrous results. Babu's scratching throughout the song adds to the overall dynamism and impact of the song.

Overall, "Guaranteed" exemplifies Dilated Peoples' commitment to hip-hop as a powerful art form that can convey meaningful messages and inspire change.

Line by Line Meaning

Ah HEY, all--
Attention, ladies and gentlemen

Expand and Dilate, so by the end of the night When we put down the mic Thinkin D-Dilated Peoples brings heat That's guaranteed heat for sure, a pure mix-ture Some try to do the same but they style ain't pure (A carbon copy) That's right Rak it comes out so sloppy (Plus for from crisp) So I leave you wit this
We will perform exceptionally well tonight, and our unique and genuine style is unmatched. Other may try to replicate it, but they don't match up to our standard of excellence.

Yo to me it don't matter how dope you write or look MC's without a voice should write a book You heard me properly, claimin that shit you didn't, oh really? My crew's more dedicated than Rocky training in Philly Put your gloves on, about to get more than can withstand The comp they left baffled coffee shops in Amsterdam I never got redemption from an honorable mention So my lyrics hug the beat wit the tightest suspension (watch out) Don't fear on turns, of course floor the corners Yo, that's my drive, got tracks like beehives You can't pass my gate, a great mistake, you paid the cost You bigger than me? You screaming "Shorty No Mas" Yo, some think I'm clever Others think I'm the one who makes too many references to weather/whether... Or not I'm feelin this beyond words explain Yo you set up a battle outdoors and pray for rain
I don't care how good you are at writing or your appearance. We dedicate ourselves tirelessly to our craft, and we mesmerize audiences wherever we go. I haven't received the recognition I deserve, but my lyrics fit perfectly with the beats. I don't fear any challenge, and I'm always on my game. Some people misunderstand my content, but that's because they don't understand the complexity of my art.

Attention ladies and gentlemen
Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention

Aiyyo you speak like who you hang wit And piece like who you paint wit Everything is merging, no matter who you bank wit Imagery battle hymns, political poetry Platform show, by now maybe you know Who don't scheme, but knows more lines than coke fiends Closing dark plates, it's hot and smoking Sneaky green slow flow, thought provoking Leaves mics, turntables and stages broken Dilated y'all, Irisciece y'all wide awake Babu revolve while Rakka rocks the break Revolution is a cycle to turn, vital to learn Next time other neighborhoods are liable to burn Toys meet the same fate steppin in range Ain't your folks hollering at you 'bout playin wit flame? Can't be contained, front row's insane Alchemist load the track, Irisci bullet train
The way you speak and your personality reflect your associates. Everything is blending, regardless of your financial bank. Our songs are a mixture of imagery, battle hymns, and political poetry. Our performances are captivating and thought-provoking, and we leave our audience spellbound. We stand out in the crowded rap scene, and our DJ is one of the best in the game. Revolution is necessary to combat injustice and ignorance. Stepping into our range is a risky move that ends in destruction, like playing with fire.

Can we do it again" 2x "My goodness" "Ladies and gentlemen" "Babu's on one's and two's" "HEY"
These are some of the catchy phrases we use in our shows to excite the crowd, praise our DJ, and showcase our talent.

Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC.
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, MICHAEL PERRETTA, RAKAA TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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