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.

Work The Angles
Dilated Peoples Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dilated Peoples
Dilated Peoples
Dilated Peoples (wassup, wassup?)
Dilated Peoples

I work the angles sharp and precise (precise)
Dilated Peoples so you better build twice (Dilated Peoples)
Act like ya know, not now but right now

Dilated Peoples (yeah)

The name is Iriscience

I go through rivers (what?) So I don't leave a scent
I travel both directions but leave one set of prints (right)
It's just a little trick, of the indigenous
Developing inner visions of what religion is (uh)
I caught the understanding and the underhanded
I plan to build my ship and man it to another planet
Under heavy surveillance, many different agents
Some are camouflage, others are very blatant (right)
I study weapon systems and vocal fighting forms
I'm many moves ahead, the thoughts are highly formed (yeah)
Like time, times, time, times, time is time squared (what)
Went there, sayin', "Rakaa you don't rhyme fair"
But I never dummy lyrics and they kick it to my people (never)
It's about communication not a rappers ego (right)
Messages I sneak in they seem to seep in
Mixed with alcohol and weed on the weekend
Shared among friends like various sins
One day it clicks it's no longer dim (no longer dim)
Time release capsules humble the headstrong (uh)
Your thoughts of takin' me head on are dead wrong (what?)

I work the angles sharp and precise (yeah)
Dilated Peoples so you better build twice (Dilated Peoples)
Act like ya know, not now but right now
Dilated Peoples (yeah)
I work the angles sharp and precise
Dilated Peoples so you better build twice (Dilated Peoples
Act like ya know, not now but right now
Dilated Peoples

It's the master of Aikido
I let go, karate confrontations (yeah)
Evidence scientist in innovation
I locks on when I travels around planets (now, hold on)
Smooth but got a rough edge like Wulitzer pianists (yes, yes!)
Display mucho attack, receive payments for the cadence
A in this, you get fit foul with flagrance
Free agents on the dotted line more hard to sign
Not easily impressed with gold mines and whole nines
I'm somewhere in-between never rushed and in a hurry
And when I swing my bat I don't think I'll miss like baseball fury
The jury's hung, from verdict and got no chance (no chance)
Dilated comes first the rest are second like Stu Lantz

Oh yes it get better every day (yes, yes)
The Aged wine, is my mind on vintage display
Unattended in this case
(The Ace two steps ahead)
Every day is Mayday and best friends are Feds (what)
But I know this that's why they closest
In a crisis situation you negotiate first (first)
I'm perfectly focused
Strategic and in a zone
It was radar detected but my speed was unknown
Anonymity, that's my key to survival
"Ev" is not for Evid, it's for Evidence on trial (it's for what?)
Just remember in this game it take two to tango
Don't go to them let them come to you
And work the angles (and work the angles)

Sharp and precise
Dilated Peoples so you better build twice
Act like ya know, not now but right now
Dilated Peoples
I work the angles sharp and precise
Dilated Peoples so you better build twice
Act like ya know, not now but right now
Dilated Peoples (work the angles)

Dilated Peoples
Dila-
Dilated Peoples
Dilated
Dilated
Dilated

Dila-, dila-, dila-
Dilated Peoples

Overall Meaning

In "Work The Angles," Dilated Peoples provide a raw, profound perspective on their craft and how they approach it. The lyrics suggest that they are experts at what they do and have gained a deep understanding of the game through hard work and perseverance. The song contains several metaphors that express the group's point of view, with each of the three lyricists showcasing their talents.

The first verse features Iriscience, who describes himself as a shrewd observer of his surroundings. He uses the metaphor of leaving one set of prints while traveling in both directions to indicate his ability to be elusive and not to leave a trace behind. He also reveals that he is well-versed in weapons systems and fighting forms and can anticipate his opponent's moves. The last line of his verse suggests that the track is not just about boasting but about communication.

Evidence's verse follows, and he references Aikido and Karate, two practices that focus on redirecting an opponent's energy. He says that he is an innovative scientist and that he is always poised to take advantage of new opportunities. He uses baseball imagery to express the confidence he feels when he approaches his craft. The last line of his verse suggests that the group has found success by being strategic and using anonymity to their advantage.

Rakaa's verse rounds out the song, and he asserts that he understands that negotiation is the key to survival. He says that he is always two steps ahead and that his speed is unknown. He also references Evidence, who is known for his iconic glasses, by using his name in a pun. The last line of his verse suggests that the group is always in control and that they dictate the flow of the game.

Overall, "Work The Angles" is a poignant and insightful look at the group's approach to their artistry. They pride themselves on being experts in their respective fields and using that knowledge to their advantage.

Line by Line Meaning

I work the angles sharp and precise
I am highly skilled and calculated in my actions.

Dilated Peoples so you better build twice
Be prepared for anything when dealing with my crew.

Act like ya know, not now but right now
Don't act like you don't know me, acknowledge me now.

The name is Iriscience
Let me introduce myself, my name is Iriscience.

I go through rivers (what?) So I don't leave a scent
I take measures to be undetected, even if that means wading through water.

I travel both directions but leave one set of prints (right)
I am able to move through different areas undetected, but only leave one trail behind.

It's just a little trick, of the indigenous
I learned this trick from my ancestors.

Developing inner visions of what religion is (uh)
I am exploring spirituality and what it means to me.

I caught the understanding and the underhanded
I understand both the overt and covert aspects of situations.

I plan to build my ship and man it to another planet
I have big goals and plans for the future.

Under heavy surveillance, many different agents
I am being closely monitored by a variety of people.

Some are camouflage, others are very blatant (right)
Some of those keeping an eye on me are very secretive, while others are more obvious.

I study weapon systems and vocal fighting forms
I am well-versed in multiple forms of combat.

I'm many moves ahead, the thoughts are highly formed (yeah)
I am a highly strategic thinker who plans ahead.

Like time, times, time, times, time is time squared (what)
Time is a valuable and powerful factor in any situation.

Went there, sayin', "Rakaa you don't rhyme fair"
Someone criticized my rhymes and style.

But I never dummy lyrics and they kick it to my people (never)
I wouldn't water down my words for anyone, and my fans appreciate that.

It's about communication not a rappers ego (right)
My focus is on conveying a message, not promoting myself.

Messages I sneak in they seem to seep in
Sometimes I include subtle messages in my music that people pick up on.

Mixed with alcohol and weed on the weekend
People often listen to my music while partying or relaxing.

Shared among friends like various sins
My music is often passed around among friends, like gossip or secrets.

One day it clicks it's no longer dim (no longer dim)
Eventually, something in my music resonates with people and things become clearer.

Time release capsules humble the headstrong (uh)
Things that happen over time can be humbling, even for the most confident people.

Your thoughts of takin' me head on are dead wrong (what?)
If you think you can take me on, you're mistaken.

It's the master of Aikido
I am highly skilled in the martial art of Aikido.

I let go, karate confrontations (yeah)
I am not interested in engaging in unnecessary or violent confrontations.

Evidence scientist in innovation
I am knowledgeable and innovative in my field of work.

I locks on when I travels around planets (now, hold on)
I remain vigilant and focused even when traveling or in unfamiliar places.

Smooth but got a rough edge like Wulitzer pianists (yes, yes!)
I am confident and polished, but have a fiery side.

Display mucho attack, receive payments for the cadence
I am highly respected for my skills and receive compensation for my work.

Free agents on the dotted line more hard to sign
I am my own boss and not easily convinced to sign with anyone.

Not easily impressed with gold mines and whole nines
I am not swayed by flashy things and prefer substance over material wealth.

I'm somewhere in-between never rushed and in a hurry
I am efficient and don't waste time, but don't get stressed or frazzled easily.

And when I swing my bat I don't think I'll miss like baseball fury
When I take action, I am confident that I will succeed.

The jury's hung, from verdict and got no chance (no chance)
My decision is final, and there is no chance of changing my mind.

Oh yes it get better every day (yes, yes)
Things are constantly improving and getting better.

The Aged wine, is my mind on vintage display
My thoughts and knowledge are mature and refined.

Unattended in this case
In this situation, I am without supervision or assistance.

(The Ace two steps ahead)
I am ahead of the game, and my nickname is "Ace."

Every day is Mayday and best friends are Feds (what)
Every day is intense and high-pressure, and even friends can turn on you.

But I know this that's why they closest
I am aware that my closest friends are the ones who know what I'm going through.

In a crisis situation you negotiate first (first)
When facing a difficult situation, it's best to try and talk things out first.

I'm perfectly focused
I am completely dedicated and focused on my goals.

Strategic and in a zone
I am always planning and strategizing, and in a focused mindset.

It was radar detected but my speed was unknown
I was caught, but it was unclear how much I had accomplished.

Anonymity, that's my key to survival
Maintaining a low profile is crucial for my safety and success.

"Ev" is not for Evid, it's for Evidence on trial (it's for what?)
My nickname is "Ev," but it also stands for my strength as an evidential witness.

Just remember in this game it take two to tango
It's important to remember that any situation involves multiple parties.

Don't go to them let them come to you
It's better to let others come to you on your terms.

And work the angles (and work the angles)
Be strategic and calculated in your actions.

Dilated Peoples
Refers to the rap group Dilated Peoples.

Dila-
Shortened version of the group's name.

Dilated Peoples
Refers to the rap group Dilated Peoples.

Dilated
Shortened version of the group's name.

Dila-, dila-, dila-
Shortened version of the group's name.

Dilated Peoples
Refers to the rap group Dilated Peoples.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammed, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Kurt Matlin, Malik Izaak Taylor, Michael Taylor Perretta, Rakaa W Taylor, Stefan Kendal Gordy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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