With a pending tour in Europe as well as a slue of future projects, we sit down with the Dilated Peoples' Rakka, to talk about their latest album ‘20/20,’ their influences, and their take on the forever changing music industry.

-------------------------------------------

GS: Where do you find all these original ideas? What is your method of work?

RAKKA: The ideas come from just tuning in to my environment, reflecting on the past, or projecting to the future. I would say that my natural curiosity, thirst for knowledge, love of all arts, and tendency to get bored easily also feed my ideas and works. There is no particular way that we as a group or I as an individual work. We just respect the spark when it comes and let the appropriate creative process for the song come to us.

GS: What were your main influences in hip-hop?

RAKKA: Sugar Hill Gang, Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five... I actually didn't even understand that they were a part of something bigger called "Hip Hop" until later when I heard Run DMC, one of my biggest influences, on an AM radio station called 1580 KDAY. The artists that have influenced me are too numerous to mention but, again, Run DMC, Whodini, Fat Boys, Dougie Fresh and Slick Rick, NWA, Ultramagnetic, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Rock Steady Crew, Universal Zulu Nation, Dondi (RIP), Doze Green, Kool G Rap, Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins, Likwit Crew, Freestyle Fellowship, DJ Rob One (RIP), World Famous Beat Junkies, X- Ecutioners, man. The list is long and there are too many to mention. KRS One and BDP are huge influences.

GS: What are the main differences between ‘20/20’ and the previous albums?

RAKKA: Some of our projects are about free form expression, some are more thematic. The theme of ‘20/20’ is focus, and I think that this is a more focused and concentrated piece. Beyond that, it is Dilated doing what Dilated does at the highest degree. The goal is to keep getting better at what we do while continuing to build bridges.

GS: Why Capleton? Are you interested by the "dancehall" culture and reggae culture?

RAKKA: I am very interested in in the Reggae and Dancehall Culture. First of all the people, energy and music are incredible. The vocal patterns and tones, rhythms or riddims, harmonies and songwriting are amazing. Second, Kool Herc came from Jamaica where he was exposed to Sound System Culture. By expressing his version of that experience after moving to New York he became the "Father" of Hip Hop. Since The Reggae Sound System Culture gave birth to Kool Herc that makes it the grandparent of Hip Hop Culture. We are all connected. As for Capleton in particular, he is an amazing songwriter, performer and social activist. We connected through his management and found that we had a mutual appreciation for each other's work. I was shocked that he even knew who I was. Crazy. Anyway, I have been a fan for a while and it was an honour to work with The King. Babu and I just got back from Jamaica where we were supporting his benefit concert for youth resources called "A St. Mary Mi Come From". It was beautiful. Maybe 10 or 15,000 people in the countryside of Kingston. Amazing.

GS: You have been in the music industry for ten years: What are the differences between the time when you began and now?

RAKKA: A lot has changed. The labels are are dropping off or merging, studios are closing because anyone can record an album at home now, quality levels have dropped because anyone can record an album at home now... Hahaaaa... Then again, artists have a lot of the power back because anyone can record an album at home now. The internet has done a lot to help some artists sell more records through independence and promotion, and others sell less through downloads and file sharing. Hmmmm... It used to be that labels looked to the streets for the "next" group, now they decide who will be the best product and just push it to the streets. A lot has changed but much is still the same.

GS: Are you interested by the hip-hop culture in Europe?

RAKKA: Yes. Being a member of Rock Steady and Zulu Nation, I have always seen Hip Hop Culture as something international and not simply an American phenomenon. I honestly feel that, generally speaking, Europe has a much deeper understanding of the concept of "culture" than America. Rather than seeing rappers as "ghetto kids that can't sing but can rhyme words" or DJ's as "people just ruining record players and making noise", etc, Europe seemed to understand and respect the creativity and ingenuity that goes into all aspects of Hip Hop Culture. I will say this though, I have seen a scary trend towards European radio and video looking like it's following the "Pop-Hop" scene that has infected the U.S. for some time now instead of supporting true artistry. I hope to see that trend be corrected or at least balanced in the very near future.

GS: What are your projects for the next months?
We have the Dilated Peoples "The Release Party Tour 2006" going through Europe from mid-October to early November. Babu and I are working on the third instalment of the "World On Wheels" mix series that we put out and tour with under the name Expansion Team Soundsystem, and both of us are working on solo projects for release in Spring/Summer 2006. Evidence is finishing his solo album called "The Weatherman" dropping on March 20, 2007 on ABB Records. We're already sketching out a new Dilated album as well. We stay in the lab.

GS: What do you do when you don't work music? Do you have hobbies?

RAKKA: Besides music I enjoy graphic and multi media design, travelling, working in family business and martial arts. I've been studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a while and also work out in Kali/Escrima and Muay Thai. Just seeing the world through Hip Hop, partying with a mostly positive light, and vibing with some of the most creative people on the planet... I'm actually blessed to be able to make a living through my passions and hobbies. It's something that I appreciate every day.