Guy Lochhead, 18/12/10
American hip hop group consisting of MCs Evidence and Iriscience and DJ Babu. Forming in 1992 after running into each other at hip hop shows, the group released their first single in 1997. It was received well, and many underground hip hop fans saw the Peoples as the future of “true-school”. They recorded an album in 1995 called ‘Imagery, Battle Hymns & Political Poetry’ but didn’t release it (though it has since been bootlegged and widely circulated). Their first official album was ‘The Platform’, released in 2000 on Capitol. It was received with a mix of excitement and disappointment, showcasing two talented rappers who knew their hip hop history and a talented, similarly-respectful turntablist. They have released four more albums to date. I was trying to work out exactly why I didn’t particularly like this group, but couldn’t put my finger on it. Then I read an Allmusic review of their first album that nails it perfecty – “the trio’s skills are all beyond question, but sometimes the album can feel like a formalist exercise… It’s all well-executed, but considering how far hip-hop has come, it’s hard not to want a more personal statement, or a few topics other than wack MCs and keeping the culture real.” Some of the beats are very, very nice though – the Alchemist and Kutmasta Kurt are super-talented producers…