Directors of Photography
Dilated Peoples · 2014
55 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop
A reflective blend of thoughtful lyricism and classic hip-hop beats that underscores the group's commitment to authenticity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Directors — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its self-referential lyrics and showcases the group's mastery of storytelling within hip-hop.
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Cut My Teeth — This track delves into personal experiences and growth, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs that define the group's journey in the music industry.
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Show Me the Way — Featuring a soulful sample and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies the group's ability to blend emotion with skillful lyricism.
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The Bigger Picture — This closing track reflects on broader societal issues, showcasing Dilated Peoples' commitment to addressing relevant themes through their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends thoughtful lyrics with classic beats, showcasing strong production and thematic cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of classic hip-hop beats, with layered samples that create a rich backdrop for the lyrics.
- Tracks often incorporate interludes that provide thematic transitions, enhancing the narrative flow of the album.
- Lyrically, the album maintains a reflective tone, with verses that delve into personal and social themes, often delivered in a conversational style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with reflective moments
- intricate lyricism for deep thinking
- soulful beats for evening relaxation
- interludes that enhance immersion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2014, Directors of Photography marked Dilated Peoples' first album in nearly eight years, following 2006's 20/20. At this point, the group was reestablishing their presence in the hip-hop landscape after a hiatus, signaling a return to form with their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jurassic 5· A Tribe Called Quest· Blackalicious
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:53
- 2 Directors 3:31
- 3 Cut My Teeth 3:40
- 4 Defari Interlude 1:20
- 5 The Dark Room 4:19
- 6 Good as Gone 3:45
- 7 Show Me the Way 4:08
- 8 Figure It Out (Melvin’s Theme) 4:25
- 9 Let Your Thoughts Fly Away 4:27
- 10 Century of the Self 3:38
- 11 @mrevidence Interlude 1:11
- 12 The Reversal 2:51
- 13 Opinions May Vary 4:15
- 14 Trouble 4:35
- 15 L.A. River Drive 4:41
- 16 The Bigger Picture 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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