The story of Dilated Peoples is one of underground success, major label dreams, major label nightmares and a return to its essence. And while DJ Babu, Rakka Iriscience and Evidence are many years deep into the game, the true story of Dilated Peoples has never fully been told...until now.

10 years in the making, "The Release Party" is an absolute must have for any fan of Dilated or the Hip-Hop fan deeply interested in the history of west coast Hip-Hop. The DVD is a trip through the history of Dilated Peoples, covering such important topics as Evidence meeting Rakka and their deep relationship, the story of Babu becoming a full-time member of the group and the evolution of the Dilated sound. The strongest moments of the DVD lie in the much publicised story of Dilated Peoples and their major label turn with Capitol Records. Evidence and crew give a raw look at major label politics, including Capitol's eagerness to promote the Kanye West assisted "This Way" while ignoring the actual push of the album it appeared on. Evidence tells a very real story of a pre-fame West coming out to L.A. and the early glimpses into what would become the phenom known as Kanye West.

One of the DVD's tougher moments to watch is Evidence reflecting on the death of his mother. And while the segment is brief (mainly due to Ev's inability to continue on the subject without getting too emotional), it shows that Hip-Hop artists are very real people who experience many ups and downs.

Also included in the DVD package are a bonus CD of new material, all of Dilated Peoples music videos, an excellent short film called "Peoples Dilated" and more.

"The Release Party" is one of those rare must have Hip-Hop DVDs.