Rap documentaries are an odd beast. Cobbling together short burst interviews, glimpses of studio activity and standard tour footage, the genre maintains a limited visual scope. Coupled with a penchant for focusing on industry rule #4080, the hip-hop/rap documentary can be a hackneyed affair. While "The Release Party" has these elements at its core, the subplots and interplay between Dilated Peoples and director Jason Goldwatch keep it fresh.
The story of Dilated's relationship with Capital Records unfolds in chronological order. The joys and pitfalls of each of the four albums (The Platform, Expansion Team, Neighborhood Watch, and 20/20) are discussed by Rakaa, Evidence and Babu, all three driving a tale of increasing frustration culminating in the jubilant release from corporate ties. Flickering back and forth between the voices the individual concerns of each member resonate and the beauty of the groups dynamic develops. Without overt pressing, the personalities and relationships that make Dilated hum emerge. Rakaa keeps the crew on task; Babu jokes (and smokes huge joints); Evidence remains introspective.
Having teamed with Dilated to produce the group's early videos, Goldwatch followed the crew, developing a tight friendship that shines through the candid interviews. The comfort level is particularly important in "The Release Party's" ability to transcend the typical and build a compelling tale. Moments with Evidence are the most illuminating. It might the group's elder statesman, Rakaa, who holds forth on legal issues, but it's Evidence who coolly relays more personal stories. Family difficulties, professional associations and sharp memories of specific events in the group's history are offered up by Evidence throughout. At its most powerful, the film stops to allow Ev some time to regroup when remembering the affects of his mother's death. In that instance, the ease with Goldwatch becomes most evident.
Outside of group and family relations, Evidence builds the professional web that fills the Dilated story so beautiful. It would be easy to focus solely on the three key components, but drawing out the extended community better contextualizes the group. Without supporting actors Defari and Alchemist, the DP story wouldn't be the same, and through these relationships older viewers will be reminded of the community feel that made late 90s West Coast underground so exciting. Short term dealings are also well developed in interviews with Evidence. The films shining moment focuses on the crest of their corporate ride with the making of the Kanye West produced "This Way." Ev's recollections of this pivotal moment in group history perfectly distills the double edge of major label music, and seamlessly ties it in with a rather charming account of what it is like to work with Mr. West.
Compiling all of the Dilated Peoples' videos and some concert footage, the disk's extra features amuse and entertain on their own. Viewed in succession, the videos form a succinct history of the group and career trajectory. Repeated viewings reveal a wealth of cameos -- Guru, Mix Master Mike, Scarface and DJ Rhettmatic are just a few of the names and faces that pop up.
As a bonus, a short disk of seven remix and b-sides is included with the DVD. Highlights of this are the remixes to "Mr. Slow Flow," and "Olde English" featuring Defari. With audio and visual covered, "The Release Party" should satisfy hardcore Dilated fans, and the honesty of the film is enough to keep new audiences interested ahead of the next chapter in the group's career.
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