Dilated Peoples ULU I had high expectation for Friday night. Partly because I’d been workin all week and Crunchie said it was Friday, but more so because I’d heard a while ago that Dilated Peoples had taken the mantle from Cypress Hill for rockin the best show. I think it also had something to do with the last time I went to ULU - to see a buzzy performance by Jurassic 5, when they were at their most fresh and original, after their first album. An OK blend of tunes were being played as we stepped in the place, from old Tribe stuff to new Missin Linx tunes. I don’t think the DJ should have played some of the main event’s (no big pun intended!!!) best tunes right before they are due to come on though, it took a bit of the build up away in my humble opinion - you don’t need to be reminded of how good they are until they step up and show you. And if they happen to be not as good then it could just be embarrassing. Baaabuuuuuu! Baaabuuuuuu! came the cries as the Incredible Beat Junkie started getting comfortable behind the ones and twos. The fact that there was no live support act was disappointing, especially when there’s a DJ like Badu in the howass who could really have built the crowd up into a frenzy before the MC’s even touched the mics - seems a damn shame to me. Having said that there was no need really, Evidence and Iriscience ran on stage and started connecting with the crowd from the off, doin almost everything but stage diving to make that bond. The enthusiasm to perform was definitely there and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with a better stage dominance and delivery than Evidence’s – ‘sharp and precise.’ Babu did some nice little routines to give the MCs a breather including a build up over the Cut Chemists Alphabet Aerobics inst. And Iriscience rocked a nice, if a little short, freestyle (so they say!) while Evidence hung around at the back dominating the stage!! This is no criticism to Rakka I just can’t fault Ev. in anyway! When they performed the crowd favourites from the first EP the mosh at the front went wild – at least it felt like it – I don’t think the ULU was anywhere near capacity but I wouldn’t have known from the atmosphere and performance from when I was standing. Fittingly, as Dilated Peoples performed ‘Friction,’ DJ Vadim was there at the end of the show (with his four-foot girl!) signing as many autographs as the DPs, for all those sad name collectors! My own peoples seemed to think the show didn’t go on long enough, maybe I got lost in music but I haven’t jumped around so much in a long while, I’m getting too old for that shit. Thinkin about going to see Dilated Peoples?... no need to think twice… the greatest show on earth IS Evidence. - Jimbo © ukhh.com 1999 - 2002