As hip-hop culture (DJing, MCing, b-boying, graffiti art and beatboxing) evolved in the late 1970s and early 1980s, two things were hallmarks of the movement: DJing and lyrical excellence. In the last several years, no rap group has done more to champion those elements than Dilated Peoples. The Los Angeles-based trio of Rakaa, Evidence and DJ Babu inject their music with humor, insight and social commentary, and DJ Babu’s cuts add an additional layer of excitement and complexity to the group’s material.

Revered southland emcee Aceyalone is set to release his latest high concept LP, Lightning Strikes, on New York label Decon. His newest collection, consisting of 15 dancehall-inspired tracks, is a distinctively offbeat blend of hip-hop and dancehall.