Dilated Peoples, the hip-hop trio of Rakaa (Iriscience), Evidence and Babu who were instrumental in leading the recent resurgence of the West Coast underground, return with "Expansion Team," their second major label release on Capitol Records. The album, releasing on Oct. 23, 2001, will feature artists and producers with whom Dilated has previously worked, as well as some surprise collaborations.

Fans can look forward to a guest appearance by Black Thought and tracks by DJ Premier (Gangstarr, Limp Bizkit, Jay Z), ?uestlove (Roots, D'Angelo), Juju (Beatnuts, Ghostface), Da Beatminerz and Dilated family members The Alchemist and Joey Chavez. As with the group's 2000 release, "The Platform," members Evidence and Babu double as producers. "With 'Expansion Team' we came to stretch the entire game out. We have family all over the world -- East coast, West coast and overseas. Once again, we have some of the illest players in the league balling for our squad," said Rakaa (Iriscience). The additions of producers from the East coast as well as the broadening of topics to include hip-hop's relationship with money ("Trade Money"), the full range of war ("War"), free speech and the media ("Proper Propoganda"), and delivering a party vibe ("Heavy Rotation") featuring Tha Liks, mark a growth by the group.

In advance of their album, Dilated will release the song "Worst Comes to Worst" which will include special remixes. Dilated will perform several dates with The Roots and announce a forthcoming North American tour to run from October throughout the fall. In addition, a European tour with Linkin Park will start Sept. 11 in Hamburg, Germany.

Dilated Peoples released their first single "Work The Angles" on the independently owned Bay Area record label ABB which earned them acclaim from U.K. hip-hop magazine HHC and a No. 2 spot on Sway and Tech's 1998 "Wake Up Show" Countdown (KKBT/Los Angeles). They were signed to Capitol in 1999 and released "The Platform" which exceeded 250,000 units sold.

"EXPANSION TEAM" TENTATIVE TRACK LISTING:

1. "Expansion Team Theme"
produced by Joey Chavez
co-produced by Metis Cole

2. "Worst Comes to Worst"
produced by The Alchemist

3. "Clockwork"
produced by DJ Premier for Works Of Mart Inc.

4. "Trade Money"
produced by Da Beatminerz

5. "Heavy Rotation" featuring Tha Liks
produced by Evidence

6. "Self Defense"
produced by JuJu

7. Phil Da Agony Interlude
produced by Babu

8. "Proper Propaganda"
produced by Babu

9. "Dilated Junkies"
produced by Evidence & Babu

10. "Panic"
produced by The Alchemist

11. "War"
produced by ?uestlove the Soulquarian 12. "Hard Hitters" featuring Black Thought
produced by Babu

13. "Night Life"
produced by Joey Chavez

14. Defari Interlude
produced by Evidence

15. "Live On Stage"
produced by The Alchemist

16. Bonus Track:
"Target Practice"
produced by Evidence