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Evidence - The Weatherman LPAlbum Review by:
William E. Ketchum III
Monday, April 2, 2007
 When group members foray from their ensembles to pursue solo success, the margin of error is as long as Greg Oden’s wingspan. Oftentimes, the charisma that stands out in a group setting doesn’t last for an entire LP. Otherwise, he ends up employing so many of his colleagues that the project ends up playing as a makeshift group album. Luckily, Dilated Peoples MC/knob twister Evidence does everything right with his solo debut, 'The Weatherman LP'.
With Evidence’s veteran status in the industry, he’d be damned if he didn’t take advantage of the indie staples in his rolodex—and the collaborative efforts amount to splendid results. “A Moment In Time” sees fellow left coaster Planet Asia blessing a nostalgic ode to childhood, while Defari and Justus League members Rapper Big Pooh and Joe Scudda trade bars over the venomous down-the-line joint, “NC to CA.” Top-notch production from the likes of Sid Roams and longtime collaborators like Alchemist and the Beat Junkies give a dark, murky feel that stays cohesive throughout the entire LP. “Line of Scrimmage” features Evidence and Slug spitting punchline-heavy verses over a trudging beat by Alchemist, and Dilated fam Rakaa Iriscience and Madchild shows up on the Roams-laced “Perfect Storm.”
But surprisingly, Evidence makes it a point to not let his supporting cast overwhelm his solo debut. Production-wise, Evidence contributes several standout soundscapes of his own, like the steady groove of “Hot & Cold” collab with him and Alchemist rhyming. He also keeps things fresh lyrically. Instead of relying entirely on braggadocios punchlines, Evidence often resorts to personal experiences: “Born In LA” and “Down In New York City” each show his relationships with and admiration for the opposite coasts, “Chase The Clouds Away” plays like Ev’s own version of the classical tune “My Favorite Things,” and he uses the album closer “I Still Love You” to speak to his recently-deceased mother.
While low on duds, The Weatherman LP still suffers from an excessive tracklist and occasions where the production’s potency outshines the rhymes. Still, Evidence manages to keep the skies just as clear as a solo act as he does with his groupmates.
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