Evidence

Rapper/producer Evidence has been a steadfast force in West Coast underground hip-hop since the mid-'90s emergence of his long-running group Dilated Peoples. Plainspoken yet deliberate on the mike, Evidence's approach to production is similar, typified by knocking, no-nonsense beats that reveal depth with repeat play. Evidence has made five albums with Dilated Peoples, including two Billboard Top Ten R&B/hip-hop entries. His solo discography is likewise vast and collaborative, with production assistance regularly delegated to track master Alchemist, and no shortage of room for fellow MCs of high standing. In addition to his proper albums, ranging chronologically from The Weatherman LP (2007) to Unlearning, Vol. 1 (2021), he has issued numerous beat tapes and other projects. His noted background work is highlighted by a contribution to Kanye West's The College Dropout, which consequently made him a Grammy nominee during the first half of his evolving career.