{"title":"Evidence","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMichael Perretta, better known as \u003cen\u003eEvidence\u003c\/en\u003e, is an American hip hop artist, producer, and member of the rap group Dilated Peoples. Born on December 10, 1976 in Los Angeles, California, Evidence hails from Venice and comes from a diverse background with an Italian father and a Russian-American mother. Before making his mark in the music industry, he honed his artistic skills as a graffiti artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvidence's unique blend of storytelling lyrics and soulful beats has garnered him a dedicated fan base. With influences ranging from underground legends like DJ Premier to contemporary artists like Apollo Brown and Blu, Evidence's music transcends boundaries and resonates with listeners worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether collaborating with fellow members of Dilated Peoples or pursuing solo projects, Evidence consistently delivers thought-provoking rhymes backed by impeccable production. His discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as \"Cats \u0026amp; Dogs\" and \"Weather or Not,\" showcasing his versatility as both an emcee and producer.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"unlearning-vol-1","title":"Unlearning Vol 1","description":"\u003cp\u003eThroughout his career, Evidence has always been adept at both staying true to his roots and evolving as he grows and learns from life experiences, including recognizing when the time comes to unlearn. During the campaign for his last album, \u003ci\u003eWeather or Not\u003c\/i\u003e (2018), he expressed a desire to close the chapter on the weather-related theme that had been a staple of his solo career to that point. \u003ci\u003eUnlearning Vol. 1\u003c\/i\u003e not only sees that vision come to life, but shines brilliantly in the process. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnlearning Vol. 1\u003c\/i\u003e pairs Evidence’s own production with works from The Alchemist, Nottz, Sebb Bash, Animoss, Mr. Green, V Don, Daringer and Eardrum (QThree). This highlights perhaps an undervalued skill of Ev’s—his ability to collaborate with a multitude of producers on a project, while still creating an album with a cohesion and consistency rarely found in such extensive collaboration. While the album’s musical soundscape sets the scene, it's Ev’s gift for relatable yet inventively clever writing that really paints the picture, continually pulling the listener in. That said, a small but powerful cast of guest appearances also decorate the landscape, courtesy of stellar performances from Boldy James, Conway The Machine, Fly Anakin, Navy Blue, and Murkage Dave. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnlearning Vol. 1\u003c\/i\u003e embodies the sound and feeling of pure artistic expression, capturing a moment in time where marketability, album sales \u0026amp; streaming potential, and the desire to please anyone other than the artist themselves, are all just an afterthought. As one could expect, such freedoms allowed Evidence to tap into something special that sounds engaging and unique, and also remains true to his foundation. In essence, \u003ci\u003eUnlearning Vol. 1\u003c\/i\u003e finds Evidence at yet another creative peak, creating a listening experience poised to catch the attention of new listeners while strengthening his core fanbase.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhymesayers Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50427036696907,"sku":"1121060","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50427036467531,"sku":"1121059","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/3e957548-8a4e-4140-b422-ed9eb814471a_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726820693"},{"product_id":"unlearning-vol-2","title":"Unlearning Vol 2","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn the opening track of\u003cem\u003e Unlearning Vol. 2,\u003c\/em\u003e his fifth solo album, Evidence starts by breaking patterns. “Set the autopilot, cruising speed,” he says—a line that evokes his signature laid-back flow. But instead of coasting, the Venice native chooses disruption. “That’s a setup for a punch to land with ‘true indeed,’” he continues, setting the tone for an album that’s less about comfort and more about transformation. The track’s title, “Plans Change,” couldn’t be more fitting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSince his emergence with Dilated Peoples, Evidence has always exuded a cool, effortless control. But \u003cem\u003eUnlearning Vol. 2,\u003c\/em\u003e like its 2021 predecessor, rejects any slide into legacy status. It’s not just a stylistic pivot—it’s a deeper, more introspective journey, one rooted in technical mastery but driven by instinct and curiosity.Instead of recycling past glories, Evidence explores rawer emotional terrain, crafting a sound that’s both grounded and experimental.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe production casts a hypnotic spell with tracks like Sebb Bash’s harrowing “Seeing Double,” C-Lance’s nostalgic “Top Seeded,” and Evidence’s own eerie “Greatest Motivation.” Yet his voice remains the anchor, cutting through the haze with precision and depth. Tracks like “Nothing’s Perfect” show his lyrical agility, while “Laughing Last” blends stoicism and vulnerability in reflections on family and loss. Collaborators span eras—The Alchemist, DJ Babu, Blu, Domo Genesis, Larry June, Conductor Williams and more—yet the project stays unified by a core ethos: to reinvent, to recontextualize, and to turn pain into purpose through creativity\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhymesayers Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":52535670899019,"sku":"R2144-7397","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":52535670931787,"sku":"R2144-3539","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tape","offer_id":52535670964555,"sku":"R2144-4439","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Evidence-UnlearningVol-1.2.jpg?v=1750951398"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_59b4d197_thumbnail_4096_a82f3af2-7ad7-4361-9137-04a720d81fc8.jpg?v=1726820663","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/evidence.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}