In 1996, Del was ready to release his Future Development album. However, just before its release, Del was released from his recording contract with Elektra Records. Around this same time, Souls of Mischief, Extra Prolific and Casual (all members of Del's Hieroglyphics group) were all released from their recording contracts with Jive Records. Frustrated, Del and the rest of Hieroglyphics decided to start their own record label, called Hieroglyphics Imperium. Because of the problems with Elektra, Future Development was available only on cassette via the Hieroglyphics website for a time, until its eventual widespread release on CD in 2002, six years after its proposed release date.
The mistreatment of Del & Hieroglyphics by their record labels became infamous in hip-hop circles, as a perfect example of "industry rule #4080" (record company people are shady). After Hieroglyphics' successful reemergence with their own independent label, Del & Hieroglyphics became an inspiration for some rap artists to start their own labels while keeping the lion's share of the money for themselves. Arguably the efforts of Del & Hieroglyphics paved the way for other famous independent rap labels known today, such as Roc-a-Fella Records or Rawkus Records.
In 1998, Hieroglyphics came out with their first full length album, Third Eye Vision, in which Del shined. The album was well received by both fans and critics. Two years later, Del came out with Both Sides of the Brain, and in 2001, he released Deltron 3030 with Dan the Automator Nakamura and Kid Koala, which garnered extreme praise for its combination of beats and flow and futuristic style. Deltron 3030 helped expand Del’s audience, though not quite to the commercial mainstream.
Del collaborated with Gorillaz for two songs on their debut album, both of which became singles: "Clint Eastwood" and "Rock the House". In their videos he was portrayed as a clown-like ghost. 2003 saw the release of Full Circle, a second album with the Hiero crew. This latest album has gotten many mixed reviews, with some people liking its originality and display of talents of the entire crew, whereas some have complained that Del was seen only sporadically on the album, acting more like a guest artist.
Del’s lyrics often reflect his imaginative interests, offering humor and themes not usually found in most new hip hop, including video games, bad hygiene, intergalactic rap battles, and more. In 2000, the song "Positive Contact" from Deltron 3030 was featured in the game Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX. In 2001, the song "If You Must" was featured in the game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. In 2003, the song "Positive Contact" was again featured in a video game - this time in Tony Hawk's Underground. In 2005, the song "Burnt" featuring Hieroglyphics was featured in the game Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland. In 2006, his song "Catch a Bad One" was featured in the game Mark Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure.
Eight years following his last solo album, Both Sides of the Brain, in March 2008 Del released his newest solo, titled Eleventh Hour, under the Definitive Jux record label.
In 2009, Del released Del's Leak Pack #1 (download) & #2 (download) via his MySpace page. In April of 2009 he released his 6th solo album, Funk Man (The Stimulus Package). The album was released online and can be downloaded for free here. He also released a second new solo album, Automatic Statik, via his BandCamp site in September of 2009. October of 2009 saw the release of Del's collaboration with Tame One, entitled Parallel Uni-verses. In January of 2014, he dropped a free album titled Iller Than Most online. On April 20th 2018, Del and producer AMPLIVE collaborated for the entirety of their newest project, GATE 13
Pet Peeves
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fair weather associates
You better, watch how close they get
It's the, fair weather associates
You better, watch how close they get
It's the, fair weather associates
You better, watch how close they get
You better, watch how close they get
[Del]
We all know FWA's, how they lay
cause they figure if you're bumpin the pays
In the long run, and it's all fun in their eyes
They must be on one how, they prepare lies
Get up close make you think, you the host of the ceremonies
Why you ain't peepin like a doggy mark his territory
They're never there for me when I need a little boost
Because of who you are, they can get a little juice
Then they like to seemingly leans up on your shoulders
Otherwise he's steppin on toes gettin over
Flappin his molars talkin 'bout he owe you
and every time he smoke, he don't show you no love
And be the first fool with his lips on the blunt
If he persists to front I'ma commenced to dump
Be careful when you make a little something that's yours
Cause a lot of these predators want yours to be theirs
Or at least own a share just by bein there
I be on some hermit skit, and fools think I'm square now
There's an interesting way to look at it
I look at them as bein fake, the way they took advantage
Speaking on the crooks of the planet, who claim they got game
Yeah you the game and they the hunter; just one more
[Intro]
Fair weather associates
You better, watch how close they get
It's the, fair weather associates
You better, watch how close they get
["Shit Talkers" part two of "Pet Peeves":]
Hey whassup man, this is D-E-L once again
I'm here to tell you a little story about this motherfucker
who keep runnin his big ass mouth
You don't know me, motherfucker
Shut your ass up, 'fore I slap the lips off your motherfuckin face
Man, you got a big ass mouth!
You know what?
[Del]
Fools is hella talkative, saying how I walk and live
Always trying to start the kid, wishin that we all can give
a small interview, just a subterfuge
Wanna hook up with you so they can say 'whatchu do'
Get your own life, live your own legacy
Why you wanna spread my rees, talking 'bout my girls pregnancy
Professor, I guess you never learned your lesson
When you saw me out drinkin at the bar,
you said I was sexin this other ho
Chuck D, what a brother know
about my beeswax, runnin off with your feedback
Who I smoked weed with? Who I smoked crack with? (false)
How I sexed every girl you know without no prophylactic
Fool, I'll be in the house and that's it
On the rap tip or studyin, unlike you
You quite new, no game
I understand you a youngster, wanna be hustler
Undercover buster
Can't believe I trusted ya - but that goes to show
how fools fold getting jelly off the dough, yo!
[Del's imitation]
"Del's rich Del's bitch got zero, cause Del's a hero,
Del's a weirdo because he do heroin"
[Del]
Ain't got no idea where Teren's been
I should take it to pugilism so
I can fuse your vision with some realness
Instead of these fake phony stories you be glorifyin
Don't you know that many more are dyin?
From the fatal disease, called runnin them choppers
in front of females, or on front of the coppers
You only do this shit cause you be wanting your propers
Somebody's gonna get steamed and run up and pop ya
You exercise your choppers really, choo choo choo
You exercise your choppers off some brand new news
Your molars bite, your canines tear, whether it's false or true
You exercise your choppers like some gossipin fool
You know what?
You get your little notices from bumpin your gums
When you should be concentratin on lumpin your sums
Got to show your little ass when company comes
Cause We From The Crew That You Wanna Be From
You get your little notices from bumpin your gums
When you should be concentratin on lumpin your sums
Got to show your little ass when company comes
Cause We From The Crew That You Wanna Be From!
BIOTCH!
["Followers" part three of "Pet Peeves":]
[Chorus]
Followers, dick swallowers
No power over themselves, blindness
Don't take it as a diss, take it as an act of kindness
We wanna be in front while you fools is behind us
Are you gonna live your whole life with blindness on your eyelids?
Pretty boys fakin like they grinders
[Del]
First off, you a buster so mind us
On the street with your crack thinkin your a timer
Co-signin, findin it ain't workin
Fiends is perkin, I seen you on Perkins
Fools chirpin around the blocks with glocks
And you, really ain't ready for the plot they got
It's unbelievable the way the leave your skull on the pavement
Snatch up your scrilla as soon as you made it
You could be layin dead, instead you play dead
So they would quit whoopin your ass; you get, put in the past
Tryin to keep up with the Jones' like the mass
N.C. baby, means you got no class
[Poser speaks]
"Aw what nigga? Man, I be on the flat lands all the time, nigga.
I-I ain't even trippin!"
[DEL]
"Man you from the hills though man, what you doin"
[Poser]
"Aww nigga you don't know nigga. Nigga, I'm following niggaz."
[DEL]
"You trippin' man."
[Poser]
"Man I be grindin' and chillin'
Nigga, I was rolling dice the other day nigga."
[DEL]
"You need to take your ass to school."
[Poser]
"Aww"
[Chorus]
Followers, dick swallowers
No power over themselves, blindness
Don't take it as a diss, take it as an act of kindness
We wanna be in front while you fools is behind us
Are you gonna live your whole life with blindness on your eyelids?
Pretty boys fakin like they grinders
("Dude, that ain't me, dude")
[Del]
You bite somebody's style, it's invitin like a child
You cling to it; I hear it, hmmm
It's got a ring to it - if that's your thing do it
At least you claim you ain't down with that hiphop shoobeedoobee
Which is fine cause my click say you booty
You a white kid, your mom said I'm a mooley
Now you talking 'bout pass the doobie and the toolie
Got your raps and your gat pointed at yours truly
Talking 'bout you gonna school me, who me?
Here's a little jewel like a ruby
since you talkin like you knew me
Playing a role that's straight out a movie
Acting unruly, and your neighbors call SOO-WEEE
to the pigs then they fling you in the brig
Leave gang bangin to the real gat holders
or real black soldiers who you don't know of
Who don't show love with all you sun and your thun
Cause they know where you from,
You from Oakland, you rich and you ain't from the slums
Your pops is a politician
So why bein a criminal is your three wishes
used up, do what comes naturally
Quit playing a role that don't even have to be
You slippin
[Poser 2]
"Dude, I ain't slippin, man I'm from the town too,
man I'm from the Oakland hills dude.
That's East Oakland, blood. You don't even know, man."
[DEL]
"Man, you trippin man."
[Poser 2]
"I ain't trippin dude.
Why you trying to step to me like, you know, you somethin man?"
[DEL]
"Yap, yap, yap, yap."
[Poser 2]
"What up? Whatever dude, whatever."
[DEL]
"All in my ear with that yappin, man. You trippin."
[Poser 2]
"I'll keep at it to! Wassup?"
[DEL]
"What!? [laughing] You gonna get hard?
What you talkin about fool?"
[Poser 2]
"Hey, you never know."
[chorus]
Followers, dick swallowers
No power over themselves, blindness
Don't take it as a diss, take it as an act of kindness
We wanna be in front while you fools is behind us
Are you gonna live your whole life with blindness on your eyelids?
The song "Pet Peeves" by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is divided into three parts, which are "Fair Weather Associates," "Shit Talkers," and "Followers." In each part, Del criticizes different types of people who he considers to be fake, annoying, and dangerous. In "Fair Weather Associates," he talks about people who befriend others only to take advantage of them for personal gain, using lies and manipulation. He advises people to be careful and not to trust these kinds of associates. In "Shit Talkers," Del talks about people who gossip and spread false rumors about him, without really knowing him. He warns these people to stop talking behind his back because he won't tolerate it.
Finally, in "Followers," Del attacks people who try too hard to fit in and imitate others, without thinking for themselves. He says that these people have no power over themselves, they are blind, and they follow others like sheep. Del advises them to be original and not to act fake. He also warns them not to get sucked into the dangerous world of gangs and crime.
Overall, "Pet Peeves" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that encourages people to be true to themselves and to avoid fake and dangerous people. Del's lyrics are insightful and poetic, and the song's message is relevant to everyone, regardless of their age, race, or background.
Line by Line Meaning
Fair weather associates
Beware of those who only stick around when times are good
You better, watch how close they get
Be cautious of their intentions when they try to get closer
It's the, fair weather associates
These people are known as fair weather associates
We all know FWA's, how they lay
Everybody knows how fair weather associates behave
cause they figure if you're bumpin the pays
They hang around and try to take advantage of your success
In the long run, and it's all fun in their eyes
They see it as an enjoyable ride, without considering long term consequences
They must be on one how, they prepare lies
They fabricate stories to benefit themselves
Get up close make you think, you the host of the ceremonies
They try to make you feel like the reason for the success, while they manipulate behind the scenes
Why you ain't peepin like a doggy mark his territory
Why aren't you more vigilant and protecting your success like a dog behaves with his territory?
They're never there for me when I need a little boost
They are not supportive when needed, only around for personal gain
Because of who you are, they can get a little juice
They take advantage of your position for their benefit
Then they like to seemingly leans up on your shoulders
They pretend to support you while they use you
Otherwise he's steppin on toes gettin over
They may do things that violate your boundaries
Flappin his molars talkin 'bout he owe you
They may make promises to repay you but never follow through
and every time he smoke, he don't show you no love
They may not share or invite you in for social activities despite being mutually indulgent in certain vices
And be the first fool with his lips on the blunt
They are always the first one to partake in drugs with no consideration for others
If he persists to front I'ma commenced to dump
If they continue to act falsely, I will take action
Be careful when you make a little something that's yours
Be cautious when achieving personal success
Cause a lot of these predators want yours to be theirs
Many people will try to take credit or some form of ownership of your achievements to benefit themselves
Or at least own a share just by bein there
They try to take credit or ownership by merely being present or around
I be on some hermit skit, and fools think I'm square now
I prefer isolation and protection against fair weather associates, even if others don't understand why
There's an interesting way to look at it
There are different perspectives to consider
I look at them as bein fake, the way they took advantage
I recognize that fair weather associates are fake and take advantage of others
Speaking on the crooks of the planet, who claim they got game
Referring to the many people who believe themselves to be successful through manipulative and dishonest means
Yeah you the game and they the hunter; just one more
You are the desired goal, they are the predators and you are just another target
Fools is hella talkative, saying how I walk and live
Many people are overly critical and vocal about how I live my life
Always trying to start the kid, wishin that we all can give
They try to start controversy or conflict with me in hopes of seeing me fail
a small interview, just a subterfuge
They disguise their true intentions under the guise of a simple interview or friendly chat
Wanna hook up with you so they can say 'whatchu do'
They want to associate with me to benefit themselves by claiming a connection with me
Get your own life, live your own legacy
They should create their own path and build their own success
Why you wanna spread my rees, talking 'bout my girls pregnancy
Why are they spreading rumors and details about my personal life and relationships?
Here's a little jewel like a ruby
A small piece of advice or wisdom
since you talkin like you knew me
Since they are speaking about me like they know me
Playing a role that's straight out a movie
They are pretending to be something or someone they are not
Acting unruly, and your neighbors call SOO-WEEE
They are acting completely out of line and drawing attention
Leave gang bangin to the real gat holders
They should leave dangerous lifestyle choices to those who are actually involved in them
or real black soldiers who you don't know of
Real gang members or people involved in similar lifestyles that they are not familiar with
Who don't show love with all you sun and your thun
Those people don't reciprocate the support or admiration showed by followers
You from Oakland, you rich and you ain't from the slums
Pointing out someone's privilege while still representing their city
Your pops is a politician
Their father is an established political figure
So why bein a criminal is your three wishes
Why would they actively choose a criminal lifestyle with privileged opportunities available?
used up, do what comes naturally
Stop pretending and follow your true passions
Quit playing a role that don't even have to be
Stop playing a character that isn't necessary or fulfilling
You slippin
You are losing focus or making mistakes
Followers, dick swallowers
Referring to people who are quick to follow and do not think for themselves
No power over themselves, blindness
They are unable to independently function or think
Don't take it as a diss, take it as an act of kindness
This is not meant to be offensive, but rather some helpful advice
We wanna be in front while you fools is behind us
We want to lead while they follow
Are you gonna live your whole life with blindness on your eyelids?
Are they going to continue living without self-awareness?
Pretty boys fakin like they grinders
They act tough and involved in a dangerous lifestyle without truly being a part of it
Contributed by Molly V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.