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
Phoney Phranchise
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
This is D E L not no phoney phranchise
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
This is Hieroglyphics not no phoney phranchise
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
Rag Del, impetuous, tempestuous,
Del deep, scuba diver wet suit who survived to get loose
Brewin' in the test tubes to the rescue, extradition process
To get you all stressed, step onto my office
That's what you call fresh, it's more like some soft breasts
If I stopped cess, I probably would cough less
Test it, just to see if ya'll rested
I'm blessin' the beat just like if I was the best man
Yo, you miss it in ya' public school district
Get a book and do the physics, yo' I got a cool image
Like Hendrix, my kindred, y'all fuck up to my index
Bench press rappers doing sets with my Syntax
Ain't nothin' new motherfucker, man I been black
Impact, remember Malcom X wore a pimp hat
You paper chasin' when you make it then you spit that
That your whole life shoulda never even been rap
Wannabe gangster fool around and get your friend capped
Talkin' hella shit my brother trying to buy a ten sack
Man, just call me amphibious
Submerging so deep yanking curtains on these idiots
Walking 'round oblivious more than annoying
Everywhere I turn a black life is destroyed
And times is getting tough gotta sign for unemployment
Walkin' round the town all 'noid and bent
Out of posture from sixteen blunts, a pint of vodka
Intoxicated some of y'all call it faded
With my headphones slammin' playin Iron Maiden
Sleepin' in the lobby of the Days Inn
Never outdated
When my power's activated, have to make it, funky
I'm barn storming, alluring, curing your ailments with lyrical talismans
Here it is, for the scrutiny of every record reviewer
Your tool to reduce your little rhymes are non existent
Meticulous methods I use to modify, the style you all should try
Posh poetics, cost effective, neck and neck with sun beams
Transcends the fabric of time, yah, it's one thing
Named Hiero, habitual funk, fiends and freakerz
Techniques from the major leaguers leaves you meager
Style malfunctional ,I'm punchin' in early
Right on schedule gold medalist rebellious
(Who?)
Del is, got you cornered like a cougar
Comin' up with new words like you must be a lummox
Wanna infiltrate my crew when you know you'll go nuts
Lactose intolerant your bowels'll blow up
Catostrophic so deep can't locate with metal detectors
Listen more then once you'll need several inspections
I'm sicker than a beef recall, reiterate the fact with flows that free fall
Reintroduction the classic material, that last with imperial
Props and Pop Will Eat Itself
Hotter than coals tread and your feet'll melt
Like plastic i castrate contenders
With a crew that got more power than the Westcoast Avengers
Sit and let your ears swim in the splendor
This is real hip hop not no phoney phranchise
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
This is D E L not no phoney phranchise
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
This is Hieroglyphics not no phoney phranchise
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
Mouth watering musical madness
More bomb than Bombay in glad bags
Get mesmerized, spellbound Del found profound
Hip hop essentials mandatory for the mental
I used to be dazed and confused
Now I'm amazed and amused at life and its clever ruse
I have compassion while other brothers askin' for trouble
Brain damage got 'em befuddle
Yo, while I'm on stage pumpin' fear
Your over there in the corner drinking non alcoholic beer
Dominating, commentating moving on to great things
Embracing the lunacy, lacing the community
With one, two, and three for all clueless emcees
They need guidance, tutorials from the Overlord of skill
Magnifying music with my magnificent mind
That blinds with such shine it's embarrassing
Hop in the caravan with Hiero and hit the road to take care of fans
You know what, I'm claimin' dozens, it's Sudden Impact Crib Death
It's big threat major counter-act like tazers
Trailblazers, we clown the name sayers
I crave flavorings with custom tailorings
I can communicate with aliens, it's a daily routine
It's never failing you fiends to get cream
By the continuity the rhymes move in unity
Perfectly with the tunes, I hope it hits you soon
When my power's activated, have to make it funny
In “Phoney Phranchise,” Del the Funky Homosapien is proclaiming that he and the Hieroglyphics crew are real hip hop artists and not part of a phoney franchise. They are winning by a landslide and cannot be hidden. Del’s flow is impetuous and tempestuous, as he expresses his power and desire to make it funky. He refers to himself as “Del Deep,” a scuba diver wearing a wet suit who survives to get loose. Del sends a message to wannabe gangsters that they should not fool around and get their friends killed. He is critical of the education system, encouraging people to get a book and learn physics. Del also makes references to historical figures such as Malcolm X and Jimi Hendrix, showing that he is knowledgeable and well-read.
The verses in “Phoney Phranchise” are complex and full of imagery, allowing listeners to interpret them in their own way. Del showcases his incredible wordplay and metaphors, such as “lacing the community with one, two, and three for all clueless emcees” and “magnifying music with my magnificent mind that blinds with such shine it's embarrassing.” The catchy hook emphasizes the idea that Del and the Hieroglyphics crew are the real deal and cannot be imitated. The overall theme of the song is that true hip hop is about being authentic and true to oneself rather than following a trend or trying to fit into a certain image.
Line by Line Meaning
This is real hip hop not no phoney phranchise
Del is asserting the authenticity of his music as true hip hop, free from the commercialized and fake facade of the industry.
Winnin' by a landslide and you know you can't hide
Del is confident in the quality of his music and knows it will be well-received by listeners, making it impossible for anyone to ignore or hide from.
Rag Del, impetuous, tempestuous, My power's activated, have to make it, funky
Del is getting into a creative groove, being impulsive and passionate with his music, he feels his power is activated and he must make a funky and memorable track.
Del deep, scuba diver wet suit who survived to get loose, Brewin' in the test tubes to the rescue, extradition process, To get you all stressed, step onto my office, That's what you call fresh, it's more like some soft breasts
Del is comparing himself to a deep-sea diver, risking everything to create new, unique music which will be released in dramatic fashion. He claims this process may be stressful for listeners, but it's all worth it since it's the freshest and most appealing thing out there.
If I stopped cess, I probably would cough less, Test it, just to see if ya'll rested, I'm blessin' the beat just like if I was the best man
Del reflects on his love for smoking marijuana but acknowledges it might affect him negatively. To test this theory, he's willing to stop smoking just to see if it will improve his ability to create fresh beats, which he compares to being the best man at a wedding.
Yo, you miss it in ya' public school district, Get a book and do the physics, yo' I got a cool image, Like Hendrix, my kindred, y'all fuck up to my index, Bench press rappers doing sets with my Syntax
Del criticizes the state of public education and encourages people to educate themselves further by reading books, especially in physics. He boasts of having a cool image, similar to that of Jimi Hendrix, and brags about his rap skills, likening it to bench pressing rappers with his syntax.
Impact, remember Malcom X wore a pimp hat, You paper chasin' when you make it then you spit that, That your whole life shoulda never even been rap, Wannabe gangster fool around and get your friend capped
Del references Malcolm X's iconic pimp hat to illustrate how important it is for people to stay true to themselves and not chase material success in order to maintain credibility. He calls out wannabe gangsters who pretend to be something they're not and may end up causing harm to themselves or others.
Talkin' hella shit my brother trying to buy a ten sack, Man, just call me amphibious, Submerging so deep yanking curtains on these idiots, Walking 'round oblivious more than annoying
Del mocks people who boast about buying weed while bragging about his own superiority, describing himself as being amphibious and able to dive deep into the industry to expose those who are clueless and unaware of their own failings.
Everywhere I turn a black life is destroyed, And times is getting tough gotta sign for unemployment, Walkin' round the town all 'noid and bent, Out of posture from sixteen blunts, a pint of vodka
Del laments the state of the world and how it affects the black community. He reflects on the tough economic times, feeling paranoid and being unable to hold his posture due to excessive substance use.
Mouth watering musical madness, More bomb than Bombay in glad bags, Get mesmerized, spellbound Del found profound, Hip hop essentials mandatory for the mental
Del describes his music as mouth-watering and explosive, better than anything else out there. He urges listeners to become mesmerized by the power of his music, which is essential for their mental well-being.
I used to be dazed and confused, Now I'm amazed and amused at life and its clever ruse, I have compassion while other brothers askin' for trouble, Brain damage got 'em befuddle
Del reflects on his own personal growth and how he's evolved from being confused about life to being amazed and amused by its complexities. Instead of seeking trouble, he has developed compassion for others, recognizing how brain damage can negatively impact their lives.
Yo, while I'm on stage pumpin' fear, Your over there in the corner drinking non alcoholic beer, Dominating, commentating moving on to great things, Embracing the lunacy, lacing the community
Del boasts of his ability to command the stage and make people feel the emotion in his music, while others just sit there drinking fake beer. He's determined to dominate the industry and commentate on society's issues while bringing people together with his music.
I crave flavorings with custom tailorings, I can communicate with aliens, it's a daily routine, It's never failing you fiends to get cream, By the continuity the rhymes move in unity, Perfectly with the tunes, I hope it hits you soon
Del describes his addiction for fresh and unique sounds, saying he's even able to communicate with aliens due to his passion for experimentation. He recognizes the hunger of rap fans to get rich, and vows to provide them with music that resonates perfectly with the tunes, hoping they will soon be impacted by his brilliant work.
When my power's activated, have to make it funky
Del emphasizes his creative power to create funky music, saying it's something he must do whenever the passion strikes him.
Contributed by Sebastian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.