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
Press Rewind
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Check my comprehensive catalog of crabs
I'm daft, I battle all like I don't have it all
Having guard, battle scar, galactic cut
Got rhymes per capita
I'm shining through the averture
But I'm not gonna bust no caps for ya' (Naaa)
That's another genre
Sack burner, distract verters
If it ain't that urgent
Nerve prints, words sentinal, invisible
Infa-del, in a cell I hella clever endeavors
Immeasurable with only havin' a go incredible
Melodramatic, with tales from the tablet
You fail 'cause you average
Regardless of your sales and your status
You extra baggage
I bamboos are like mobbin' in a Landcruiser down McArthur
Artistic archer, autistic misfit
Y'all get the sickness when I spit the wickedness
Split ya wig like kid ignorant
Leave ya headless like Icabod
I infuriate and tick you off, stick go pop
Hip-hop's too dificult, too me it's a cult
Lyrics lacerate and slit ya' throat
Leave ya' brain down like Episcopal
Sniffin' coke, I don't know
Different strokes, so respect me before I whip out ol' Betsy
Surgically remove you from my testis
Purposelssly improve you just to see who the best be
But sold, I'm sexy, take a poll
And know the prestige, large lefty
I automate, animate my soul sanitation
Like I got a canvass painting
Manifestation
Hey, who ever hear of this?
Deltron-Z be a lyricist
Frontin' on ya flake false superiest
Drop you delirious
Dead serious, the hairiest mic mysterious
Hey peep who ever hear of this
Deltron-Z be a lyricist
Frontin' on ya flake false superiest
Drop you delirious
Dead serious, the hairiest mic mysterious
Go ahead, try symbiosis
But most rap artists don't have any focus
Think they flippin' chips
Try penny brokers
Clips go no penny loafers
Get my album, I'll show you how it's done
Delatocious, hella atrocious with focals
My throat holds verbal choke holds
Broke hoes see escrows
My goals are not rifles
I flows scrimmage like those micro-knots
You might go pop
And I might grow crops
So get the Gestapo
You riskin' a pot full of gold
Full of zodiac signs at half-time
Re-enact rhymes from my past life for a flashlight
Man, you don't know the half
Dash right to the phonograph
Throw your Bawlderdash
Coordinates confirmed
Subordinates will learn
My ordinance is stern
So supportin' my firm
Is the only way in this lonely age when your goin' craze
This style is sewed and paid for, 'cause I made more
Water emcees like the Bay shore
Bullets grazed doors in Oakland where they lay law
Del is going AWOL with napalm ink bombs
Taped to my arms like the town choir
Now I'm a miser, strider, spitting cider, ripping ply wood
Forgive beef diggin' lyrical cheapskates
Try Del and win the sweepstakes
When I make it so hot, it's seathin', off the deep end
Stop ya' breathin'
Caught ya' sleepin'
No ya' peakin', like you've eaten a hundred micro-dots
Wreck ya' Equinox, delete every piece of props
Leave ya' perferated
Curb ya' hatred
Serve ya matrix in the Word Olympics
Complete, be furnished with burners like Ted Turner
I broadcast the classics, fabulous, fantastic
Hey, who ever hear of this?
Deltron-Z be a lyricist
Frontin' on ya flake false superiest
Drop you delirious
Dead serious, the hairiest mic mysterious
Hey who ever hear of this
Deltron-Z be a lyricist
Frontin' on ya flake false superiest
Drop you delirious
Dead serious, the hairiest mic mysterious
And the survey says, go practice or something man
The lyrics of Del Tha Funkee Homosapien's song Press Rewind feature a complex blend of wordplay, metaphors, and allusions. Del's rapping style is firm and aggressive, with a sense of humor that is both sarcastic and self-deprecating. The song is a blend of braggadocio and introspection, as Del reflects on his own talent and the state of hip-hop as a genre.
Del is aware of his own abilities as a lyricist, as evidenced by his reference to his "comprehensive catalog of crabs" and his description of himself as a "melodramatic" rapper. He acknowledges that he has battle scars and has weathered the challenges of the industry, but he is still able to deliver with "rhymes per capita" that shine through the "overture". Del emphasizes that he is not willing to engage in violence to maintain his reputation, but he is still able to hold his own in battles as a "black bomber" and a "track charmer".
Despite his confidence, Del is aware of the limitations of the genre and the challenges that come with trying to make a living as a rapper. He acknowledges that hip-hop is "too difficult" and resembles a "cult", with many artists lacking direction and focus. Del warns against false claims to fame and encourages fellow rappers to work hard to improve their craft. He concludes with a message of perseverance and dedication to the art form.
Line by Line Meaning
Just don't kick my bread
Please do not interfere with my income or livelihood
Check my comprehensive catalog of crabs
Examine my extensive collection of detractors and naysayers
I'm daft, I battle all like I don't have it all
I am foolish and engage in conflicts as if I lack everything
Having guard, battle scar, galactic cut
I possess defensive measures, battle wounds, and out-of-this-world impact
Got rhymes per capita
I have an abundance of rhymes that exceeds the average amount
I'm shining through the averture
I am standing out and becoming visible through the opening
But I'm not gonna bust no caps for ya' (Naaa)
However, I will not resort to violence or use firearms for your sake
That's another genre
That type of action belongs to a different category or style
I'm the black bomber, track charmer
I am the captivating performer who explodes on the scene
Sack burner, distract verters
I am the one who sets everything on fire and distracts my listeners
If it ain't that urgent
If it is not a pressing matter
Nerve prints, words sentinal, invisible
My words and delivery are sentinels that are strong and invisible
Infa-del, in a cell I hella clever endeavors
I am a rap superhero, incarcerated in clever and skillful actions
Immeasurable with only havin' a go incredible
I still have tremendous ability and skill, even with only one chance
Melodramatic, with tales from the tablet
I tell stories that are excessively emotional, using the latest technology
You fail 'cause you average
You are unsuccessful because you are ordinary and typical
Regardless of your sales and your status
Despite your popularity and achievements
You extra baggage
You are unnecessary and burdensome
I bamboos are like mobbin' in a Landcruiser down McArthur
My actions and movements are smooth and stylish, like cruising down the famous McArthur Boulevard
Artistic archer, autistic misfit
I am a master of creativity and precision, but also an outcast or eccentric
Y'all get the sickness when I spit the wickedness
You are affected and overwhelmed when I deliver my nasty rhymes
Split ya wig like kid ignorant
I will knock you out and leave you confused and disoriented
Leave ya headless like Icabod
I will decapitate you, like the character of Ichabod Crane from Sleepy Hollow
I infuriate and tick you off, stick go pop
I make you angry and upset, causing you to blow a fuse
Hip-hop's too dificult, too me it's a cult
Some people find hip-hop challenging, but to me, it is like a religion or devotion
Lyrics lacerate and slit ya' throat
My lyrics tear and cut deep into your soul
Leave ya' brain down like Episcopal
I will leave your mind and intellect in ruins, like the Episcopalian Church
Sniffin' coke, I don't know
I do not use cocaine, I am unfamiliar with it
Different strokes, so respect me before I whip out ol' Betsy
Everyone has their own preferences, so acknowledge and honor me before I reveal my secret weapon
Surgically remove you from my testis
I will eliminate you with precision and skill, like a surgical procedure
Purposelssly improve you just to see who the best be
I will enhance and improve you without any reason, only to establish who is the superior performer
But sold, I'm sexy, take a poll
However, I am still attractive and desirable, as confirmed by popular opinion
And know the prestige, large lefty
Recognize my prestige and dominance, as I am the one with the large left hand
I automate, animate my soul sanitation
I use mechanization and animation to cleanse and rejuvenate my spirit
Like I got a canvass painting
As if I am creating a masterpiece on a blank canvas
Manifestation
A result or outcome that I have made real through my efforts
Go ahead, try symbiosis
Attempt to coexist or collaborate with me, if you dare
But most rap artists don't have any focus
However, most rappers lack a clear and deliberate direction
Think they flippin' chips
They believe they are earning and spending money rapidly
Try penny brokers
They attempt to play the stock market without much capital or expertise
Clips go no penny loafers
Their guns do not have silencers, they make a loud sound
Get my album, I'll show you how it's done
Listen to my record and I will demonstrate how to properly make hip-hop music
Delatocious, hella atrocious with focals
I am fantastic, but also quite horrible at times, especially when it comes to my performance
My throat holds verbal choke holds
My voice possesses the ability to control and dominate other people's words and thoughts
Broke hoes see escrows
Women who are poor and desperate seek me out for financial security
My goals are not rifles
My aspirations do not involve firearms or violence
I flows scrimmage like those micro-knots
I battle fluidly like microorganisms in a tight formation
You might go pop
You may burst or explode in a figurative sense
And I might grow crops
I may cultivate and harvest plants or produce
So get the Gestapo
Summon some sort of authoritative and oppressive force or regime
You riskin' a pot full of gold
You are gambling with a potentially great reward or benefit
Full of zodiac signs at half-time
An abundance of astrological signs will be revealed when only halfway through
Re-enact rhymes from my past life for a flashlight
I will recreate my old raps for a fleeting moment of attention and recognition
Man, you don't know the half
You are only aware of a small portion of the truth or reality
Dash right to the phonograph
Go immediately to the record player
Throw your Bawlderdash
Get rid of your nonsense or foolish talk
Coordinates confirmed
The location and details have been verified and approved
Subordinates will learn
Those who are lower in rank or position will gain knowledge and understanding
My ordinance is stern
My orders or commands are strict and uncompromising
So supportin' my firm
Therefore, it is important to assist and back my company or team
Is the only way in this lonely age when your goin' craze
This is the only means of survival in this isolated and chaotic era
This style is sewed and paid for, 'cause I made more
This way of creating hip-hop music is my personal and profitable trademark
Water emcees like the Bay shore
I outshine and overwhelm other rappers, similar to the way the bay's water outshines the shoreline
Bullets grazed doors in Oakland where they lay law
There was gun violence and confrontation in Oakland, where authority was established
Del is going AWOL with napalm ink bombs
I am disappearing and suddenly attacking with explosive and aggressive lyrics
Taped to my arms like the town choir
Similar to how sheet music is taped to the arms of a choir performer
Now I'm a miser, strider, spitting cider, ripping ply wood
I am now an excessive in my greed, walking and moving confidently, spitting aggressive rhymes, and breaking down strong materials
Forgive beef diggin' lyrical cheapskates
Overlook and excuse those who engage in competitive and cheap verbal fights
Try Del and win the sweepstakes
Take the chance and compete with me, and you may come out as the winner
When I make it so hot, it's seathin', off the deep end
When I perform, it becomes scorching and intense, putting me and others in dangerous territory
Stop ya' breathin'
I will make you suffocate and stop breathing
Caught ya' sleepin'
I caught you off guard and unaware
No ya' peakin', like you've eaten a hundred micro-dots
While I am performing, do not interrupt or interfere, as if you have consumed a large amount of hallucinogenic drugs
Wreck ya' Equinox, delete every piece of props
I will destroy your balance and stability, and eliminate all of your accolades and acclaim
Leave ya' perferated
I will puncture and wound you with many small holes
Curb ya' hatred
I will stop your anger and hostility
Serve ya matrix in the Word Olympics
I will dominate and excel in the competition of words
Complete, be furnished with burners like Ted Turner
My arsenal of weapons is fully stocked and well-equipped, like the founder of CNN
I broadcast the classics, fabulous, fantastic
I perform the timeless and exceptional rap songs with flair and brilliance
And the survey says, go practice or something man
The conclusion is that you need to improve and perfect your skills before trying to compete with me, or do something else entirely
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind