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
Ya Lil' Crumbsnatchers
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back from the wishing well to sell actual
Funk from the fungus grown in the trench
It's getting kinda heavy so I gotta pinch an inch
And it's a snitch
To let my hair grow like a plant
Eliminate the fat gold chains and the diaper pants
Never make friends with the fraudulent foes
Yes I suppose that I'm fat from the supper
Skinny from the many that try to eat plenty
Now I got to flip on a copper like a penny
Vise uh versa, quench your thirst
With a swig of grapefruit juice straight from the thermos
Hock your jewels, and you can drop your tools
And make a move that can turn us in the right direction
Show your affection as I correct men
Who try to pull the wool over the third eye
Comin' fly with Mr. Greenjeans
It's a bird eye view of the meadow
As I greet the many people that I meet with a hello
"How do you do my compadre?", What up Kwame?
Back to the Meadow so I can show I'm a
Smooth black brother that is gifted
And if you try to lift this, yes, I got a witness
Nicknamed the Emperor, this wasn't meant for ya'
Ya little crumbsnatcher
In Del Tha Funkee Homosapien's song Ya Lil' Crumbsnatchers, the lyrics reveal his commitment to a more natural lifestyle. He explains that he has made a pact with himself to let his hair grow and eliminate flashy accessories such as fat gold chains and diaper pants. In essence, he wants to be closer to nature and rid himself of any fraudulent people around him.
The second verse of the song delves more into his dietary habits, as he mentions being fat from the supper and skinny from people who eat plenty. To drink, he opts for grapefruit juice from a thermos, rather than alcohol or other sugary drinks. He then urges people to show their affection towards him, as he corrects those who try to take advantage of him or pull the wool over his eyes.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the pitfalls of our modern society and how we can take steps to live a more authentic and natural life. From ditching flashy accessories to watching our diets, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien encourages listeners to be true to themselves and surround themselves with genuine people.
Line by Line Meaning
DEL made a pact to be well natural
DEL committed to being his true self and living authentically
Back from the wishing well to sell actual
Returning from a journey to obtain genuine, honest material to share with others
Funk from the fungus grown in the trench
Inspiration from the unexpected, unconventional sources
It's getting kinda heavy so I gotta pinch an inch
The weight of the journey is becoming a burden that he must address in some way
And it's a snitch
The pressure is causing him to become uncomfortable and anxious
To let my hair grow like a plant
To allow himself to be his true self, without societal expectations or restrictions
Eliminate the fat gold chains and the diaper pants
Getting rid of material possessions that are not a true representation of himself or his values
Trade 'em for a pair Girbauds
Exchanging superficial possessions for something more authentic to his personal style
Never make friends with the fraudulent foes
Not aligning himself with those who are insincere or fake
Yes I suppose that I'm fat from the supper
Acknowledging that he has indulged in excess in the past
Skinny from the many that try to eat plenty
Having been deprived of his own resources by those who are greedy
Now I got to flip on a copper like a penny
Turning his situation around and flipping the script
Vise uh versa, quench your thirst
Changing his circumstances and finally finding nourishment
With a swig of grapefruit juice straight from the thermos
Gaining sustenance from a natural, healthy source
Hock your jewels, and you can drop your tools
Sacrificing superficial material possessions in order to liberate oneself from old habits or constraints
And make a move that can turn us in the right direction
Taking proactive steps to create positive change and growth
Show your affection as I correct men
Expressing love and kindness while also standing up to those who seek to cause harm or oppress
Who try to pull the wool over the third eye
Rebuking those who try to deceive or manipulate him
Comin' fly with Mr. Greenjeans
Living stylishly and confidently
It's a bird eye view of the meadow
Observing the beauty of the world from a higher perspective
As I greet the many people that I meet with a hello
Acknowledging the shared humanity of all people and communicating with others in a friendly, open manner
"How do you do my compadre?", What up Kwame?
Interacting with others in a respectful, familiar way and showing interest in their lives
Back to the Meadow so I can show I'm a
Returning to his authentic self and demonstrating his true nature
Smooth black brother that is gifted
A confident and talented person who is comfortable in his own skin
And if you try to lift this, yes, I got a witness
Challenging anyone who tries to bring him down or take advantage of him and knowing that he has support from others who believe in him
Nicknamed the Emperor, this wasn't meant for ya'
Referring to himself as a ruler or leader and indicating that his journey toward self-discovery is not intended for those who do not appreciate him and his vision
Ya little crumbsnatcher
Addressing those who are small-minded or petty and do not understand his value or purpose
Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.