The group's debut album Deltron 3030, released on May 23, 2000, is a concept album set in the year 3030 that tells of the dualistic conflict of fatalism that takes place between the moral concepts of "righteousness" and "malevolence." The story tells a prophetic tale of a warrior's thirst for battle as Del's alter ego, who goes by the name "Deltron-Zero," along with his comrade who happens to be a time-traveling cyborg wizard named "the Automator," face-off against megalithic corporations that megalomaniacally rule over our thermodynamic universe. The lyrics were written in less than two weeks and are characterized by extravagant allusions to futuristic outer-space themes in the tradition of Afrofuturist works by Sun Ra and George Clinton. Many samples originated with the contemporary French classical composer William Sheller.
Deltron 3030's second album, titled Event 2, was released in September, 2013.
Production began as far back as 2004, and in November 2006 Del told IGN that four songs were already written and that "the album's lyrical theme has been basically mapped out." Dan the Automator stated that the recording of the new album would probably be completed by December 2006, and that it would be released in 2007. Due to a series of delays, group members issued a number of statements predicting imminent completion in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
On June 11, 2012, Deltron 3030 performed at the Luminato festival in Toronto, Ontario, a show that Kid Koala dubbed the Deltron Event 2 World Premiere. The group played with a full horn, strings, and rhythm section conducted by Dan the Automator, premiered ten songs from Event 2, and revealed the visual style of the new album. In accordance with Del's statement that "3030 actually was one event, but these events can span centuries." The first single from the album was "City Rising From the Ashes," a song influenced by the story of Osiris. On September 23, 2013, Event 2 was put on Pitchfork's Advance Streaming service in its entirety, one week before its official release.
In October 2016, an expanded edition of Event 2 was released, featuring instrumentals from the album. Alongside this new addition, a live album featuring the Deltron 3030, many of their collaborators from the Event 2 album, and the 3030 Orchestra, simply entitled Live, was released.
On an episode of Red Bull Radio Peak Time in 2018, Dan The Automator confirmed he was working on a new Deltron 3030 album, stating "there's a couple songs that exist." He also hinted that Dr. Octagon would have a cameo on the album.
Meet Cleofis Randolph the Patriarch
Deltron 3030 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep my dreadlocks in a napkin ring
Rap and sing
Unlike the homogeneous clones
I'm into earth tones, birth stones, and erogenous zones
The more ticklish the more you have
Sitting on the curb of what used to be the burbs
And before that was Canarcie
Like saltwater and parsley
Mics crawl up, tights fall down
That's my mnemonic voice stalactite slash stalagmite
You may have this Maglite
It survived the apocalypse
And for the fragile force of an agile horse
Here's a handful of very special chocolate chips
In the song, Meet Cleofis Randolph the Patriarch, Deltron 3030 describes his unique character and approach to music. The lyrics suggest that Deltron 3030 is someone who stands out from the crowd, preferring to be different from the "homogeneous clones". He values individuality and creativity, something that is evident in his style of music that combines rap and singing. His interest in "earth tones, birth stones, and erogenous zones" further emphasizes his appreciation for the natural world and his desire to connect with his senses.
Deltron 3030's metaphors in the song, such as "disturbed and bitter herb" and "saltwater and parsley" create an imagery of someone who has been through a lot and has developed a unique personality as a result. The reference to "Maglite", which is a brand of flashlights known for their durability, surviving the apocalypse suggests that Deltron 3030 is someone who can withstand difficult and trying circumstances, and still continue to create unique music.
Overall, Meet Cleofis Randolph the Patriarch is a song that celebrates individuality among music artists, and suggests that those who are different create something that is truly unique and special.
Line by Line Meaning
What's happening?
Asking about the current situation.
I keep my dreadlocks in a napkin ring
I have long hair and keep it tied up in a certain way.
Rap and sing
I enjoy making music.
Unlike the homogeneous clones
I'm different from the mainstream.
I'm into earth tones, birth stones, and erogenous zones
I'm drawn to natural colors, gemstones, and sensual areas of the body.
The more ticklish the more you have
Tickling is a sign of having more nerve endings in that area.
Sitting on the curb of what used to be the burbs
I'm in a less affluent area of town than where I grew up.
And before that was Canarcie
Before that, I was in a different part of town called Canarcie.
I'm a disturbed and bitter herb
I'm a troubled person and somewhat resentful.
Like saltwater and parsley
An unusual or unconventional combination of qualities.
Mics crawl up, tights fall down
A poetic way of describing a performance where the energy builds and people get hyped up.
That's my mnemonic voice stalactite slash stalagmite
A reference to my unique poetic style and delivery.
You may have this Maglite
I'm giving away a small flashlight that survived an end-of-the-world scenario.
It survived the apocalypse
The flashlight is tough and durable.
And for the fragile force of an agile horse
For those who are delicate but still powerful, I have a treat.
Here's a handful of very special chocolate chips
I'm offering a small, special gift.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
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