Funky DL started earning props when his music received regular air play on stations such as Kiss FM, Choice FM and Radio one by the likes of veteran Jockeys such as DJ 279, Max LX and Dave VJ and Tim Westwood.
In 1996 Funky DL went on to win the well known Fosters Ice Breakers competition and released his first record The Individual, this consequently led to DL being firstly offered a two single deal with Almost records which developed further into an album deal with Almo Sounds and a publishing deal with Rondor Music.
Equipped with unlimited studio access, DL set about crafting his debut album Classic Was the Day. The album was released in the late summer of 1997 and was widely received by the UK’s hip hop fraternity and veered DL on to win a MOBO award for the best hip hop act of 1997.
In the same year Funky DL went on to remix records for artists such as Missy Elliott, Keith Sweat, Adina Howard, and Connor Reeves, as well as going on to spearhead The London All-stars project (a collaboration of London's finest rappers) including MCD, Blak Twang, TY, Skinnyman, ESP, Kwestmann, Q-Tee, Phoebe One, Fallacy and Rodney P. This was a unique one of a kind release and stunned the scene as no record had ever before been released with such a high profiled caliber of rappers from the UK.
In 1998 DL signed to an independent label “Utmost Records” and released his sophomore album Heartfelt Integrity. Another MOBO nomination was presented which reflected DL’s consistency and helped him to further cement his name and efforts in the scene.
Funky DL went on to tour Australia, France and Israel, the latter being an unusual destination for rappers but was overwhelmingly received, returning to London to support the likes of The Roots, K-Ci & JoJo, Ras Kas, Killah Priest, and stole the show in front of 3,000 people at the Hippodrome Leicester Square from an early Destiny's Child at the Choice FM 8th Birthday Party.
After a very rewarding year, DL left Utmost Records to run his own label Washington Classics and in 1999 Washington Classics released numerous Funky DL records including the 12-inch “Stoppin and Startin” which surprised many of DL’s critics because of the amazingly tight lyricism. DL released his third album “One Another” (a first for any rapper in the UK) which led to yet another MOBO nomination and propelled him to even greater heights, touring in Japan where his music was being so widely received.
Single-handed, Funky DL had earned himself the title of “the hardest working man in hip-hop”, now synonymous with his name. Another successful year saw DL support the superstar “Eminem” for his UK tour and was recalled in early 2000 to join Eminem and Dr. Dre in the Brixton Academy. 2000 also saw DL do his second tour of Japan and also fly out to New York to work with the rapper Miilkbone and also feature on Bobbito Garcia’s radio show along side N’Dea Davenport and hip hop heavyweight producer Easy Mo Bee...
Funky DL’s fourth album When Love Is Breaking Down was released which led to DL’s return to Japan for its promotion, Touching down at the infamous Club Harlem Shibuya Tokyo and making several public appearances in HMV stores in Tokyo and Yokohama for signing and performing tracks in store live.
DL spent the next few years expanding his name in Japan by licensing many albums to established labels and touring extensively in many cities across Japan such as, Tokyo, Osaka, Mito, Hamamatsu, Wakayama, Utsunomiya, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Gifu, Nagoya, Okayama, Yokohama and Akita. DL also used this period to write, produce for and record with his R&B outfit Thursdays Love. The Debut Thursdays Love album For the Love of Jazz and Thursdays was so well received in Japan it was re-released after being licensed by a major Label in Japan.
This led DL to go on to produce “Life When You’re Driving” a yet to be released album by R&B vocalist Dyanna Fearon featuring the incredible talents of Xantonè Blacq (Current Keyboardist for Amy Winehouse).
Funky DL then went on to New York to produce for an up and coming rapper from Far Rockaway Queens named Sekz, and featured with Sekz on The Showbiz and A.G single “The Street.” DL released his 5th and 6th albums Blackcurrent Jazz and The Classic Fantasy (The most vivid and vibrant Funky DL albums yet) which have been so widely received in Japan making DL one of the UK’s most unique international artists to date as no other UK hip-hop act has been able to equal Funky DL’s achievements from then till now..
In 2005 the album Street Love, which the UK smash “Little Mike” is taken from, was a special limited release, meanwhile the album Since 77 saw seen its Japanese release to co-inside with DL’s five date summer tour of Japan as well as the launch of the funkydl.com and website as DL started to prepare idea’s for what was to be the now evident The 4th Quarter album.
A Funky DL Greatest Hits album was released in Japan in 2006, marking DL’s many accomplishments and was well received followed by a Latin styled release of old titles re-recorded and remixed with fresh visions.
DL then took the fork in the road in late 2006 and once again decided to do something different by flying out to New York to clear his head and write what was to be Street Swagger. A 24 track promotional CD which was to be a completely free release for 2007 to celebrate 10 years since the birth of Washington Classics and also a decade since his first album emerged. The Washington Classics Street Team went out in the streets of London to circulate 10,000 CD’s in the capital at no charge as well as making 10,000 downloads available from the website again for no cost to the consumer and this promotion proved as an invaluable asset to DL’s whole outfit.
DL then intensively worked to complete the album The 4th Quarter, which he has himself remarked as one of his “greatest moments in his career creatively” as it embodies the 4 elements and styles which he specializes in. The album is segmented into 4 areas which represent soul, new age, jazz and authenticity and was a listening experience which intrigued even the most subtle of hip-hop heads there are.
In Early 2008 DL recorded a unique album entitled The Jazz That Was Forgotten, which was to be an album that concentrated on 10 musical instruments heavily used in Jazz where each track on the album was a representation of that instrument with the said instrument providing the prominent melody or break within the track. This album along with a best of album was released in Japan in September of 2008 and was met with great responses from hip-hop fans who appreciate the connoisseurship element to real music. In the meantime Funky DL co-wrote and produced an album entitled Imagine Me for UK sensation Lei-an and with the business experience he had picked up over the years, was the key player behind the project management of this release in November 2008.
The productivity didn’t stop there as DL went back into the studio to produce the album The Interview, released on BBE Records in 2009. The album concept structured as a radio interview with radio personality Dave VJ, where in between the tracks VJ asks DL a question and the very last words of DL’s answers are the titles of the proceeding track which often go on to elaborate on DL’s answer(s). The album was created to give the listener much more than just an album but an insight to DL’s thoughts, feelings and views on various music related topics as DL was aware that all the fans of his music are not always able to catch him on the radio and this serves as a highly interesting listen.
As a producer, DL was requested to submit some music for the famous MTV show “Runs House” and his contributions were aired in the final episode of season two “Baby Comes Home”
Funky DLAs no stranger to the studio DL started to work on a soulful dance music project with production collective Gemini Infinity and set about to craft the brilliant album LOVECHASEDREAM, which was immediately signed by a Japanese Record label and subsequently released in September of 2009. The project featured the creative talents of some of DL’s most favored collaborates including Xantonè Blacq, Giorgio Serci, Sienna, Dukus Alemay and Lei-an.
Again DL went straight back in the studio to produce The Comfort Zone, a new album by UK hip-hop artist Pyrelli, completely and solely produced by DL himself. This is the first “hip-hop” album Funky DL has ever produced for another MC and features a wider variation of his production styles than usual. At the same time DL produced a few track for “Little Brown Girl”, an up and coming R&B vocalist from East London as well as a few production credits for UK hip-hop sensation Klashnekoff for his forthcoming mix-tapes project.
DL then embarked on his first tour opportunity in Europe playing at “Banana Split” in Cologne, Germany in front of an audience at capacity and also The Merrker in Baden, Switzerland with surrounding European countries to follow.
Washington Classics then set up the release of “Funky DL / The Ultimate Collection”, a 36 track double CD encompassing the most favorable musical moments from DL’s entire history as a recording artist.
DL took a little twist in the road in January 2010 and recorded Back To Frank, an amazingly interesting conceptual album in which DL sampled moments from Grammy Award Winning artist Amy Winehouse and her debut album Frank, and recreated and reprogrammed these samples into a whole hip-hop album which was promoted as FREE online download to which the masses scooped up immediately with over 180,000 downloads to date.
In June 2010 DL then followed with Back To Rap, the sequel to Back to Frank, where he took on the creative sampling techniques lifting from Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album and again released this as a FREE online download, but this time including features from various UK urban acts such as Pyrelli, MCD, and Addictive, to name a few.
Also in 2010 funky DL released of his next studio album entitled A Classic Example of a… and did a 3 date tour in Japan in August performing in Tokyo and Osaka. On top of this Funky DL has recorded with Japanese Producers Melodiverse and CM Smooth, featuring their production as well as his own for his 2011 album Blackcurrent Jazz 2, which he himself remarks as “one of my best albums if not the..”
Blackcurrent Jazz 2 was an instant success with rave reviews of the genuine creativity and polish that brings the album together in such a refined and mature way. Funky DL also released a 4 album instrumental series entitled Cool Classic Jazzstrumentals, which encompasses some of the smoothest beats from his catalogue. DL visited Shanghai, China for the first time in July 2011 for a performance at the Casio "G-Shock - Shock The World Tour" and in addition, has explored further into Europe, performing shows in Berlin Germany (Club Cassiopeia) in September 2011 and also (The Merkker) in Badan, Switzerland in October 2011.
The frightening thing about all of DL’s accolades is that he feels as if this is just the beginning... So in summing up... For a young man who at 19 scored a 5 album deal with no management, won a MOBO and was the only X3 consecutive UK hip-hop nominee period, remixing for well known acts, travelling the world touring and producing for underground and established acts, owning and running a respected record label dealing with main stay labels… at the age of just 33 you could agree.. DL is the about one of the greatest and successful hip-hop inspirations the UK could offer!!!!
Watchin' The World
Funky DL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd like to know what's up with you
And it's driving me crazy
Tell me what am I supposed to do
As a youngin' I came up in the times of when rap was adolescent
People rather punched than gun clapped
When parents were stricter and kids don't talk back
I wish I could walk back
Cause times done changed, but it ain't for the better
I fear for these young souls who ain't go getters
The time of the email
They can't write letters
World of followers and not trendsetters
Where MTV is as much aspiration
For kids who don't really have any vocation
And rather be hard than to be too smart
And use they hate over using they heart
I asked a young blood what he wants when he grows
He still don't know and he's now twenty four
Walking on the road in the sleet, in the snow
Up to no damn good, gets chased by po-po
Looking for a sneak move to make some cash
Pretends that he's flossing when it's more than he has
Don't he understand that this life can't last
Should've paid attention when sitting in class
You think that he cares, no he wanna live fast
And throw mad stones though his home's made of glass
His value for life's at an all time low
But can he turn it around, I just don't know
I'm watching the world
Yo I'm watching the ways of these moms and these dads
And fear for the lives of the kids I don't have
What am I supposed to tell em', that the world went mad?
That parent's got lazy, so kids turned bad?
Parent's had no clue so kids done crashed
Society, influences too much, man
It ain't just that, it's environments too
The kind of experiences they go through
And all kinds of things that we exposed to
It's there for you to see it when you turn on the news
It ain't about a team, it's just about a crew
So me, me, me
And nothing 'bout you
So gimme, gimme, gimme
And give back to who?
Them youth g'wan do what them youth g'wan do
Enough is enough, say the law and it's true
But this problem is old and this problem ain't new
And is there anything I can do to give back?
Beside pen lyrics and rhyme on the track
And can one man make a great big change
Without his effort going down in vain
And causing him strain, making him feel pain
And saying to himself, never do that again
I just don't know and it just don't stop
So each and every day is the world I'll watch
Yo, I'm watching the world
x2
The lyrics of Funky DL's song "Watchin' the World" reflect on the modern-day world and how it has changed from what it used to be like in the past. The song is a continuation of his reflection on the rap industry, which has witnessed a shift in what is valued in life. DL reflects on the changes and how they are worrying, especially for those who are coming of age. He wonders how he should respond to these changes and what he could do to change the situation.
The song highlights the lack of direction and purpose among the youth. There is a feeling of hopelessness among the youth who lack role models or examples to guide them. The current generation prefers to be followers rather than trailblazers, and it is disheartening to watch this happen. The younger generation has no aspirations and is more interested in going along with the crowd. What is more, the younger generation seems to lack the capacity to think for themselves.
The world has changed a lot, and the younger generation seems to be more interested in the material things and less interested in education. DL is worried about the young blood that walks in the sleet and the snow because they seem to have no direction. They are not concerned with the value of life and would instead live fast, throwing mad stones. The song is an expression of the hopelessness and desperation that pervades modern society.
Line by Line Meaning
You got me watching you lately
I am now paying closer attention to the world around me
I'd like to know what's up with you
I want to understand what's happening and why
And it's driving me crazy
The current state of society is overwhelming and concerning
Tell me what am I supposed to do
I am unsure of how to respond or make a difference
As a youngin' I came up in the times of when rap was adolescent
I grew up in the early days of hip hop when the culture was still forming
People rather punched than gun clapped
Violent behavior was more physical and less lethal than in today's society
When parents were stricter and kids don't talk back
The older generation had more control and respect within the family dynamic
And days were the bomb man
The past was exciting and enjoyable compared to the present
I wish I could walk back
I have nostalgia and a desire to revisit the past
Cause times done changed, but it ain't for the better
The current state of society has regressed and worsened over time
I fear for these young souls who ain't go getters
I am concerned for the younger generation who lack drive and ambition
The time of the email
The era of written communication has shifted to electronic methods
They can't write letters
Many young people struggle with basic communication skills
World of followers and not trendsetters
Society values conformity and fitting in rather than individuality and creativity
Where MTV is as much aspiration
Young people aspire to be like what they see on television
For kids who don't really have any vocation
Those without direction in life are most susceptible to negative influences
And rather be hard than to be too smart
Some choose to prioritize toughness over intelligence
And use they hate over using they heart
Anger and negativity are more easily expressed than love and compassion
I asked a young blood what he wants when he grows
I inquired about a young person's future aspirations
He still don't know and he's now twenty four
The individual in question is unsure of their goals even in early adulthood
Walking on the road in the sleet, in the snow
The person is walking without direction or purpose in harsh weather conditions
Up to no damn good, gets chased by po-po
The individual is engaging in illegal activities and is pursued by the police
Looking for a sneak move to make some cash
The person is seeking a way to make money through questionable means
Pretends that he's flossing when it's more than he has
The individual is showing off material possessions they cannot actually afford
Don't he understand that this life can't last
The person is not realizing the consequences of their actions and lifestyle
Should've paid attention when sitting in class
A better education could have prevented poor decision-making
You think that he cares, no he wanna live fast
The individual prioritizes immediate gratification over long-term success
And throw mad stones though his home's made of glass
The person outwardly judges others despite their own flaws and vulnerabilities
His value for life's at an all time low
The individual does not value their own life or the lives of others
But can he turn it around, I just don't know
It is uncertain if the person can change their ways and improve their life
Yo I'm watching the ways of these moms and these dads
I am observing the parenting strategies and behaviors of adults
And fear for the lives of the kids I don't have
I worry about the future of children not yet born
What am I supposed to tell em', that the world went mad?
I am unsure of how to explain the current state of society to younger generations
That parent's got lazy, so kids turned bad?
The lack of effort from parents has contributed to the negative behaviors of children
Parent's had no clue so kids done crashed
Parental guidance and support is crucial for a child's success and well-being
Society, influences too much, man
External factors have a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole
It ain't just that, it's environments too
The physical and social surroundings also play a role in shaping behavior and attitudes
The kind of experiences they go through
Life events and circumstances can have a lasting effect on a person's development
And all kinds of things that we exposed to
We are constantly bombarded with various stimuli that can influence our thoughts and actions
It's there for you to see it when you turn on the news
The negative effects of society and its influences are often evident in media coverage
It ain't about a team, it's just about a crew
Individuals prioritize their personal connections over collective progress
So me, me, me
Selfishness and individualism are prevalent
And nothing 'bout you
Others are often ignored or disregarded
So gimme, gimme, gimme
There is a constant desire for more
And give back to who?
There is a lack of consideration for giving back or helping others
Them youth g'wan do what them youth g'wan do
Young people will continue to act as they please despite external influences
Enough is enough, say the law and it's true
The law has a duty to intervene when behavior becomes unacceptable or dangerous
But this problem is old and this problem ain't new
The issues facing society have existed for a long time and require systemic change
And is there anything I can do to give back?
I am questioning how I can contribute to improving society
Beside pen lyrics and rhyme on the track
My current method of expression through music may not be enough to make a significant impact
And can one man make a great big change
I am considering if an individual can create meaningful change on a large scale
Without his effort going down in vain
I hope that my efforts will not be in vain and will lead to positive change
And causing him strain, making him feel pain
The process of trying to effect change can be difficult and emotionally taxing
And saying to himself, never do that again
Experiencing difficulty and failure can lead to discouragement and a reluctance to try again
I just don't know and it just don't stop
The complexity and persistence of societal issues make it difficult to know how to proceed
So each and every day is the world I'll watch
I will continue to observe and attempt to understand the world around me on a daily basis
Contributed by Jake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Felix
He's an amazing rapper, his tracks are so calming. Too bad he isn't that well known :[
shombie
Forgotten track. I’ve recently started listening to The 4th Quarter again and this was truly a hidden gem.
Dave Bernal
Listened to this album a lot back in college, came back to it. I have most of his in vinyl... can't find this one though. Beats are so mellow, he lays it on like butter and his lyrics have meaning. Makes you think. Reminiscent and nostalgic... most of the music today is so soulless it's good to hear this again.
Zar Sentinel
Real rap, real music.
JACS1N1ST3R
Perfect song of todays times.
Allen Jones
Wow these words are so true..sometimes, there are some kids out here that actually listen. Just not enough!!
James Mckerns
finally a talent from the UK!
AKIRA
So Nice!!!
MrOpposite21
i fucking love DL hes the man arddd!
MoombaMastar
Nice. I like it.