Ten Things You Never Knew About Del the Funky Homosapien
1. He Is Ice Cube’s Cousin
Born in Oakland, Calif., Del began his career writing lyrics for one of Ice Cube’s groups, Da Lench Mob.
2. You’ve Probably Heard His Tracks While Playing Your Favorite Games
Many video games, film soundtracks, and skateboarding, rollerblading, and snowboarding videos have used Del’s tracks to take media to the next level. His songs have been in popular video games like Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, NBA 2K5, and Street Fighter V.
3. His Inspiration Runs Deep
“Damn. Well, I been into music since as far back as I can remember, and that’s pretty far back. I was born in ’72. My parents had me surrounded by a lot of funky music, a lot of soulful music, African rhythms. My pops used to take me to these little African-like festivals and art exposés. My pops is an abstract artist. He did the art for my Eleventh Hour LP cover. So anyway, music and art have always been around me. I’m a visual artist as well, but music was something that came more natural to me. I started writing small poems in school around second and third grade. I was a gifted student, English and comprehension being my main gift, so to speak. I got interested in rap because the songs were saying things that I never thought you could say in a song, real things. Things I actually saw in the street growing up. Plus it was kinda related to slick talking like I heard in the ’70s growing up, like from pimps and stuff like that.” —Del the Funky Homosapien
4. Del Collaborated on Gorillaz’ Platinum-Selling Debut Album
Two songs on Gorillaz self-titled debut album, “Clint Eastwood” and “Rock the House,” both of which achieved chart success, featured Del. He performed under the identity of Del the Ghost Rapper, who was said to be a spirit hiding from death within the band’s drummer, Russel Hobbs.
5. He Is Part of Alternative Hip-Hop Supergroup Deltron 3030
Deltron 3030 — composed of producer Dan the Automator, Deltron Zero (aka Del the Funky Homosapien), and DJ Kid Koala — collaborated with a variety of musicians under many futuristic pseudonyms. The group’s self-titled debut LP is a concept album set in the year 3030 that tells of Deltron Zero’s fight against huge corporations that rule the universe.
6. Deltron 3030’s Album, Event 2, Is Filled with Celebrity Cameos
Event 2 features many artist and celebrities — including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Aaron Bruno, David Cross, Amber Tamblyn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the Lonely Island, David Chang, Emily Wells, Mike Patton, and Jamie Cullum — who provide vocals and spoken word to this futuristic hip-hop.
7. He Has a Tireless Work Ethic
Del has released 11 solo studio albums, three mixtapes, and countless collaboration albums. His vision and work ethic have brought endless inspiration to the world of hip-hop. You won’t see him sleeping on your couch anytime soon.
8. He Released the Album Iller Than Most for Free, Because He Can
“Because I like playing. It’s fun to me. I make music all the time, so what good is it doing sitting in my house?” —Del the Funky Homosapien
9. He’s Loyal to the World of the Independent Artist
Del decided to take his art into his own hands by creating the label Hieroglyphics Imperium. As one of the first independent hip-hop labels that successfully utilized the Internet, the company set the standard for profitable independent hip-hop labels on the Web. Hieroglyphics consist of Souls of Mischief, Casual, Pep-Love, Jay-Biz, Domino, and others. A multidimensional artist, Del began to produce beats for himself and his fellow artists.
10. He’s Big on Hygiene