Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
Future Development (HieroOnline)
By: Wes Eckmayer
Del's last album, No Need For Alarm, was part of that golden 93-95 era of Hip Hop. At the time everything that came out was new and innovative. Classics like Nas' Illmatic, The Sun Rises in The East by Jeru,and OC's Times Up had all brought new Hip Hop icons. In 96 and 97 all those icons went out like a brick parachutes. Nas traded Wild Style for Mario Puzzo's Last Don. Jeru's head got to big and he forgot how to entertain. OC tried to sell out,but didn9t quite know how. This brings me back to Del.Del didn't go out. His label dropped him. Future Development is an album he recorded in 96 that was never released. Del has finally put it out himself via Hieroonline.
Del doesn't disappoint like the rest of the people of that golden era. He comes through quite nicely. The album showcases the creativity one has come to expect from Del. He examines a woman's side of a relationship on Love is Worth, which is odd in Hip Hop. Del has always shown to be a free thinker. He compares the Hip hop industry to slavery on Del's Nightmare. This may sound like going a little overboard but he does it well.
Another highlight is Corner Store, that has Del walking to the store and the events that happen on the way. The production simple loops create the niece feel of a sunny day in Oakland. It is a great example of how Del hasn't lost his roots.
This album reminded me that Del was at on time on of my favorite artists. The great accomplishment is that he has not peaked yet. On like many others who made masterpieces then feel off, Del manages to stay focused. This may not be as good as No Need For Alarm, but it is disappointing either.
