Oakland rapper Del the Funky Homosapien built a career on humor and sci-fi ambition, from 'Mistadobalina' to the concept album Deltron 3030.
MOODS · playful · futuristic · witty · narrative · offbeat · laid-back West Coast · conceptual · humorous · introspective · independent-minded
BIOGRAPHY
Del the Funky Homosapien, born Teren Delvon Jones in Oakland in 1972, is the cousin of Ice Cube and began his career writing lyrics for Ice Cube's group Da Lench Mob. His 1991 debut, I Wish My Brother George Was Here, became a commercial success on the strength of the single 'Mistadobalina.' Unhappy with that album's limited range, he split from Ice Cube's production for 1993's No Need for Alarm, which introduced the Oakland collective Hieroglyphics, including Souls of Mischief, Casual, Pep Love and producer Domino.
After struggles with substance abuse and label troubles, Del released Both Sides of the Brain and, in 2000, the collaborative concept album Deltron 3030 with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala. He also guested on Gorillaz's 2001 debut, appearing on 'Clint Eastwood' and 'Rock the House.' Later solo work, including Eleventh Hour, drew more mixed reviews. Del remains a founder of the independent, artist-owned Hieroglyphics Imperium label.
WHY THEY'RE COOL
Del the Funky Homosapien is one of hip-hop's more distinctive storytellers, blending offbeat humor with inventive concept work rather than following his cousin Ice Cube's harder-edged path. Deltron 3030, his 2000 collaboration with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala, set a dualistic, futuristic narrative to acclaimed production and is credited with helping shape later concept-driven hip-hop, including work by Kendrick Lamar and Run the Jewels. His guest spots on Gorillaz's debut album further widened his reach beyond traditional rap circles, and his commitment to Hieroglyphics Imperium reflects a career built on independence and artistic control over commercial compromise.
