Music Notes: Hip-Hop In-Del-igence

The world of hip-hop has seen many imitators come and go, amounting to nothing but a blip on the music screen.

In a genre that has been filled with artists as of late, it has been hard for some to maintain an originality that they can call their own.

Meet Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.

As one of the pioneers of the underground hip-hip movement, Del has created a sound unlike his counterparts, leaving an indelible mark and becoming a prominent figure in the eyes of the hip-hop community.

Oct. 23 marks the return of Del as he summons hip-hop fans to bear witness to his lyrical genius at Big Shot’s in Roseville.

As one of the founding fathers of the loose bay area collective known as the Hieroglyphics, Del has been preaching his lyrical gospel for over a decade.

The Hieroglyphics crew has boasted a wealth of talented MC’s, with the likes of Domino, Casual, Extra Prolific, and Souls of Mischief.

This talented underground squad became the stepping stone for Del to create his characteristically clever beats and rhymes.

The Hieroglyphics became a montage of traditional rap and catchy beats with the addition of unique voices that were individually easy to point out of the large crew.

The collaboration of the Hieroglyphics members translated into a group that was both playful and soulful in their words and their music, but still was able to maintain its street credibility with its socially conscious message.

Del expanded on his street savvy in 1991 with his debut solo album, “I Wish My Brother George Was Here.” Produced by his cousin and rap legend Ice Cube, the album showcased Del’s ability to effectively move in his own direction and branch out in the hip-hop community.

Songs like “Mistadobalina” and “Sleepin’ On My Couch” helped mold Del’s signature sound with their lyrically intricacies, bright funky beats and politically verbal missives.

Del continued to move in new directions with his follow-up albums “No Need For Alarm” released in 1994 and last year’s “Future Development” which was released on the Hieroglyphics’ own label, Imperium.

Both albums are distinct in nature and serve as evidence to solidify Del’s diversity. While “No Need” is drenched with acid-jazz and psychedelic overtones, “Future” is more of a lighthearted trip into the ins and outs of everyday life with the overall feel of the songs grounded in the sounds of funk via its heavy bass lines.

Heading into Sacramento, Del brings with him a new CD, “Phoney Phranchise,” which features the title track, a song called “Press Rewind”, an unreleased cut, and two instrumentals, all of which can be ordered through Hieroglyphics.com.

Del’s new album, the aptly titled “Both Sides of the Brain,” is due out soon. He proceeds in touring extensively throughout the states.

Chances are, Del will continue to find creative ways of mixing his lyrical prowess and moving background beats that will get into both sides of our brains.

Big Shot’s is located in Roseville at 1000 Melody Lane. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien will perform on Oct. 23. Call (916) 773-6275 for details.