Much has been said about the legacy of Del the Funky Homosapien, but he’s hoping to expand it. As a critically acclaimed emcee hailing from Oakland, California, Del is credited with being an influential figure in the Bay area Rap scene. From his solo work to his collaborations to his material with Hieroglyphics brethren, Del has become an adored figure in the California landscape. His latest effort, a collaborative project with Parallel Thought, is Attractive Sin, an album that is sure to add to his discography as another solid effort from Sir DZL.
As he’s done so often in his career, Del helps Attractive Sin shine with lyricism and flow. From the outset, the Yay area wordsmith showcases his unique sharpness and intriguing delivery. His rhyme patterns remain strong, as he places multiple syllable rhymes within lines and clever wordplay. “Ain’t come to teach fools. I just like to speak through the African rhythms. It’s trapped in my system,” he rhymes on “Different Guidelines,” a standout cut. The song allows Del to explains why he’s “different” in an anthemic manner that becomes familiar to nearly any listener. “Front Like You Know” is another cut that shows Del’s knack for catchy, relatable tunes. With all of this, the album still shines, but it’s not solely because of Del.
Parallel Thought bring their soulful flash to the disc. As a result, Sin becomes a perfect sound bed for Del’s unmistakable voice and unpredictable flow. “Different Guidelines,” “Blow Your Mind” and “Get to Drillin” showcase the aforementioned soul with flare. “1520 Sedgewick” is an ode to Hip Hop with enough to make B-Boys rock, also showing some variety in PT’s arsenal. While “Activated Sludge” has another soulful beat, it’s eerily reminiscent of Ant’s sample flip on “Picket Fence” for Brother Ali. Still, there’s little else to knock from a production standpoint as Parallel Thought provides solid production behind Del yet again.
As a whole, Attractive Sin is another example of Del’s legacy growing as years pass. He shows his knack for creative rhymes and fluid delivery without missing a beat over strong instrumentation. It may not be enough to overshadow his past work, but it’s another sign of diversity and strength from the Bay today. It might also be “different” in many ways but that’s what has always set Del apart.
The one with Tame 1 was WAY better.
Please tell me you’re joking. The one with Tame One was not even good. They didn’t go together at all and the beats were wack. This album had Del’s great rapping and finally some dope beats. This >>
Sorry bruh, Del’s “great rapping” is few and far between these days. He just keystyles it in.
Glad to hear a positive review, Del is one of my favorite rappers in terms of style but he’s not known for having the strongest catalog. May cop this if a stranger hands me a huge stack of cash.
http://www.soundcloud.com/anarchy12
Always been a Del fan but would pick this up on the strength of it being PT productions. Loved what they did with Tame.
S/O to Drum & Knowledge
It’s good. A full album of good beats for Del. It’s no Deltron or future Development but it’s a great album. I recommend “Front like ya know”
Love the production and of course Del, 4.5 out of 5
I’d give this album only 2 stars not even 2 1/2. Del hasn’t made a good solo album since Deltron 3030. “Parallel Uni-Verses” with Tame One was an ok album. Other than that FELL OFF!!! His production is always garbage now days and the beats on this album I’m not feeling either. Track one made me think the album might have a chance but only got worse and worse to the point of being disappointed yet again in another boring Del album.
Overrated.
Never liked PT’s beats. They’re average at best.
Instead of quality this album provides further proof that Del just doesn’t seem to care anymore. It is a continuation of the same boring stuff he constantly churns out for his bandcamp page only with slightly better beats this time(not by much). Both the vocal delivery and the lyrics are just as boring as before, unfortunately. Forget this blunder’s existence and put on some of his old stuff instead. 1.5/5
nice album. deserves 3.5~4/5