Album Stream: Del the Funky Homosapien - Iller Than Most - RESPECT.

As someone who entered the rap game in 1993, back when mixtapes were actual tape cassettes and disc jockeys actually used discs, Del the Funky Homosapien understandably disassociates himself from many MCs who rose to prominence in the internet era of mass distribution. While services like Pandora and Spotify grow increasingly popular and artists churn out mixtapes with ever-increasing frequency, Del has stayed refreshingly attached to hip-hop’s roots and the traditional methods of releasing music.

Back in 2009 and 2010 he put out Automatik Statik and It Ain’t Illegal Yet, respectively, as “digital albums,” allowing customers to pay any amount upwards of $3 to download the tracks. Much like the popular platform Kickstarter, buyers would be incentivized to pay higher amounts in exchange for special gifts including signed gear and opportunities to hang with Del. For an underground legend with undeniable skills and a hardcore fanbase like Del, this is a smart way to remain relevant in today’s free-for-all hip-hop market while simultaneously expressing his disdain for the vast amount of music “piracy” that occurs daily throughout the world.

However, in regards to his latest LP Iller Than Most, Del must be feeling in more of a giving mood. The 11-track free album–not mixtape, free album–was posted up on SoundCloud under the pseudonym Zartan Drednaught COBRA, and it appears that after over 20 years spitting Sir Dzl hasn’t missed a beat. His lyrical prowess is intact, his flow is tight, and the production, handled entirely by the Funky Homosapien himself, is unique and, well, funky. A majority of the tracks address the current state of hip-hop, as is evident from the album’s very first lyrics: “Expose these fools/Supposed dictator of the free world of rap/He about to get tazered.” As an industry, it’s hard to tell how music will continue to be altered by the internet’s all-powerful range. As fans, we can just be happy that Del the Funky Homosapien is on our side. Give the album a listen below.