Browse by Label: NIPPON CROWN (JAPAN)

Artist:	DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN
Title:	Future Development
Label:	NIPPON CROWN (JAPAN)
Format:	CD
Price:	$28.00
Catalog #:	CRCL 8877CD

Japanese-only release of this previously unreleased early 90s album, originally proposed to and rejected by his label at the time, Elektra. "Del first made his impact on the hip-hop music scene in 1991 with his album I Wish My Brother George Was Here. The music was just quite to the left of mainstream and the lyricism revealed a creative mind that was beginning to find its niche. At 18, Del's deep voice and impressive vocabulary were enough to lure in fans lucky enough to take notice. While the album doesn't exactly reflect Del's genuine sensibility (as it was a collaboration with Ice Cube and DJ Pooh) the B-Sides for the album gave way to introduce an emerging crew and the mysterious mind of Del. Del's second album No Need for Alarm was closer to his sensibility as production was kept much closer to home with Domino, Del and other members of Hiero providing beats for the album. It wasn't the mainstream debut album that the label loved, it was the first 'Del' album that really embodied the personality and range of the artist that was beginning to establish a cult following. Del's third album, this album, Future Development was conceived as a reaction to the times following the release of his second album. Making beats at home and getting even more in touch with his music, Elektra was left desiring the catchy, bohemian rapper from the early 90' s, not an intelligent, different and entirely unique artist whom they weren't able to find a marketing niche for. Future Development was very much a statement against the established record industry and Del would not budge or give in to their collaborative suggestions or hints at improving the album, so the album was left out to dry as Del was finally dropped from the Elektra Label. As the remaining members of Hiero were also respectively dropped from their label, the crew united to form 'Hieroglyphics Imperium' in order to continue to release their music. Obscure and unknown for quite some time, Future Development was finally released online as a tape for Del fans to enjoy. While a few tracks were used elsewhere ('At The Helm, Oakland Blackouts'), the enclosed album serves as another reflection of the artistry of Del. Different in tone than No Need for Alarm or even the follow up album Both Sides of the Brain, Future Development is a very raw and honest Del album filled with his trademark quirky stories, impressive lyricism, and anti-establishment attitude. The album also serves as the original impetus for what ultimately became the space odyssey album Deltron 3030. Futurism, technology, ghetto life and some way to smile through it all, Future Development is a charming and intelligent exploration into the enigmatic mind of Del the Funky Homosapien. So do what you need to relax, sit back and for the first time enjoy the CD version of Del's long lost album... Future Development." -- Jacob Rosenberg.

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