Rating: NNNN
Hieroglyphics leader Del joins forces with El-P’s Definitive Jux to release the Funky Homosapien’s first LP since 2000’s Both Sides Of The Brain. He still wields that thick, multi-syllabic Oakland drawl flow with force and stays balanced between brilliant and basic – whatever’s needed, depending on the topic.
It’s nice to soak in the murky digital pool of disco in the refreshing, ego-killing Bubble Pop, and if the NBA had any balls, its next campaign would use the future super-funk of Slam Dunk. It’s full of jaw gymnastics and Del spitting game with veteran’s skill, like “Court is in session / the message is a festive vibe.” Jamario Moon would dig it.
Dark, cathartic and hardcore, Del stays true to himself. J-Zone’s amazing finale makes me wish for more Del/El-P collabos.