Del The Funky Homosapien prepares for 11th Hour

Del The Funky Homosapien might have cleaned up his name (he'll always be "Tha Funkee" one to us), but the man's style is still as wild and rugged as it ever was. While most probably know him as "that rapping ghost from the Gorillaz video," Del's been doing his own inter-dimensional thing since '91. That includes a distinguished period of service as the head of SoCal's Hieroglyphics rhyme collective, a stint with Dan the Automator as Deltron 3030, and too many guest appearances to count.

Meanwhile, Del's solo career really hasn't been doing much since the turn of the century. The MC hopes to turn that around on Feb. 28 next year, when he releases The 11th Hour on Definitive Jux. Given that Del's developed a reputation for having (literally) a cartoonish personality, El-P's Def Jux imprint might seem like an odd home for him.

"I look at this as an opportunity to spread the gospel a little thicker," Del said through a press release. "El-P and I have known each other for a long time and I respect what he does. I see Def Jux out there doing their thing, I think we can help each other build new audiences. I'm looking forward to working with El-P and Def Jux on future projects as well."

El-P, meanwhile, assures the press that the production is "100% Del." Given the Homosapien's track record, that certainly bodes well. Right now, Del's wrapping up his "11th Hour Tour" in support of the record, with some West Coast dates upcoming. No word yet on whether he'll hook up with Leo DiCaprio for some cross-promotion once the trek concludes.

November
8 - Portland, Ore. @ Roseland
9 - Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox
10 - Eugene, Ore. @ Wow Hall
11 - Chico, Calif. @ Senator Theater
13 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Slims
14 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Slims

Related links:
Del at Hieroglyphics.com
Del on MySpace
YouTube: Del The Funky Homosapien - "Mistadobalina"

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.