DESCRIPTION
Future Developmentis Del the Funky Homosapien’s third album and, following his departure from major label Elektra, his first solo full-length for his independent label, Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings. Originally released on cassette in 1997, and later reissued on CD and vinyl in 2002, the album relied on in-house production from the Hieroglyphics crew, with Del and A-Plus handling the majority of the beats, along with contributions from Opio and Toure. The only guest feature on the album is from another Hiero crew member, Casual, who joins Del on the energetic “Checkin Out The Rivalry.”
Sonically, Future Development bridges the funk-heavy stylings of Del’s debut with the darker, more futuristic textures he explored on No Need for Alarm. Lyrically, Del refines his rapid-fire wordplay with a sharper thematic focus, tackling life in Oakland, societal observations and hip-hop culture, all with a blend of humor, streetwise insight, and multi-syllabic dexterity. Ultimately, the album captures a snapshot of his progression from raw talent to a more conceptually matured songwriter. It remains a significant and under-appreciated chapter in Del’s evolution, showcasing early seeds of the creativity and independence that would come to define much of his career thereafter.
Tracklist
Side A:
- Lyric Licking
- Stress The World
- Why You Wanna Get Funky....
Side B:
- Don't Forget The Bass
- Faulty
- X-Files
Side C:
- Future Development
- Corner Story
- Love Is Worth
- Del's Nightmare
Side D:
- Games Begin
- Town To Town
- Checkin Out The Rivalry (ft. Casual)