11TH HOUR - DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN
Del the Funky Homosapien has spent much of the past eight years either off the radar or somewhat incongruously all over it, as was the case when he took over the song “Clint Eastwood” on the first Gorillaz record. But his 2008 is looking lively. In addition to rumored new albums from Hieroglyphics and Deltron 3030, Del has partnered with Definitive Jux for “11th Hour.” The label’s tendency toward bottom-heavy, fog-thick beats sounds awful nice under Del’s syrupy brainiac flow, which goes back to his battle-rap basics here, especially on the slithery “Slam Dunk” and the synthed-up “Hold Your Hand.” And for the killer, Zapp-referencing first single “Bubble Pop,” Del enlists the twinkle-bell sample best recognized from “Peter Piper,” something you probably don’t do unless you’re serious about your return. “11th Hour” doesn’t reinvent so much as reinvigorate, but it’s sure good to hear Del’s voice again.
