Golden Era
Intro
Bay Area artist Del The Funkee Homosapien released his 2011 album Golden Era, being his 5th album in 4 years. With ten tracks clocking in at around 40 minutes. This is one of Hieroglyphics latest release, with Casual’s Hierophant being released only a near month later. This may not be your Golden Era, but it is certainly del’s golden era.
1. Break the Bank
Del starting off his album with braggadocio, he antagonizes the listener. Calling the listener“stupid doofus” and rapping “things can stay the same, they got to change, get that in ya brain” on the hooks, Del’s rhyme schemes are made good, intricate, but simple at times. The instrumental smells good, it gives off a vibe that makes the listener tune into Del’s rhyming.
4/5
2. Calculate
First thing noticeable is Del’s instrumental, which sounds reminiscent of Schoolly D’s record PSK, Del most likely samples this record, giving it more of a funky breakbeat. Del’s first verse raps about changing a style in order to gain appeal, which sums up the theme of this song, Del in this record doesn’t change himself to make this record appeal more, Del is being Del. Again on the hooks Del lays down some words of wisdom for the listener, real shit right here
4.5/5
3. Double Barrel
No fear in naming what Del wants, he straight out titles this Double Barrel. The beat sounds electronic, more new school, but still listenable, instead of getting frenzied over name-brands or cars, Del raps whats on his mind, which is the most important part of this album. Del is being himself, being Gold.
4.5/5
4. Makes No Sense
A guitar loop, and touch of piano layers the instrumental. Del’s talk about some of the wrong things people do, fretting over situations, and acting like an ass. Del needs no catchy hooks or beats to get the listener to know what Del’s talking about. This song parallels some of the textures of life, with hate, and disfavor in people, Del may be talking about a loved one, friend, or simply making a song, but Del doesn’t end the song without saying his shit
4/5
5. One Out Of A Million
A laid-back, funky beat with a touch of R&B, Del includes some horns on this song, simply saying this song doesn’t have a simple structure, it’s layered, and detailed with samples. Del talks about some of his love for rap music. “You dime-headed sucka”. Del is in the state of consciousness
4.5/5
6. Pearly Gates
This instrumental is dope nawmean? Sadly the acapella is overshadowed by the instrumental (the mixing may of fucked up) by Del spits topics harshing people in society. Most notable, he makes a reference to “Scoobey-Doobey”
4/5
7. Raw
A hard guitar sample, mean breakbeat, and brash samples the instrumentals fits Del’s voice and topics. This also samples that same horn in House of Pain’s song Jump Around. This is a braggadocio type song, which fits the title Raw. Del has internal rhymes and sometimes gets fiscal with multis. “I’m fly, you floppy”
4.5/5
8. Upside Down
Funky breakbeat, some laid back guitar plucking samples, the instrumental is solid. Del does another braggadoico. “I don’t give a fuck right now, times to turn the whole shit upside down” By this time Del’s topics may have been a bit stale for some, but his instrumentals give a fresh new feeling to each song (I don’t know who the fuck produces the songs. Del’s last record It Ain’t Illegal Yet was entirely produced by himself though)
4.5/5
9. Descending
A breezy jazzy feel to it, you can hear the tsk coming from the drums. Del spits on Hip Hop, his braggadocio fits the brash attitude to the instrumental. This song is very listenable.
4.5/5
10. Fallout
The last song of the album, the beat is abstract with a flute sample. He raps about ripping shit and Hip Hop clowns. Similes are evident with references to Papa Smurf and other pop culture icons. Overall wrapping the album it does, its job. All the beats are consistent sounding, nothing sounds out of place, or something from another record, Del rips competition, and he talks trash, Hip Hop, braggadocio, and some themes of life. With no song surpassing 4 minutes, or under 3 minutes, this album is well crafted, and for some may be valued as a classic.
4.5/5
Overall rating (Outro)
With no skits, or long-ass intros cough**cough, Del crafts an album that is listenable from the first to last song. The only fault is that Del’s topics may be repetitive, but taken it is not a long listen coughcough, so all is forgived for the master MC… I still don’t know who the fuck produced the album. If you have any info on production, mail is welcome
No comments:
Post a Comment