Del Tha Funky Homosapien is Ice Cube’s cousin, but that’s not why he’s got such perfect game. A founding member of Hieroglyphics and Deltron 3030 and a collaborating force in Gorillaz and Handsome Boy Modeling School, he’s consistently turned out next level quality because he’s deeply committed to personal excellence. How do we know that? Because he told us. And honestly we’re not gonna say s*it better than him, so let’s just have Del take it away. The Hot Seat’s never been hotter.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: Touring with Hieroglyphics probably would be the craziest tours I’ve been on. Basic touring though for most entertainers, I guess: drank, dank and skanks. Personally, I stay away from a lot of madness, I’m usually in my hotel room directly after the show studying or creating music. My fans pay me to work and that’s what I do. Very little monkey-business going on while I’m touring by myself. I’m about my personal excellence, getting my money right, and last but not least, giving the people an enjoyable experience.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I took a Japanese course in junior college. I got an A actually. Nowadays it would probably be an advanced course in music theory. Jazz theory preferably, that’s something that I could relate to more. I wouldn’t mind taking classes in visual forms of art as well, I can still draw pretty good. I created the Hieroglyphics logo.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: New York City. It’s the birthplace of hip-hop, so I always have alot of fun just soaking up the vibe out there. Also, I have quite a few friends out there, so it’s nice to touch down and visit them when I have the chance to.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Don’t be a fool for love. You can’t help anyone if you can’t even help yourself. Pimp your situation before someone else comes along and pimps you. That’s good game.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
A: My new album, 11th Hour? Hahahahahahaha… also, Styles P. Super-Gangster, anything Tame-One does, the whole Parliament/Funkadelic discography, A-Plus’ My Last Good Deed, El-P’s I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead.
Q: What’s the last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab. I’m into psychology, studied it a bit when I was younger. And Dr. Drew is the coolest doctor I’ve ever seen. “Hit Me Fred” by Fred Wesley, is the book I’m currently reading.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: Parliament/Funkadelic. Those dudes don’t need any comment, you already know. It was fantastic. I advise cats to see them if you can, especially old footage from the late ’70s, so they can see what the music is all about. I think it’s missing nowadays in a lot of instances. 2 hours or more of them mugs just gettin’ down, man. They the main inspiration behind me learning music theory. I couldn’t understand what they were talking about musically until I learned their language somewhat :)
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: My Apple Macbook, or Macbooks, depending on if I bring them all or not. I need some kind of internet action at some point of the tour or we’ll be in trouble. My disc drive full of musical instruments and sample libraries. I could sacrifice my clothes and toiletries, but there’s gonna be a problem if I can’t make some music.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. Bootsy Collins. James Brown. Hands down, those are my biggest influences.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Don’t let anyone hate on you and say you can’t do what you want to in life. Work hard enough and it can be realized. Look in history and you’ll find any example that you wish to prove this.
