DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN – Both Sides Of The Brain (25th Anniversary Edition) – 2LP – Black Vinyl

2LP – Standard 25th Anniversary Edition Black Vinyl (2025 Reissue).

In many ways, Both Sides of the Brain, released on Hiero Imperium in 2000, is a key milestone in Dels career. He had already built a strong following with his two albums for Elektra Records; I Wish My Brother George Was Here (1991) and No Need For Alarm (1993). Beyond establishing himself as an innovative force, his time on Elektra also served as a launching pad for his crew, Hieroglyphics. In 1997, Del released Future Development, a project that was originally intended to be his third album for the major label, but shortly before its scheduled release, they terminated his deal. As other members of Hiero crew had also begun losing major label support, these shifts freed them to take control of their own destiny with their independent label, Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings.

This newfound independence sparked creative growth that shines through on Both Sides of the Brain. While Del was involved in the production on his previous albums, here he takes a more definitive role in shaping the albums sound, producing the majority of the tracks with select contributions from Domino, Casual, A-Plus, El-P, Prince Paul and Khaos Unique. The beats range from funk-laden bass grooves and spacey sample collages to robotics-tinged turntablism and game-influenced loops, providing a wide sonic canvas behind Dels flow. Coincidentally, some of the guest producersCasual, El-P, A-Plus and Khaos Uniquealso provide the only guest verses for the album.

Lyrically, Del is in rare form on Both Sides of the Brain, sounding fully settled into his style, as if rhyming is merely second nature. He strikes the balance between a stream of consciousness flow and pinpointed intent, all complemented by his larger than life personality, and showcases his ability to zone out in freestyle mode just as well as he can focus on existence and life experiences. From humourous observations on body odor (If You Must), to sharp blow-by-blow takes on fair-weather friends (Pet Peeves) and industry fakes (Fake As Fuck), to serious cautionary tales of alcohol (Skull & Crossbones) and addiction (Soopa Feen), and finally to a full-blown ode to video-game culture (Proto Culture), Del covers it all.

Ultimately, Both Sides of the Brain feels and sounds like Del is hitting full stride with his creative process, and finding comfort in pushing the boundaries.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Time Is Too Expensive
2. If You Must
3. Jaw Gymnastics (feat. Casual)
4. Pet Peeves

Side B
5. Press Rewind
6. Offspring (feat. El-P)
7. Style Police
8. Fake as Fuck

Side C
9. BMs
10. Skull & Crossbones
11. Soopa Feen
12. Disastrous

Side D
13. Signature Slogans
14. Catch All This
15. Phoney Phranchise
16. Proto Culture (feat. Khaos Unique)
17. Stay On Your Toes (feat. A Plus)