One of the top artists in underground hip-hop, Oakland, Cali-based based Del Tha Funkee Homosapien has been in the game 17 years. He started as a lyricist for his cousin Ice Cube's group Da Lench Mob, then released two fairly well received albums on the major label Elektra in the early '90s. After that deal fell apart, he turned toward the alt ranks with his own Hieroglyphics crew. Del (born Teren Delvon Jones) rejects most of hip-hop's thug posturing in favor of a glib, clever approach with plenty of humor. Gliding over deep funk grooves, his vocal style seems to purposefully distance itself from the street; Del delivers his rhymes with clear articulation and an ironic haughtiness. Cool thing about Del's music is that you don't have to strain to understand the lyrics — and most of them are very worthwhile. The opening act, Texas rapper Devin the Dude works the humorous tip as well; he's been called "the Richard Pryor of hip-hop." Sun., Oct. 7, 8 p.m. doors, State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $18, 727-895-3045, statetheatreconcerts.net.
This article appears in Oct 3-9, 2007.