This gem from 1991 shows Del tha Funkee Homosapien--the charismatic MC from respected Bay Area crew the Hieroglyphics--in a sharply promising debut, produced by Del, his cousin Ice Cube, and DJ Pooh. Unlike his famous cousin, Del has made a lyrical name for himself by not rhyming about the more violent aspects of inner-city life, instead taking a more laidback and humorous tack, though each rapper produces a stinging effectiveness in his lyrics. But even Cube has to make fun of himself, posing as a guest thug on a parody, "The Wacky World of Rapid Transit." The pair's penchant for creative, hard-hitting beats are certainly in alignment, as P-Funk gets referenced throughout, both in the album's title ("Brother George" = George Clinton) and in the raw grooves that snake in and out of the album. But above all, this is a prime chance to catch Del's mighty tongue unleashed in his most brazenly un-PC (and extremely fun) ode to black pride--check out "Pissin' on the Steps" or "Dark Skin Girls" for further evidence. --Tamara Palmer
