Born in Oakland, California, the American underground hip hop MC Del tha Funkee Homosapien is the cousin of seminal west coast rapper Ice Cube, and began his career writing lyrics for Ice Cube's group, Da Lench Mob. In 1991, with the help of Ice Cube (also as executive producer), Del released his debut solo album I Wish My Brother George Was Here at the age of 18. The album was a commercial success largely due to the popularity of the hit single 'Mistadobalina'. The title I Wish My Brother George Was Here is a reference to George Clinton, whose music was an influence on Del, as well as to the late pianist Liberace who would on occasion openly pine for his brother George to appear on Liberace's television program in the mid-50s.