Funky DL

Funky DL
Background information
Born
Naphta Newman

(1977-11-21) November 21, 1977
OriginHackney, London
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
Years active1995–present
Labels
  • Utmost Records
  • Bad News Records
  • Washington Classics

Naphta Newman (born November 21, 1977), better known by his stage name Funky DL, is an English rapper and record producer from Hackney, London. His debut album Classic Was The Day won the 1997 MOBO Award for Best Hip Hop. He was also nominated in 1998 and 1999. Following the release of his second album Heartfelt Integrity his music has been released through his own label Washington Classics. In the early 2000’s he made multiple songs with Japanese record producer Nujabes. After his tragic passing Funky DL released a tribute song “Ode to Nujabes” in 2011. Later in 2024 he authored a book titled “The Blueprint for Independent Artists: Pursuing a Successful Career In the Music Business”.