What Had Happened Was cover image

What Had Happened Was

Company Flow part 1: El’s origin story

Mar 31, 2021
El-P, a member of Company Flow, shares his early life, first encounters with the music business, and how they shaped his 'independent as f*ck' aesthetic. The podcast explores the record label bidding war that brought Company Flow to legendary underground label Rawkus Records. El-P also discusses the origins of their music, their influences, and their desire to create a unique sound in rap.
01:26:14

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Quick takeaways

  • Company Flow's success showcased the value of independent music and the ability to have a career without conforming to mainstream norms.
  • Company Flow aimed to subvert mainstream hip-hop conventions and challenge the norms, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for creativity in the genre.

Deep dives

The Journey of Company Flow and the Power of Independent Music

The podcast episode explores the journey of Company Flow, a hip-hop group, and their rise in the independent music scene. They started by pressing their own records and sending them to DJs all over the country. The records gained popularity, and they realized they didn't need a major label deal to be successful. They experienced the power of independent music and how it allowed them to have creative control and keep all the profits. Their unique and complex style gained attention, with their music being played by underground DJs like Stretch and Bobbito. The success of their EP led to interest from various labels, showcasing the value of independent music and the ability to have a career without conforming to mainstream norms.

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