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.
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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.
The rise of independent music in the '90s provided a platform for artists to showcase their talent, generated a vibrant underground scene, and fostered a strong sense of community and support.
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.
The Inspiration and Creative Process behind Company Flow's Fun Crusher
Company Flow's debut LP, 'Funcrusher Plus,' became a defining album in the independent hip-hop scene. The podcast discusses the origins of the album's name, 'Funcrusher,' which was a result of a misread lyric that led to laughter and an idea. The album's purpose was to subvert mainstream hip-hop conventions and challenge the norms. Company Flow wanted to push boundaries, experiment with language, and explore new possibilities within the genre. The podcast highlights their admiration for traditional New York rap styles while infusing their own unique and complex structures, aiming to elicit jaw-dropping reactions and set new standards for creativity in the genre.
The Impact and Revolution of Independent Music in the '90s
The podcast episode reflects on the revolutionary impact of independent music in the '90s. During this period, artists felt disillusioned with the major label system and sought new avenues for creative expression. Company Flow found a vibrant underground scene, with venues like the Nuyorican Poets Cafe offering a platform for artists to showcase their talent. Through their DIY approach, independent artists were able to generate buzz and gain attention without compromising their artistic integrity. The episode emphasizes the strong sense of community and generosity within the underground hip-hop scene, where artists nurtured and supported one another's creative growth. The success and impact of Company Flow's independent release opened doors for other artists to explore unconventional styles and challenge the mainstream music industry.
Formation of the group Company Flow
Company Flow started as a solo project for LP, who wanted a cooler name than just his own. LP met a friend named Lou, who was an engineer, and they started making music together. LP had a little single deal with another artist, but things went south with the label. Just, a childhood friend of LP's, joined the group. They worked on music together, with LP making beats and Just focusing on lyrics. They formed a studio and spent countless hours creating music, often staying up all night. They eventually decided to turn their EP, 'Funcrusher', into a full album, which led to their deal with the label Rockers. Their music and ethos attracted other artists to the label, and they became a part of the underground revolution happening in New York and other cities.
Distinctive Production Style and Influences
LP's production style in the early days of Company Flow was influenced by his use of the EPS 16 Plus keyboard sampler, which allowed for a different approach to arranging samples compared to drum machines. He was also influenced by a diverse range of genres, including art of noise, Devo, and film soundtracks. LP sought a jagged and raw sound, using stabs and unconventional rhythms to create a unique and aggressive aesthetic. He was attracted to imperfections and mistakes, which added a rawness to the music that separated it from the smoother and more soulful sounds prevalent in underground rap at the time. LP's use of big drums and unconventional arrangements helped define Company Flow's distinct sound.
to kick off this season Open Mike Eagle and El-P dig into El's early life leading up to his first recordings and the forming of the seminal underground rap group Company Flow. Along the way we hear the story of his first encounter with the music business and how that informed the ’independent as f*ck’ aesthetic of his early releases. We then explore the record label bidding war that lands the group at legendary underground label Rawkus Records.
