Killer Mike, a musician who collaborated with El-P, discusses their bombastic LP that changed their careers. They reflect on the passing of Mr. MF Doom and the impact of his music. They explore reinvention and the process of creating records. The chapter highlights the significance of lyrics influenced by Reagan's presidency.
The collaboration between Killer Mike and El-P on the album R.A.P. Music changed the course of both of their careers.
They aimed to create a warm and inclusive album that incorporated southern music influences and had unapologetically honest lyrics.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Collaboration
In this podcast episode, Mike Eagle and L.P. discuss their initial collaboration on the project called Rap Music or R.A.P. music. They talk about how their collaboration started and their first meeting at the release party for L.P.'s album. They also discuss the significance of MF Doom's passing and take a moment to pay tribute to him at the beginning of the episode.
The Unique Sound of the Album
The duo wanted to create an album with a warm and timeless sound that incorporated the unique characteristics of southern music. L.P. wanted the music to have nods to the soul and bounce that defined southern hip-hop. They aimed to make a record that felt inclusive and appealed to a wide audience, rather than sounding strictly like a New York record.
The Creative Process and Chemistry
During their first session, Mike and L.P. immediately hit it off, spent time talking and cracking jokes. L.P. played him beats like 'Big Beast' and 'Untitled,' which they both felt were special. They enjoyed the process of working together, and the chemistry was apparent from the start. They had discussions about the direction of the songs and made decisions together throughout the project.
Mike's Impactful Lyrics and Unfiltered Approach
Mike's lyrics, particularly on songs like 'Reagan,' impressed L.P. with their historical depth and relatability. They discussed how they wanted the music and lyrics to have real edge and be unapologetically honest. L.P. acknowledged that some of Mike's lyrics raised concerns, but he respected Mike's artistic expression and backed him as a person. Together, they created a powerful album that defied expectations and made an impact in the music world.
In this episode El-P tells the story of the LP that serves as the origin of Run The Jewels. in 2012 Williams Street Records (part of Adult Swim) paired El with Killer Mike to produce an album. The bombastic LP combined the sounds of both artists and changed the course of both of their careers in its wake.