What Had Happened Was Cancer 4 Cure
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May 19, 2021 Explore the challenges faced by El-P during the creation of his third solo album, 'Cancer 4 Cure', and how it changed the course of his career. Reflect on the inspiration behind the album and its symbolism. Learn about the coincidental album release that led to positive experiences and touring. Delve into the importance of independence and the central song of the album. Discuss internet privacy and the artist's relationship with substances. Uncover the power of reflection and honesty in songwriting, as well as the influence of blues and reflections on past albums.
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Creating Cancer 4 Cure Amid Hardship
- El-P made Cancer 4 Cure during a difficult period having lost his friend Camu Tao and his record label Def Jux.
- He felt like it might be his last album and saw it as going down swinging with everything he had.
Cancer as Internal Battle Metaphor
- El-P views Cancer 4 Cure as a reckoning with internal struggles, considering that the battles we fight are from within.
- He used the album title as a wordplay meaning he's both the problem (cancer) and potential solution (cure).
Financial Loss from Def Jux Shutdown
- El-P lost much of his money when Def Jux folded, as he had been floating his own money to keep the label afloat.
- The label's financial collapse left him with no income and forced him to scale back his lifestyle.