What Had Happened Was

An underground rap artist, Mr. Lif, and talented artists RJD2 and Aesop Rock from the Def Jux label join El-P to discuss the launch of the legendary record label. They talk about meeting Cannibal Ox, putting together the classic debut album 'The Cold Vein', and unleashing it on the world.

El-P breaks down Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus LP including the origins of his unique approach to production, the changes between the EP version and the final release, and the disagreements leading to the group's dissolution. They also discuss the influence of conspiracy theories on society, creating personal and emotional stories in music, and the reasons behind the breakup and reconciliation of the group.

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.

On the season finale of What Had Happened Was we talk with Prince Paul about what didnt happen in his long and storied career. From near miss collaborations with legendary artists to TV projects that ended before ever launching, these are the stories of what almost happened plus a look into the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1993 De La Soul released Buhloone Mindstate which was their final album produced by Prince Paul. Filled with raw expression and lush jazz arrangements played live by James Brown's original backing band, the album sounds like none before or after it. The careers of Paul and De La Soul both took sharp turns after as they parted ways and attempted to carve out their own identities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The music video for 1990’s ‘Buddy’ by De La Soul introduced the world to the Native Tongues collective. The crew consisted of Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, Monie Love and more. This collective was groundbreaking in that it made space for a freer and more individualistic image of rap stars at a critical time in rap history. It would go on to influence the rise of Common, Kanye West, J. Cole and more. Hear the story of the collective’s rise and slow dissolution from one of its key early members Prince Paul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2003 after the mishandling of ‘A Prince Among Thieves’, Paul found himself in a dark space and made an album reflective of his negative feelings about the music industry. Devoid of his signature skits and melodic samples, Politics of the Business is Prince Paul at his most cynical. He tells the story of putting the album together, its critical/fan reception and how he feels about it now. (album features Dave Chappelle, Ice-T, Chuck D, Jean Grae, MF DOOM and more) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1998 Prince Paul linked up with Dan The Automator (Dr. Octagon, Detlron 3030) and formed Handsome Boy Modeling School based on an episode of Chris Eliot’s 90s sitcom ‘Get A Life’. They made two albums featuring everyone from DJ Shadow to Father Guido Sarducci. Paul walks us through these collaborations including amazing stories about linking up with Pharell Williams to record him in a very unlikely location and why El-P was confused by the final version of the song he recorded on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul began his journey in rap in 1977 as a DJ right when hip-hop was starting in New York. Shortly after that it turns into a career when he meets the rappers that would become the legendary group Stetsasonic. In this episode he tells the story of going from ‘sucker duck’ kid DJ to touring the world with Stetsasonic and the lessons that led him to strike out on his own with De La Soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1991 after the smash success of their debut album 3ft High and Rising, De La Soul and Prince Paul become household names and with that comes strangers harassing them with unwanted demo tapes, weird encounters at Burger King, and rumors being spread about the group. All of these problems are front and center on their second album, the brilliant De La Soul is Dead.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices