A discussion with a friend about Aesop Rock, ultimately lead to a discussion about El-Producto, better known as El-P.
As a rapper, El-P brings a verbosity to his rhymes not often heard let alone matched, blowin' the listeners mind time and time again with the words he strings together and spits. Never stretched or reaching, El-P's raps generally take a solid two listens to completely absorb and appreciate the brilliancy woven throughout. And as a Producer? Forget it. Opting for a grungier lo-fi sound, El-P's production skills not only amplify his rhymes, but compliment them as well. This rings true for fellow NYC hip-hopper, Aesop Rock, for whom he has produced several tracks. Underground and meant to please himself more than others, El-P doesn't go for the glitz like Kanye, because frankly, he doesn't have to. They're rappers on completely opposite sides of the hip-hop spectrum. 'Ye is in it for the money, El-P is in it because he loves it. And don't get me wrong, I love me some Kanye (as can be attested to by the several posts riddled throughout this blog on him), but you can't listen to El-P or Aesop Rock, and then listen to Kanye West, and tell me they're playas in the same game, because they're not. Kanye couldn't keep up with either of them if he tried, because apples and oranges, though both fruits, just aren't the same.
I've gotten off-track, I'm sorry, but there was a point to be made. While El-P may not be commercially friendly, his passion for hip-hop shines in his work. Passion begets passion, so, so what if he's not breaking the bank? He's got a following more loyal and more apt to stick with him than Kanye or Fitty.
Before I drop the tunes, let me note that El-P is playing Webster Hall on Saturday, May 10th. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of. For more information, go here. You best believe that if I wasn't pinching pennies, I'd be all over that show. Now cue the music!
Company Flow -- Population Control
El-P -- EMG
El-P -- Smithereens (Stop Cryin')
El-P -- The Overly Dramatic Truth
El-P -- The League of Extraordinary Nobodies
El-P -- Constellation Funk
El-P -- Accidents Don't Happen
El-P -- Truancy
El-P feat. Aesop Rock -- Run the Numbers
Cannibal Ox -- Scream Phoenix [produced by El-P]
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