El-P is a groundbreaking figure in hip-hop, celebrated for his innovative production and distinctive sound. With a career spanning over two decades, he has crafted some of the most influential albums in the genre, both as a solo artist and through collaborations.
From his seminal debut Fantastic Damage to the explosive partnership with Killer Mike in Run the Jewels, El-P's work consistently pushes boundaries and challenges conventions.
In this article, we will explore the Top 11 Albums Produced By El-P, highlighting his unique contributions to each project.
Get ready to discover how this visionary producer has shaped the landscape of modern hip-hop!
1. Fantastic Damage
Released on May 14, 2002, Fantastic Damage is El-P's debut solo album, showcasing his unique blend of underground and experimental hip-hop.
The album features hard-hitting beats and complex lyricism, often reflecting themes of despair and societal critique.
Notable tracks include "Deep Space 9mm," which critiques his past label experiences, and "Squeegee Man Shooting," addressing police brutality.
The production is characterized by a DIY ethos, with El-P utilizing an Ensoniq EPS-16 Plus sampler and other equipment in his Brooklyn bedroom.
Critics hailed it as a challenging yet rewarding listen, with its chaotic energy and intricate wordplay establishing El-P as a significant voice in hip-hop.
2. Cancer 4 Cure
Released in 2012, Cancer 4 Cure marks a pivotal moment in El-P's career, blending personal introspection with sharp social commentary.
The album's production is both aggressive and melodic, featuring standout tracks like "Full Retard" and "$4 VicFTL," where El-P confronts themes of struggle and resilience.
This project reflects his growth as an artist, showcasing vulnerability alongside his signature bravado. Collaborations with artists such as Killer Mike and Danny Brown add depth to the album, making it a multifaceted exploration of identity and existence within the contemporary landscape of hip-hop.
3. I'll Sleep When You're Dead
El-P's 2007 album I'll Sleep When You're Dead is a conceptual work set in the fictional world of Poisonville. It combines intricate storytelling with diverse musical influences, including rock and electronic elements.
Tracks like "Tasmanian Pain Coaster" highlight the album's ambitious scope, while collaborations with artists like Trent Reznor and Cat Power enhance its sonic landscape.
The album delves into themes of mortality, existential dread, and societal decay, showcasing El-P's ability to weave complex narratives through his music.
Its innovative production and lyrical depth have solidified its status as a landmark release in underground hip-hop.
4. Deep Space 9mm
"Deep Space 9mm," featured on Fantastic Damage, serves as both a personal reflection and a critique of the music industry.
The track is known for its haunting production and rapid-fire lyrics that encapsulate El-P's struggles with fame and authenticity.
It explores themes of alienation and the pressures of success while maintaining a gritty New York aesthetic.
The song's vivid imagery and disjointed narrative style exemplify El-P's unique approach to storytelling within hip-hop.
5. Run the Jewels 3
Released in 2016, Run the Jewels 3 continues the powerful collaboration between El-P and Killer Mike. This album is marked by its politically charged lyrics addressing systemic injustice, economic disparity, and personal resilience.
Tracks like "Legend Has It" and "Talk to Me" showcase their dynamic chemistry and sharp wit, while the production blends hard-hitting beats with innovative sampling techniques.
The album received critical acclaim for its urgency and relevance, solidifying Run the Jewels' position as one of hip-hop's most influential duos.
6. Funcrusher Plus
Funcrusher Plus, released in 1997 by Company Flow, is considered a seminal work in underground hip-hop.
This album features innovative production techniques that challenge conventional rap norms while delivering complex lyricism.
Tracks like "The Fire in Which You Burn" present a raw portrayal of urban life, blending elements of hardcore rap with avant-garde sounds.
Its influence on subsequent artists is profound, establishing Company Flow—and by extension El-P—as pioneers within the genre.
7. High Water
High Water, part of the Run the Jewels project released in 2020, reflects El-P's continued evolution as an artist.
The album addresses contemporary issues through urgent lyrics and dynamic beats that resonate with listeners amid social upheaval.
Its themes encompass resilience in the face of adversity while maintaining the duo's signature humor and wit. Tracks like "Ooh LA LA" highlight their chemistry while exploring deeper societal issues within an engaging framework.
8. The Cold Vein
Collaborating with Cannibal Ox on The Cold Vein (2001), El-P produced an album often regarded as a classic in underground hip-hop.
The atmospheric beats paired with vivid storytelling create a haunting depiction of urban life in New York City.
Tracks like "Iron Galaxy" exemplify its emotional depth while showcasing Cannibal Ox’s lyrical prowess. This collaboration not only solidified Cannibal Ox's place in hip-hop but also highlighted El-P’s exceptional production skills.
9. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
On R.A.P. Music (2012), produced entirely by El-P for Killer Mike, the collaboration results in a powerful exploration of race, identity, and social justice within America.
The album combines hard-hitting beats with incisive lyrics that reflect both artists' commitment to addressing pressing societal issues through their music.
Tracks like "Big Beast" feature guest appearances from notable artists, enhancing its impact while showcasing Killer Mike’s lyrical dexterity.
10. Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3
This mixtape released in 2013 serves as an experimental outlet for El-P’s avant-garde sounds within hip-hop.
Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3 combines various styles and influences while maintaining his signature lyrical complexity.
It pushes boundaries beyond traditional hip-hop conventions, featuring eclectic beats and thought-provoking lyrics that challenge listeners to engage deeply with the music’s themes and messages.
