“I don’t try to be differant I am”. A line so relevant to how I would describe myself as a individual. Who will forget the day when Company flow entered the world dropping bombs on our eardrums! They were right when they said they were Funcrushers.

Company flow came down harder than the bomb that dropped on Hiroshima. I can still remember that classic artwork of Funcrusher plus then signed to Rawkus a label known for dropping classic acts, a few years later and El-p went solo forward a few years later on ya cd player and you got Def Jux some new futuristic shit and loads of new artist. Peep this interview I did with El-P. We got some of El-P’s valuable time after a successful tour of Europe. I would also like to give a special thanks to Damon from Biz 3 Publicity for hooking up this interview. Peep this shit out right here on the gateway..

Whats up El-P how you been man I hear you were touring Europe hey?

Yeah. Everything is cool…just working hard.

Def Jux that’s ya shit hey how has things been for the label imprint cos I know you are pushing mad cats on that label?

It’s good. Everyday is a challenge, but it’s fun and we have been having a lot of successes.

I always wanted to know what you listened to when growing up cos I know your sound is that futuristic shit?

Africa Bambatta, Fat Boys, Run Dmc, Slick Rick, LL Cool J, Kool Moe D, Audio 2, BDP, PE, D.O.C., Juice Crew, Art of Noise, Police, Devo, Prince, Michael Jackson…too much too list.

Do you know how big Company Flow was? Kids in South Africa is worshipping that shit ?

I honestly had no idea. I wish someone would have brought us out there to perform. Maybe I’ll get the chance to rock out there someday.

El-P tell me how does it go for you to compile a track cos it seems hella hard to write to the beats yall guys pump?

I’m not really sure. My mind is a bit twisted, I suppose. I find it hard to write to everyone elses beats.

Man it seems Europe is the place to be touring do you like it more than the States and when you hitting South Africa up bro?

I dont like it more than the States. The States is evil and demented, but it’s a familiar evil. Europe can be incredible but also very tiring. And they dont use enough ice in their drinks. And there is too much pork on the menus.

Any chance of you ever doing shit with Jus and Len you know you will always be asked that question?

You never know. I’m still cool with them, so it’s never out of the question. But I also feel like I just started my solo career. I couldnt imagine going back to that type of group scenario any time soon.

I just switched from Mobb Deep (shook ones) to your shit the track Population Control aghhh man I love that track u didnt do any graf ya self hey?

I was just a fan. Growing up in NY in the 80’s you couldnt avoid graf. Those who understood it loved it.

Fantastic Damage the track Deep Space 9 I can sense the anger u had when you vented “signed to rawkus i’d rather be mouth fucked by nazi’s unconscious” u done fucking with them?

Hell motherfuckin yes.

Were you not scared Bush is gonna draft you for his war or could that be why you touring alot?

Well, there is no draft in America. But that could all change. I would rather fight for the right to be a conscientious objector than to murder for a man that I dont believe became president legally.

Any new releases that I would be able to put my dirty hands on anything soon?

No doubt…SA SMASH album, C-Rayz album, new Aesop album, Hanger 18 album, new Can Ox album…many more

Big ups to El producto thanks for hooking up with the Gateway.

Werd. Thanks for checkin me. Big ups to all African hip hop crews and fans. I hope to be able to visit sometime soon!

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