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  El-P Interview
interview 0537 added 05.10.07 words:
Madrox
technical:
Spoon
When you say the name El-P to a random selection of hip-hop fans, you’re likely to get half yawning and complaining about “backpackers” and the other half so excited you gotta keep a muzzle on them to stop them talking about how great the man is. I caught up with the man who courts controversy like an old friend, runs the biggest indie hip-hop label on the planet and famously wrote THAT line about Rawkus…presenting El-Producto…
OK, First up. Even though I’d like to think everyone should at least know who you are by now, for the purposes of kicking this off, can you state your name, where you’re from, and what you’re about?
My name is Jaime Meline. My stage name is El-P. I am from Brooklyn, NY. I’m a rapper and a producer.
Now that’s aside, the label's doing great, you’ve recently tied up a hugely anticipated follow up to your critically acclaimed debut. How do you feel?
Pretty good. It’s been pretty overwhelming how great the response to my new record has been. I’m grateful to be out there again.
Where do you feel it is personally that Def Jux stands amongst its peers and even rivals in the form of bigger, more money motivated labels?
I think it all boils down to a connection we’ve been lucky enough to have with music fans. That is something that can’t be bought. I think kids know that when they buy a Jux record, they are supporting artists who really put time and love in to the craft of making albums. We are not in the culture of pop music, so our greatest strengths have never been about singles or marketing. I think kids can just sense that we are genuine about who we are and the way we present ourselves.
Do you have any kind of advice you would give to other potential indie label owners who are just setting up?
Reconsider.
How did the Cage link up come about? What’s he like to work with?
I’ve known Cage for years. I met him through Stretch Armstrong in like ‘95. We worked on music back then, but nothing came out of it. We eventually became really good friends around ‘97. He’s an amazing person. Very smart, very real and focused on writing and music. I've been working with him here and there for years. Him coming to Jux pretty much unfolded from us just being friends and crew and talking about music constantly.
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I never really understood why British MC’s weren’t bigger in the States
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How did you approach making this album as opposed to the last album, if at all?
I tried to make every word count. I tried to focus on streamlining my ideas and making clear what I was trying to say. I left the ranting behind a bit and tried to make the layers of production fit in a better way.
How did the link up with Trent Reznor come about on Flyentology, are you a NIN fan?
I am. I met him a few years ago after he had reached out to me to do a remix for him. I had been a fan for years. When the time came I asked him if he would be interested in doing this song I had in mind for my record and he was in to it.
Which country has the craziest Jukies at live shows?
Man, it’s hard to say. London was pretty fuckin live last time we were there. Paris was insane as well.
How do you feel about the upcoming election?
Completely indifferent. I find it about as interesting and real as David Blaine.
Do you ever listen to any British hip hop, if so, who? And what do you think?
Yeah for sure. I've always been a fan. Skinnyman is my shit. Jehst is sick. Mud Fam. Chester P and Farma G. I dig some of the "grime" shit, but to me I was confused when I heard the term cause it just sounds like some raw rap shit to me. I think that cat Kano is raw. I never really understood why British MC’s weren’t bigger in the States.
What inspires you to keep going?
At this point I’m just programmed to make music. I can’t think of anything else I want.
Was there anyone you approached to collaborate with on “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” that turned you down and was maybe too busy for this particular project?
Actually no. I got lucky.
What do you feel are your 3 favourite Def Jux release, and which, if you’re at liberty to say, what was your biggest disappointment?
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may incriminate me!
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you on tour?
I refuse to answer that on the grounds that it may incriminate me...
Who comes up with your video concepts? If it’s you, what inspires the video ideas?
So far I do for the most part. Deep space 9mm and Smithereens were mine. Stepfather Factory was a collaboration, as well as Flyentology. I just try and look at it as an opportunity to make a short film. For us, getting our videos played on MTV proper isn’t even an option so I treat the videos the same way I do songs and albums. Complete self destructive disregard for success or pop sensibility. I just try and make some shit I want to see.
You’re undoubtedly proud of the new LP, as well you should be, but what’s next? How do you progress from here?
I just want to continue. I want to put more music out. I've waited five years. It was five years of ideas, and only some of them made it to this album. I've got enough going on in my head to put out at least 3 more records. I just want to make good shit and then shoot myself in the head.
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I think kids can just sense that we are genuine about who we are and the way we present ourselves.
..."
Was it a conscious decision to put all the lyrics inside the new LP booklet? Not a lot of MC’s do that nowadays
Yeah. I figured it would be cool for the fans. In the past I had notoriously mixed my vocals lower than most rappers do. To me it sounded better for the music and the vocals to be melded more, but the side effect was that it was really hard for fans to completely understand what I was saying. I also felt like it would be cool to go the extra mile with the packaging. It’s something people just don’t seem to give a fuck about any more.
You produce, rap, and run one of the biggest indie hip hop labels in the world, amongst other things like touring and making videos. How does El-Producto unwind?
It used to be drugs. That doesn’t do it for me so much anymore. Drinking, sex and sleep help though. Mostly I just isolate myself and work to be honest.
You’ll be over here soon I believe, promoting the new LP, do you have anything you’d like to say to the British fans pre-trip?
Just want to thank y’all for making our last shows out there so insane. Motherfuckers damn near started a riot. That shit makes my day.
Is there any news on the new Cannibal Ox record? Is that still coming out?
No, and sadly no.
Lastly any shout outs you’d like to give or anything else you’d like to say at all?
Thanks for giving us love. It is much appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time!
My pleasure.
So there you go, 2 or 3 albums then a bullet through the temple, sounds like you guys had better go and see him asap. You've just missed the round of shows this week but he's sure to be back on these shores soon. Please make it a point to go and check him out even if you’re just slightly interested because the live shows are insane. I’d like to give a special thanks to El-P, Ben Harris, and the ukhh.com forums for contributing questions. Hope you enjoyed. Peace.
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MadRox
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