Cage

The Profile

Cage (Christopher Palko) is an American underground hip hop artist known for dark, introspective lyricism and a run of acclaimed albums including Movies for the Blind (2002), Hell's Winter (2005), Depart From Me (2009), and Kill the Architect (2013). Associated with Definitive Jux and Eastern Conference, he has collaborated with El-P, RJD2, and Darryl Palumbo, and was a member of The Weathermen.

Founder-stage name: Cage (born Christopher Palko). Genres: underground/alternative hip hop. Notable single: Agent Orange. Key albums: Movies for the Blind, Hell's Winter, Depart From Me, Kill the Architect. Label ties: Definitive Jux (founded by El-P), Eastern Conference. Collaborations: El-P, RJD2, Darryl Palumbo. Group affiliation: The Weathermen.

A single review highlights Hell's Winter as Cage's artistic maturation, stressing incisive lyrics about his past, politics, and society. The production from El-P and Def Jux affiliates elevates the record. Standout tracks cited include The Death of Chris Palko, Stripes, Scenester, Perfect World, Lord Have a Mercy, and the RJD2-powered Shoot Frank featuring Darryl Palumbo.