El-P

The Profile

El-P (Jaime Meline) is an American rapper, producer, and co-founder of the Definitive Jux label, a former member of Company Flow and one half of Run The Jewels. Revered for dense lyricism and innovative production, he helped shape modern underground and experimental hip hop.

Co-founded Definitive Jux; member of Company Flow; one half of Run The Jewels with Killer Mike; acclaimed producer behind Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein; solo albums include Fantastic Damage, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, and Cancer 4 Cure.

DeBaser’s reviews hail El-P’s boundary-pushing production, snarling wit, and heavyweight collaborations. Fantastic Damage is framed as era-defining; I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead earns raves for its sound design and guests like Trent Reznor, Cat Power, and The Mars Volta. Cancer for the cure is praised for ferocious delivery and meticulous polish. High Water shows his range beyond rap. Consensus: a pillar of experimental hip hop.