Interview w/ El-P. I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead out now
Incredible Rarity: EL-P’s Bay Area Connection
By David Ma
I’ve respected EL-P ever since I heard Funcrusher Plus years ago. It blew me away then as much as his current work blows me away now. Last week, EL-P was at the Mezzanine showcasing his new album I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, which lyrically explores the atmosphere of a post-9/11 New York. Like his last project, Fantastic Damage, his latest work bleeds originality. It combines thrashy production with intelligent writing, and though cluttered at times, leaves a one-of-a-kind impression. It’s a modern rarity to find an artist who’s popular without pandering to trends. But this is EL-P we’re talking about. Since his days with Company Flow, he’s been spearheading creative music without gimmicks or apologies. His work compliments hip-hop without sounding forced, and that alone, should be applauded.
Most people might not know this, but EL-P’s Bay Area history is dense as his droning production is. I was able to talk with him as he arrived in San Francisco for the California leg of his tour. EL-P discusses his early days in The Bay with Hieroglyphics and Living Legends, the differences he notices between San Francisco and New York, and why he thinks us Bay Area folks support his music so much.
Jeremy Fish is a popular Bay Area artist who’s done artwork for Aesop Rock. Are you familiar with his work?
Of course, Jeremy’s my boy. I learned about Fish from Aesop since those dudes are like best friends. I thought their collaboration was incredible and they’ll be collaborating a lot in the future. Fish did all the artwork and packaging for Aesop’s new record. He’s just an amazing artist, a down to earth guy and a huge hip-hop fan. That’s how we all operate.
What do you mean by “that’s how we all operate”?
I mean, we’re just fans of art in general. So we’re down with cats who are into art. An artist is an artist, and your work carries your experiences. Jeremy’s cool man. Every time I’m in the Bay, I hang with him and the cats from Upper Playground. I’ve gotten a few of my tattoos here in San Francisco too.
What strikes you immediately when you set foot in the Bay?
That I have so much history here.
Like what? When did you first come here as an artist?
One of the first things we did after releasing Company Flow was tour The Bay. That’s where I met cats like Hieroglyphics and Living Legends, and Benny B. My godfather lives out here too. I was a big fan of Bay shit then and now. I’ve been comin’ here for years. The Bay’s one of those few places where New Yorkers feel comfortable. We don’t feel comfortable in too many cities.
What have you noticed about the differences in attitude between New Yorkers and San Franciscans?
I think cats in the Bay are generally more relaxed. New York can’t be matched in terms of stress. And I don’t say that in a bragging way. It’s something I wish didn’t fucking exist.
What would you say are the main differences between the two cities?
You guys aren’t subjected to the brutal weather we get in New York. You guys don’t have to buy gigantic space coats to keep yourself warm in the winter. There aren’t that many differences though. I mean, in both cities you can walk to many, many places. Public transportation, which I was raised on, are good in both cities. For example, LA is more of a car culture, which is weird to me. Also, the hip-hop scene in The Bay is really connected to New York’s.
Okay, compare the Bay Area’s hip-hop scene, having grown up on New York hip-hop?
I think the Bay is just as instrumental, if not more instrumental, in the creation of independent hip-hop. Starting with Too Short and E-40 and the rest of cats from The Bay. During that time when Living Legends and Hiero were really making moves as independent artists, I was trying to do the same in New York. It’s real similar to New York I think.
What was it like when you met Living Legends and Hiero?
When we connected, it was just a real ill family vibe. And that connection has stayed. I still speak to Del on a regular basis. Dan the Automator was out there too. I mean, the Bay is a huge part of my history and career. That’s a part of the reason why I think I have so much support in The Bay Area. Y’all know what good hip-hop is. I mean, you have cats here that know their shit and know what they like. The support for hip-hop in The Bay is amazing.
What did you listen to while you were growing up?
My main influences are early rap records and just all kinds of records really. I love Blondie, Planet Rock of course, Herbie Hancock, Mantronix, BDP, Run DMC and David Bowie. I mean I’m open to everything.
It’s been a while since you’ve been here. Good luck with show. You have a lot of supporters here.
Thanks man. I’m real excited to come to San Francisco again. It’s been a while since I’ve headlined a show out here. Aesop Rock will be there and I’m looking forward to seeing Lateef again. I always look forward to the energy here.
Sure man. I dig the new album. It’s always good to talk to an artist I like who doesn’t turn out to be a douche bag.
Hahaha. I know what you mean. It’s such an incredible rarity though huh?
Heh, sometimes definitely. Anyways, thanks for your time man. Any last thoughts for Bay Area folks?
Man, The Bay is like a second home to me.
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