Company Flow: Encyclopedia II - Company Flow - History

Company Flow - History

El-P had had a disastrous experience with a record label in an attempt at a solo deal, and founded the group after serving as an intern for an entertainment lawyer. With DJ Mr. Len, Company Flow released "Juvenile Techniques" in 1993 (see 1993 in music). The follow-up, "8 Steps to Perfection", and the debut EP, Funcrusher (1995), were underground hits. Subject to a major label bidding war on Libra records, Company Flow waited until they could get a contract on their own terms. They eventually signed to Rawkus, and helping to revitalize alternative hip hop with labelmates like Mos Def. Some mainstream success followed, and the group amicably dissolved after 2 years of pushing the album and touring, group member Bigg Jus decided to strike out on his own. El-P and Mr. Len followed up their debut with the brilliant, though poorly promoted, instrumental album Little Johnny From the Hospital (Rawkus). Flexing the production skills that had set so many ears on fire, El-P (and Mr. Len) continued the trend-setting, cutting-edge work that further bolstered their rep as innovators.

Fast forward to 2000. The relationship with Rawkus had run it's course. The label striving hard to enter the mainstream while the group was striving hard to remain true to themselves. The time off and frustration of battling the label over music and the approach to music led to the group announcing their departure from Rawkus. El-P and Mr. Len left Rawkus shortly thereafter, deciding that it was also time to go their separate ways. El-Producto has started his own record label (Definitive Jux) and a solo career, as has Mr. Len (Smacks Records) and Bigg Jus (Big Dada).

Reports say that El-P is working on production on the solo debut of former Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "History", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki