Slide #4
::Thursday (cont'd)::
El-P @ EchoplexBefore an awkward and untimely semi-demise, Brooklyn native El-P's Def Jux record label was rightly considered an extremely influential and forward-thinking influence on the underground hip-hop scene, not only for New York but for the hip-hop world in general. And as both label head and one of their most highly respected musicians and producers, El-P was rightly considered the standard-bearer for Def Jux's futuristic sound, blending complex noise with genuine musicianship and intelligent, challenging lyricism. Def Jux is on something of a "hiatus" as a traditional label, but El-P's never been better: Cancer 4 Cure, his new album, might be the best thing he's ever done, which is incredibly high praise for the man who made Funcrusher Plus and Fantastic Damage. He headlines a special Thursday edition of Check Yo Ponytail at the Echoplex, sharing the bill with Atlanta's Killer Mike, whose own El-P produced 2012 album The R.A.P Album is also among the best things (in any genre) to drop this year. [Details] [via]