Funcrusher Plus
Funcrusher Plus is the debut studio album by the American hip hop group Company Flow, consisting of rappers and producers El-P, Bigg Jus, and DJ Mr. Len, released on July 28, 1997, by Rawkus Records.[1][2][3] The album features 20 tracks blending abstract, underground, and political rap styles with dense, experimental lyrics over gritty, oxidized beats, clocking in at over 73 minutes.[3][4] Recorded at No Mystery Studios and Ozone Studios in New York, it showcases the group's anti-commercial stance and innovative production techniques that pushed the boundaries of independent hip hop.[1][5] Hailed as a cornerstone of underground hip hop, Funcrusher Plus received critical acclaim for its raw energy and lyrical complexity, earning a 9.0 rating from Pitchfork upon its 2009 reissue on Definitive Jux and influencing subsequent alternative rap acts.[4] Notable tracks include "Bad Touch Example," "The Fire in Which You Burn," and "Vital Nerve," which exemplify the album's hardcore battle rap elements and abstract soundscapes.[4][3] The record marked Rawkus Records' emergence as a key player in the late-1990s underground scene, maintaining artistic control through a 50-50 partnership that preserved the group's vision.[2]Background
Company Flow Formation
Company Flow was formed in 1992 in New York City by rapper and producer El-P (born Jaime Meline), rapper Bigg Jus (born Justin Ingleton), and DJ and producer Mr. Len (born Leonard Smythe), who connected through the city's burgeoning underground hip-hop scene. El-P and Bigg Jus initially crossed paths at the Center for Media Arts, while Mr. Len interned at the small label Libra Records, where the trio's shared interests in innovative sounds brought them together.[6] The group's early creative direction drew heavily from punk rock's rebellious energy, jazz's improvisational structures, and experimental hip-hop's boundary-pushing aesthetics, cultivating a staunch DIY ethos that prioritized artistic control over commercial viability. This approach manifested in their rejection of major label overtures, embracing instead an "Independent as Fuck" mindset that defined their operations from the outset.[6] In 1995, Company Flow launched their own independent label, Official Recordings, to distribute their initial releases and maintain autonomy in an industry dominated by corporate structures. The label served as a platform for their nascent work, allowing them to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with like-minded audiences.[6] Throughout the mid-1990s, the trio cultivated a dedicated local following via initial live performances in New York City's underground circuit, bolstered by key radio exposure on Stretch and Bobbito's WKCR show, as well as grassroots promotion through college radio, public access television, and independent record stores. These efforts solidified their reputation among hip-hop enthusiasts seeking alternatives to mainstream fare.[6]Development of Funcrusher
The Funcrusher project originated in 1994 as a collaborative effort by Company Flow to highlight their experimental hip-hop sound, beginning with the recording of early tracks like "Corners '94," which captured the group's raw, dystopian influences drawn from sci-fi and underground rap aesthetics.[7][6] This initiative stemmed from the group's formation in 1992, establishing their commitment to an independent ethos that prioritized artistic control over commercial viability.[6] In 1995, Company Flow self-released the Funcrusher EP on their own Official Recordings label, featuring key tracks such as "8 Steps to Perfection" and "Bad Touch Example," which showcased dense, abstract production and lyrical complexity.[8][6] The EP quickly generated underground buzz through airplay on influential New York radio programs like WKCR's Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia show, as well as college stations and local public access television, positioning the group as pioneers in the emerging indie hip-hop scene.[6] Following the EP's minor success, which sparked interest from labels seeking fresh indie talent, Company Flow signed a partnership deal with Rawkus Records in 1997, allowing them to retain significant creative autonomy.[6][9] This arrangement facilitated expansion plans, leading to the decision to integrate the original EP material into a fuller album by adding new recordings, thus evolving the project into Funcrusher Plus as a comprehensive statement of their vision.[9][6]Recording and Production
Studio Sessions
The recording sessions for Funcrusher Plus spanned from 1994 to 1997, encompassing the initial tracks for the group's 1996 EP Funcrusher as well as new material developed thereafter.[2] Primary sessions took place at Ozone Studios in Brooklyn, New York, where the majority of the album was recorded and mixed, with additional work on select tracks occurring at No Mystery Studios in Manhattan.[10] These locations provided the core environments for the trio—El-P, Bigg Jus, and Mr. Len—to collaborate intensively, though early efforts began in a cramped Manhattan loft space owned by El-P's mother, limited to the size of a walk-in pantry.[6] The project faced significant logistical hurdles due to the group's independent status and constrained resources, including limited budgets that forced members to fund sessions through day jobs at places like Tower Records in New York City.[11] This resulted in nocturnal recording schedules, with work often extending late into the night after regular employment, contributing to the album's raw, unpolished aesthetic that the group intentionally embraced.[6] Equipment was basic and makeshift in the initial phases, relying on contributions from associates like Anttex, which further shaped the gritty sonic character without access to high-end facilities until later stages at Ozone Studios.[6] In terms of timeline, the foundational tracks for the 1996 EP were laid down during 1994 and 1995 in the loft and early studio setups, establishing the project's experimental hip-hop foundation.[2] The bulk of new additions, including "Vital Nerve" and "The Fire in Which You Burn," were captured in 1996 and 1997 as the EP expanded into the full-length album following the group's signing with Rawkus Records.[2] This period also saw the expansion from the 1996 EP sessions, incorporating previously unreleased material to form a comprehensive double LP.[2] Collaboration during the sessions was driven by El-P's leadership in arranging beats and overall vision, with Bigg Jus and Mr. Len contributing rhymes, scratches, and production input in a tightly knit dynamic marked by shared dark humor and dystopian themes.[6] The trio's close working relationship allowed for fluid idea exchange, though the physical constraints and financial pressures tested their endurance, ultimately forging the album's cohesive, underground ethos.[11]Production Techniques
El-P served as the primary producer for Funcrusher Plus, crafting the album's distinctive sound through lo-fi sampling techniques that emphasized raw, unpolished textures derived from obscure vinyl sources, often manipulated with a limited sampler setup to create dense, abstract beats influenced by jazz improvisation and industrial grit.[12][13] Heavy basslines anchored these compositions, providing a pulsating foundation that contrasted with the chaotic, experimental layers, reflecting El-P's intent to subvert the glossy production trends of mid-1990s hip-hop.[12] This approach drew from New York's urban dissonance, blending post-industrial aggression with subtle jazz-like rhythmic freedoms to evoke a dystopian atmosphere.[12] DJ Mr. Len contributed turntablism throughout the album, integrating scratches and cuts to add rhythmic complexity and texture to the beats, while Bigg Jus assisted in beat-making, co-shaping the instrumental backdrops with El-P to maintain the group's cohesive, underground aesthetic.[13][14] On tracks like "Blind," layered scratches created an eerie, swaying backdrop from manipulated samples, enhancing the track's disorienting intensity.[14] Distorted vocals were a key technique employed to infuse an aggressive, raw edge, processing the MCs' deliveries to convey discomfort and urgency, aligning with the album's themes of rebellion and sonic disruption.[12] This effect, combined with punk-inspired distortion on elements like synth stabs, amplified the industrial clank and abrasive funk in songs such as "Vital Nerve."[14] Live instrumentation was used sparingly, with the production prioritizing sampled vinyl from niche, obscure records to preserve an anti-commercial roughness and avoid mainstream polish, allowing the focus to remain on innovative manipulation rather than traditional studio sheen.[13][12]Release
Original 1997 Album
Funcrusher Plus was released on July 28, 1997, by Rawkus Records as a double LP and CD, comprising 19 tracks with a total runtime of 73:52.[15][1] The album served as an expanded version of the group's earlier Funcrusher EP, incorporating additional material to form a full-length project that showcased their experimental approach to hip-hop.[16] Promotion for the album relied heavily on grassroots efforts within the underground hip-hop community, including distribution via mixtapes, performances at live shows in New York venues, and the release of promotional singles such as "8 Steps to Perfection" from the 1996 EP and "Blind" in 1997.[17] These singles helped generate early buzz, with "8 Steps to Perfection" appearing on promo tapes that circulated among DJs and fans.[18] The packaging featured a collage of cut-up letters, pictures, and surreal elements evoking dystopian themes, printed in black and white for the initial promo versions.[19] Initial distribution was confined to independent record stores, primarily on the East Coast, which amplified its cult status and built anticipation among hip-hop enthusiasts seeking alternatives to mainstream releases.[16] Rawkus Records, as an upstart indie label, leveraged this limited rollout to establish credibility in the underground scene, positioning Funcrusher Plus as a cornerstone of East Coast experimental rap without broader commercial backing.[16] The immediate aftermath saw the album gaining traction through word-of-mouth and critical word in niche publications, solidifying its role as a pivotal underground release.[20]2009 Reissue
The 2009 reissue of Funcrusher Plus was released on May 5 by Definitive Jux, the independent hip-hop label founded by El-P (Jaime Meline), one of the group's core members.[19] This remastered edition addressed the album's unavailability, as it had been out of print since 2006 following issues with the original distributor Rawkus Records, from which El-P had regained the rights.[19][21] The reissue was motivated by a desire to make the landmark recording accessible again amid growing appreciation for 1990s underground hip-hop, coinciding with El-P's established role in the indie scene through Definitive Jux's successful roster of artists like Aesop Rock and Cannibal Ox.[19][4] The timing, roughly 12 years after the original 1997 release, held no particular symbolic weight but aligned with opportunities to revisit the material, including reflections on Company Flow's disbandment in 2000 due to internal creative tensions rather than external conflicts.[19] Available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats, the reissue featured enhanced audio quality from remastering while retaining the core tracks of the expanded 1997 album.[21] The digital version included bonus tracks from the group's early EP era, such as "Juvenile Techniques" and "Corners 94," alongside later unreleased cuts like "Simple," "DPA," and "Simian Drugs" recorded before the 2000 breakup.[19] Updated packaging incorporated liner notes that contextualized the project's history, including the group's dissolution and its enduring influence on experimental hip-hop.[19] Distributed via Definitive Jux's network and major digital platforms like iTunes, the reissue reached a wider audience than the original Rawkus pressing, benefiting from the label's reputation and the era's expanding online music market.[21][4]Music and Lyrics
Musical Composition
Funcrusher Plus exemplifies a genre fusion of abstract hip-hop, boom bap rhythms, and experimental elements, characterized by dense, atmospheric beats that integrate eerie piano, horns, sitar samples, glitchy digital blips, and disconcerting film clips to create multi-layered, low-tech soundscapes.[22][9] The album's production techniques contribute to this innovative sound, blending static-laden field recordings with tonal loops for a paranoid, unified aesthetic.[22] Many tracks feature extended intros incorporating scratches and samples, gradually building to rapid-fire verses over booming kick drums and sparse, eerie backdrops, with most songs averaging 3-4 minutes in length.[9][23] For instance, "Lune TNS" (3:39) opens with ominous choral snippets and water-logged echoes before escalating into skittish rhythms and intricate flows.[22][23] The composition employs dissonance through jarring tonal shifts and unsettling elements like splashing water or blood effects, fostering tension that sets it apart from mainstream 1990s rap's more straightforward boom bap structures.[9][22] Tempo variations, including sudden accelerations and glitch interruptions, enhance this dynamic unease, as heard in tracks like "Population Control" with its thunderous, fast-paced beats.[9] As a cohesive double LP, the album maintains a seamless flow divided into thematic sides—evoking a narrative arc without explicit breaks—through recurring motifs of paranoia and resistance, resulting in a 74-minute sonic journey that feels interconnected rather than segmented.[22][2]Lyrical Themes
The lyrics of Funcrusher Plus prominently explore themes of alienation, anti-commercialism, and urban dystopia, delivered with an aggressive intensity that critiques the music industry and broader societal structures. El-P and Bigg Jus convey a sense of isolation and defiance against mainstream conformity, often through vivid imagery of a crumbling urban landscape and conspiratorial undertones that evoke a sense of impending collapse. For instance, in "The Fire in Which You Burn," El-P employs sparse, negative-space phrasing to lambast industry exploitation, positioning the group as outsiders burning down the system that seeks to commodify them.[4][24] This anti-commercial ethos underscores the album's rejection of materialism prevalent in mid-1990s hip-hop, favoring intellectual rebellion over commercial appeal.[24][25] Central to the lyrical approach is an emphasis on intricate wordplay and multisyllabic rhymes that prioritize cerebral depth over mere bravado, showcasing the duo's collaborative synergy without relying on guest features. El-P's verses in "Vital Nerve" exemplify this through dense, authority-defying lines that weave personal frustration with hip-hop's guidelines into complex schemes, highlighting a commitment to artistic independence.[4] Bigg Jus complements this with rapid, abstract flows, as seen in "Silence," where he layers multisyllabic patterns like "encased in a glass dome, I pull mikes like filaments/ I’m tungsten, light within that causes somethin’" to assert self-reliance amid chaos.[4] Their interplay avoids dilution by external voices, allowing a unified front that amplifies the album's raw, introspective edge.[24] Social commentary permeates the record, addressing race, poverty, and the struggle for autonomy through pointed, often menacing narratives. Tracks like "8 Steps to Perfection" confront racial violence head-on, with Bigg Jus declaring "MCs couldn’t hang if they was lynched by the Grand Dragon," blending battle rap with stark historical critique.[4] Poverty and urban hardship emerge in personal reflections, such as El-P's account of overhearing domestic abuse in "Last Good Sleep" or Jus's recollections of adolescent turmoil, underscoring themes of resilience against systemic neglect.[24] These elements, paired with the album's experimental beats, reinforce a gritty, unpolished lyrical style that demands active engagement from listeners.[4]Reception
Critical Reviews
Upon its 1997 release, Funcrusher Plus garnered strong acclaim from hip-hop critics for its innovative approach to underground rap. AllMusic awarded the album 5 out of 5 stars, lauding its role in pioneering the indie rap movement through dense, experimental production and lyrical depth.[1] The Source magazine rated it 4 out of 5 mics, highlighting its raw appeal to the underground scene and its rejection of mainstream commercial trends.[26] Retrospective reviews further solidified its status as a landmark release. Pitchfork gave the 2009 reissue a 9.0 out of 10, emphasizing the album's enduring influence and the advanced production techniques of El-P, Bigg Jus, and Mr. Len, which blended abstraction with hardcore energy to create a "dusty-but-digital" dystopian sound.[4] The publication also ranked Funcrusher Plus at number 84 on its list of the top 100 albums of the 1990s, describing its beats as "stuttering, shambling masterpieces" that assaulted capitalism and societal ills with impenetrable lyricism.[27] RapReviews.com assigned it a perfect 10 out of 10 in a 2001 review, declaring it "a blueprint for independent hip-hop" due to its high-energy flows and innovative, heavy beats that resisted mediocrity.[9] Across these evaluations, common praises centered on the album's visceral raw energy—evident in tracks like "Population Control"—and El-P's production, which featured oxidized, percussion-minimal arrangements evoking a police-state atmosphere. Criticisms were infrequent but occasionally noted the album's dense complexity and lack of broad accessibility, with fast-paced rhymes and obscure references potentially alienating casual listeners.[9]Commercial Performance
Funcrusher Plus, released on July 28, 1997, by the independent label Rawkus Records, achieved modest commercial success within the underground hip-hop market. As Rawkus's inaugural full-length album release, it benefited from the label's growing reputation but did not penetrate mainstream charts, reflecting the era's divide between commercial rap and indie scenes.[28] The album's singles further highlighted its niche appeal. In 1996, prior to the full release, Company Flow issued the promotional vinyl single "8 Steps to Perfection / Vital Nerve" on their own Official Recordings imprint, which garnered attention in underground circles through limited pressing and DJ play.[29] Following the album's launch, the single "Blind," backed with "Tragedy of War (In III Parts)," was released by Rawkus in 1997, serving as a key promotional tool but remaining confined to indie and hip-hop specialty outlets without broader commercial breakthrough.[30] "Vital Nerve," featured on the album and the earlier single, emerged as an underground favorite, praised for its raw production and lyrical intensity in hip-hop communities.[4] The 2009 reissue by El-P's Definitive Jux label revived the album's availability after years out of print under Rawkus, offering remastered audio on CD, vinyl, and digital formats with bonus tracks like "Juvenile Techniques" and "Corners 94."[19] This edition aligned with Definitive Jux's efforts to sustain indie hip-hop catalogs amid shifting industry dynamics, facilitating increased digital accessibility and streams for longtime fans.[31]Legacy
Cultural Influence
Funcrusher Plus played a pivotal role in launching the 1990s indie and underground hip-hop movement by establishing Rawkus Records as a key platform for alternative rap voices. The album's release helped the label gain traction, providing the financial foundation to expand its roster and sign influential artists such as Mos Def, whose debut Black on Both Sides (1999) became a cornerstone of conscious hip-hop.[2][32] This partnership not only revitalized underground rap but also set a template for independent artistry that prioritized artistic integrity over mainstream appeal.[33] The album's impact extended significantly to El-P's solo trajectory, propelling him to found Definitive Jux in 2000, an independent label that became a hub for experimental hip-hop. Through Definitive Jux, El-P produced Cannibal Ox's seminal The Cold Vein (2001), which echoed Funcrusher Plus's dystopian soundscapes and further solidified his role as a producer shaping the underground aesthetic.[34][20] In its broader legacy, Funcrusher Plus inspired a wave of underground groups such as Atmosphere and Aesop Rock, who adopted its raw, experimental approach to production and lyricism. The album is widely credited with instilling an anti-commercial ethos in hip-hop, railing against major-label dominance and championing self-reliant creativity that influenced the indie rap explosion of the early 2000s.[6][35][19] Company Flow disbanded in 2000, with El-P, Bigg Jus, and Mr. Len each pursuing solo careers that built upon the album's foundation—El-P through Definitive Jux and production work, Bigg Jus via his own releases, and Mr. Len with instrumental projects—cementing Funcrusher Plus as the group's defining and most enduring contribution to hip-hop.[36][33]Later Recognition
In the years following its release, Funcrusher Plus garnered significant acclaim in retrospective rankings of hip-hop and 1990s music. In 2003, Pitchfork ranked it number 84 on its list of the Top 100 Albums of the 1990s, praising its innovative production and lyrical density as a cornerstone of underground rap. Similarly, in 2014, Complex placed the album at number 86 on its 90 Best Rap Albums of the '90s, highlighting its role in defining independent hip-hop aesthetics. By 2015, Fact magazine selected it as number 4 on the 100 Best Indie Hip-Hop Records of All Time, emphasizing its enduring influence on experimental sounds within the genre.[27] Anniversary retrospectives further solidified its status as a timeless work. Ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2017, Vice published a feature in 2016 looking back at Company Flow's contributions, describing Funcrusher Plus as a "mad genius" blueprint for underground rap that challenged commercial norms. In 2019, Scene & Heard offered a detailed revisit, lauding the album's punk-infused experimentalism as a "hip-hop magnum opus" that continues to resonate for its boundary-pushing creativity. For the 25th anniversary in 2022, Albumism celebrated it as a pivotal debut, noting how its dark, apocalyptic themes and raw independence epitomize hip-hop's DIY spirit.[6][5][2] The album's inclusion in broader hip-hop canon lists underscores its lasting recognition. In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked Funcrusher Plus number 98 on its 200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time, acknowledging its foundational impact on abstract and East Coast rap. Modern tributes from critics and enthusiasts in the 2020s have revisited the album's innovation through podcasts and analyses. In 2020, the Megalithic Monuments podcast dedicated an episode to it as one of the albums that "changed the way we view everything" in hip-hop. The 2021 Tone Arm podcast featured El-P discussing its production origins, reinforcing its pioneering status. These discussions highlight its ongoing relevance in conversations about experimental hip-hop's evolution.[37][38]Credits
Track Listing
The standard CD edition of Funcrusher Plus is a 19-track double album with a total runtime of 73:52, comprising the eight tracks from Company Flow's 1996 EP Funcrusher alongside eleven new recordings.[39] The producers for each track are primarily El-P, with contributions from Bigg Jus and DJ Mr. Len on select cuts.[3]| No. | Title | Duration | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Touch Example | 3:26 | El-P |
| 2 | 8 Steps to Perfection | 4:44 | El-P |
| 3 | Collude / Intrude (feat. J-Treds) | 5:26 | El-P |
| 4 | Blind | 3:43 | El-P |
| 5 | Silence | 3:33 | El-P |
| 6 | Legends | 4:02 | El-P |
| 7 | Help Wanted | 2:13 | El-P |
| 8 | Population Control | 4:27 | El-P |
| 9 | Lune TNS | 3:39 | Bigg Jus |
| 10 | Definitive | 5:48 | El-P |
| 11 | Lencorcism | 0:36 | DJ Mr. Len |
| 12 | 89.9 Detrimental | 1:03 | El-P |
| 13 | Vital Nerve (feat. BMS) | 5:01 | El-P |
| 14 | Tragedy of War (In III Parts) | 3:49 | El-P |
| 15 | The Fire in Which You Burn (feat. The Brewin & J-Treds) | 5:03 | El-P |
| 16 | Krazy Kings | 4:53 | El-P |
| 17 | Last Good Sleep | 6:00 | DJ Mr. Len |
| 18 | Info Kill II | 3:49 | El-P |
| 19 | Funcrush Scratch | 2:48 | DJ Mr. Len |
Personnel
The personnel for Funcrusher Plus primarily consisted of the core members of Company Flow, an underground hip hop trio formed in New York City, who handled the majority of vocal, production, and DJ duties. El-P (Jaime Meline) served as the lead vocalist and producer for nearly all tracks, contributing to the album's dense, experimental sound through his signature beat-making and mixing. Bigg Jus (Justin Ingleton) provided vocals throughout and took on production responsibilities for select tracks, including "Lune TNS." Mr. Len (Leonard Smythe) contributed scratches and cuts across the album, as well as production on tracks such as "Lencorcism," "Funcrusher Scratch," and the intro to "Last Good Sleep" (co-produced with El-P).[10][15] Guest vocalists added distinct flavors to specific songs, enhancing the album's collaborative underground ethos without overshadowing the core group's vision. J-Treds (Justin Reynolds) appeared on vocals for "Collude/Intrude" and "The Fire in Which You Burn." R.A. the Rugged Man (R.A. Salah) delivered an uncredited spoken-word feature on "Population Control." Breeze Brewin (Breezly Brewin of The Juggaknots) provided vocals on "Last Good Sleep." BMS contributed vocals on "Vital Nerve." No additional musicians beyond these vocal contributions were involved, emphasizing the in-house production style.[10][40][10] Engineering and technical roles were handled by a small team, with recording and mixing primarily occurring at Ozone Studios in New York City, supplemented by sessions at No Mystery Studios. Jeff Cordero, Pete Vassos, and Barnard Walker served as recording engineers. El-P also participated in mixing alongside Cordero and Vassos. DJ O.D. (Omar Del Valle) contributed to engineering and mixing efforts. The album was mastered at Sony Studios in New York City.[10][15] Artwork and design credits reflected the album's raw, DIY aesthetic, drawing from graffiti and visual art influences prominent in 1990s New York hip hop. Marcie Gorsline created the "Funcrusher Goblin" artwork. Ewok (Marcus Lolo) handled the graffiti piece in the inside booklet. Ron Croudy and Smartbomb managed art direction and design. Tim Ronan provided creative direction and LP jacket design. Matt Doo illustrated key elements. Kambui Olujimi handled back cover and tray photography. El-P contributed to overall creative oversight, including conceptual elements tied to the album's themes.[39][10][15]| Name | Role(s) |
|---|---|
| El-P | Vocals, production (all tracks), mixing |
| Bigg Jus | Vocals, production ("Lune TNS") |
| Mr. Len | Scratches/cuts (all tracks), production ("Lencorcism," "Funcrusher Scratch," "Last Good Sleep" intro) |
| J-Treds | Vocals ("Collude/Intrude," "The Fire in Which You Burn") |
| R.A. the Rugged Man | Vocals ("Population Control") |
| Breeze Brewin | Vocals ("Last Good Sleep") |
| BMS | Vocals ("Vital Nerve") |
| Jeff Cordero | Recording engineer, mixing |
| Pete Vassos | Recording engineer, mixing |
| Barnard Walker | Recording engineer |
| DJ O.D. | Engineering, mixing |
| Marcie Gorsline | Artwork ("Funcrusher Goblin") |
| Ewok | Artwork (inside booklet graffiti) |
| Ron Croudy | Art direction, design |
| Smartbomb | Art direction, design |
| Tim Ronan | Creative direction, LP jacket design |
| Matt Doo | Illustration |
| Kambui Olujimi | Photography (back cover, tray) |