El-P, born Jaime Meline, is a prominent figure in the alternative hip hop scene, known for his innovative contributions as a rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career in the early 1990s as a member of Company Flow, a group that played a pivotal role in shaping underground hip hop. Their debut EP, “Funcrusher,” released in 1995, garnered significant attention, leading to a major-label bidding war and the eventual release of their acclaimed album, “Funcrusher Plus,” in 1997. Following the dissolution of Company Flow, El-P founded the influential record label Definitive Jux, which became a platform for groundbreaking artists like Cannibal Ox and Aesop Rock.

El-P’s solo career took off with the release of his debut album, “Fantastic Damage,” in 2002, which was met with critical acclaim for its unique sound and lyrical depth. He continued to push boundaries with subsequent albums, including “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” in 2007, which peaked at No. 78 on the Billboard 200, showcasing his evolution as an artist. His willingness to experiment with genres was evident in his 2004 jazz-fusion album, “High Water,” which received praise from both hip hop and jazz critics alike.

In 2013, El-P achieved mainstream success by forming the hip hop superduo Run the Jewels with Killer Mike. Their self-titled debut album was released for free and quickly gained a massive following, leading to the release of three more critically acclaimed albums: “Run the Jewels 2,” “Run the Jewels 3,” and “RTJ4.” Each project solidified their status as one of the most influential duos in contemporary hip hop, known for their sharp lyrics and dynamic production.

Beyond his work with Run the Jewels, El-P has collaborated with a wide array of artists, contributing his production skills and guest verses to numerous projects. His distinctive style, characterized by dense metaphors and sci-fi themes, has earned him recognition as one of the most technically gifted MCs of his generation. With a discography that spans decades and a reputation for innovation, El-P continues to be a driving force in the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists.