El-P

El-P, born Jaime Meline, started making music in New York's underground hip-hop scene in the late 1980s. His early work drew from funk, punk, and industrial sounds, which gave his solo material a distinct texture from the beginning. In 1996 he put out his first solo album, 'Fantastic Damage,' which found an audience among critics but didn't break through commercially.

He co-founded the independent label Def Jux in 2001, which became a home for experimental hip-hop. Through Def Jux he released his second solo album, 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead,' with songs like 'Flyentology' and 'Accidents Don't Happen' that built a dedicated following. His production style, dense, layered, and often abrasive, set him apart from more conventional rap producers.

In 2013 he started working with Killer Mike as Run the Jewels, and their collaborative albums brought both artists wider recognition. El-P's solo tracks like 'Blood' and 'Constellation Funk' show the same confrontational energy and detailed production he brought to that project. He's remained an independent figure, working mostly outside major-label systems.