Discover Company Flow: The Underground Legends Who Shaped Hip-Hop’s Future
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In the vast landscape of hip-hop, where commercial success often overshadows true artistry, there’s a group that remains an enigma to many, yet their influence is undeniable. Company Flow—a name that resonates deeply within the underground scene but remains relatively unknown to the mainstream—has crafted a legacy that true hip-hop aficionados recognize and respect.
Formed in the gritty streets of New York City during the early 1990s, Company Flow was more than just a group; it was a movement. Comprising three core members—El-P, Bigg Jus, and Mr. Len—this trio brought a fresh, raw energy to hip-hop, challenging the norms of the genre and paving the way for future innovators. Their approach was unorthodox, their sound revolutionary, and their impact on the culture profound.
One of the most significant elements of Company Flow’s rise was their connection to Rawkus Entertainment, a label that played a pivotal role in the 1990s underground hip-hop scene. Rawkus was founded by Brian Brater and Jarret Myer in 1996, with financial backing from James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The label quickly established itself as a hub for artists who were pushing the boundaries of hip-hop, offering a platform for voices that were too raw, too real, or too revolutionary for the mainstream.
Rawkus Entertainment became synonymous with quality, conscious rap, and Company Flow’s partnership with the label was a perfect fit. When Company Flow released their seminal album “Funcrusher Plus“ in 1997 under Rawkus, it marked a turning point for both the group and the label. The album’s success helped to cement Rawkus’ reputation as the go-to label for underground hip-hop, and in turn, Rawkus provided Company Flow with the distribution and support they needed to reach a wider audience without compromising their artistic integrity.
Beyond Company Flow, Rawkus Entertainment was home to a roster of incredibly talented and influential artists who helped define the sound of underground hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This includes Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli, who together formed the iconic duo Black Star. Their self-titled debut album is widely regarded as a classic, blending sharp lyricism with socially conscious themes.
Another significant name is Pharoahe Monch, whose intricate wordplay and thought-provoking lyrics on his album “Internal Affairs” earned him critical acclaim. Rawkus also nurtured artists like Common, who released the acclaimed album “Like Water for Chocolate” under their banner, further establishing the label’s reputation for promoting artists with substance and depth.
Other notable acts include The High & Mighty, whose “Home Field Advantage” became a staple of the underground scene, and Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek), whose album “Train of Thought” remains a touchstone for fans of introspective, soulful hip-hop.
If there’s one album that encapsulates the essence of Company Flow, it’s their 1997 release, “Funcrusher Plus”. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it’s a journey through the minds of artists who were unafraid to push boundaries. The beats are intentionally broken, the rhythms seemingly chaotic yet meticulously crafted. Each track offers something unique, from the stuttering snares to the jagged basslines that challenge listeners to rethink what hip-hop could be.
The title “Funcrusher Plus” itself is a statement—a rejection of the commercial, “fun” hip-hop that dominated the airwaves at the time. Instead, Company Flow offered something grittier, darker, and more intellectually stimulating. The album’s complex production, spearheaded by El-P, is filled with dissonant samples and unconventional drum patterns that create a soundscape unlike anything else in the genre.
One of the most striking features of “Funcrusher Plus” is the group’s approach to flow. Unlike the polished, predictable deliveries of mainstream rappers, Company Flow’s verses are intentionally off-kilter. El-P and Bigg Jus weave their lyrics around the beat rather than riding it, creating a sense of tension and unpredictability that keeps listeners on edge. This “offbeat” style would go on to influence a generation of rappers and producers who sought to break free from the constraints of traditional hip-hop structures.
Their lyrics are dense, filled with abstract metaphors, socio-political commentary, and a relentless critique of the industry and society. It’s this combination of thought-provoking content and innovative delivery that has cemented “Funcrusher Plus” as a must-have for any serious hip-hop fan.
If you consider yourself a true fan of hip-hop, “Funcrusher Plus” is an essential addition to your collection. This album is not just a piece of music; it’s a historical artifact that captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of the genre. Company Flow dared to be different, and in doing so, they influenced countless artists who followed in their footsteps.
Whether you’re drawn to the cerebral lyricism, the avant-garde production, or simply the raw energy that emanates from each track, “Funcrusher Plus” is a testament to the power of hip-hop as an art form. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers and insights each time.
Rawkus Entertainment went on to release other legendary albums, helping to launch the careers of artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Common, and The High & Mighty. But “Funcrusher Plus” remains a cornerstone of the label’s legacy. It symbolizes a moment in time when hip-hop was more than just music; it was a counter-culture, a rebellion, and a form of artistic expression that defied commercialization.
Though Company Flow disbanded in the early 2000s, their influence continues to reverberate throughout the hip-hop community. El-P, in particular, has continued to shape the future of hip-hop, achieving critical and commercial success as one half of the powerhouse duo Run the Jewels. Run the Jewels, formed by El-P and Killer Mike, has become one of the most influential and respected groups in modern hip-hop, carrying forward the rebellious spirit and innovative approach that El-P honed with Company Flow.
Yet, for those in the know, Company Flow will always be remembered as pioneers—artists who dared to challenge the status quo and, in the process, helped shape the future of hip-hop. If you haven’t yet explored their work, “Funcrusher Plus” is the perfect place to start. Dive in, and discover the brilliance of a group that remains one of hip-hop’s best-kept secrets.
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