The group disbanded in 2000 after Bigg Jus had left in 1999. As a duo, El-P and Mr. Len released another instrumental album called Little Johnny From the Hospitul, after which each of the elements pursued their solo projects, El-P expanding the roster of his label Definitive Jux and Mr. Len giving life to Dummy Smacks Records.
Bigg Jus started up the label Sub Verse Music which temporarily became a distributing point of conscious, independent hip hop. Currently Jus is living in Atlanta, having released several solo and collabo records.
In 2007, the two Co Flow lyricists temporarily re-joined on stage at the CMJ Music Festival in New York. The 10 year anniversary re-issue of Funcrusher Plus, to appear on Def Jux (and for which Co Flow were supposed to be recording new material) has been delayed.
Population Control
Company Flow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You and your whole fucking canned crewmen'll end tepid
So when I Pearl Harbor don't let me catch you intrepid
I'm telling you the wishbone be broke in my favorite crumbcake your
Enterprise and see Indelibles the number one feel bad crew of the
Season
Just give me one reason to splash I should let the flag half mast
Take time to wallow
Company Flow the toughest penis sucky sucky
So of course in an attempt to defend you end up unkempt
Plus this agent get orange E-L-P-F-see-F rock for you
First cousin to sling red dye number five be the potion
In the subterrain warden for a gem of fate like stop motion
Best to get ak-a-nickulous
Our masks aren't intangible
Auto man verse mandible
We answer to no one, we 911
Silent alarm this is harm fear the duck of learning
El-P phase through these walls like vision
Choked in the shallow water, a bad executive decision
Release the crack and please put down your skin flutes
How could you...motherfuckers think ya
To this mercenary sunblock 2000 burner
All of your knowledge is truant
Unlearn all of the shit and then over time you become fluent
Send a fucking storm
After I present enter the spectrum your career's never no more
Enter the rectum
And at twilight we'll skip stones and laugh about your poems
But a blood-red book when the others got funcrushed is a spot
The terror fabulously gets hot
Co Flow mossie
Walt Disney meets Kaiser Soze
There will be no grand comebacks unless Lazarus or Kotter
Inflicted bitch styles in a cave with stigmata
We're locked in a box but you can't say Jack
Trying to paint them fucking red doors black
Like that spilled milk spoiled
When Bill Gates and Ted Turner rub each other down with olive oils
Company Flow fuck please
Bitch put away the fucking piteous punchlines
Blue Blockers break under the red light, belittled by my design
I don't try to be different I am
So inevitably my style will survive when your now turns to then
El-P, vastly crapaphobic
3-2-1 contact never no more that's a promise
You hold toast, well I hold Thomas
Golden nooks and crannies
Win my ticket raffle off the recycled thought shopping spree winner
Congratu-fucking-lations, I dropped it now you got it
But it's only a matter of time before Waldo gets spotted
Pulled out of the crowd and martyred, a good old fashioned stoning
My children, the professional has left the fucking building
Until but for now
You can't get run at night
Curfews is issued in the daylight x2
Population Control
Until but for now
You can't get run at night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
[Bigg Jus]
Like gargling, even in the nights we rip shit up
The two franchise players that make your whole squad look butt
Who brought the March Madness competition till October
Got you thinking that shit became a bit little harder
These niggas is fucking soldiers
Indelible mercenaries that's why ballin' gets me on the nutsack
The murderous intellect highly infections on contact
You need to come quicker than that
To snatch the cheddar from the mousetrap
Small timer, it takes crazy engineering
To fuck with anything from quantum physics to thought transmitters
Next up be that over .400 switch hitter
Out the park kingpin Dave couldn't do Justice
Pound for pound it be these 2000 rap slugfests
Hardcore when future emcees fight future wars
But for now I'm fighting a squad of super-whores
Butt-fucking invincible Co Flow skills for take-out
Where you can get the beef broccoli with extra duck sauce
The quick draw intend to keep cops reaching for the bearclaws
Come meet the Coney Island intruder hit the arts way after midnight
Had a scheme for a burner etched out tonight in graphite
Apply the same ideology of be -boys to men to the mic
And scratch the sounds like a quarter inch bolt broken off
Co Flow coming at you from every verse payola shit
Got stations blessing me off two thousand for every song minute
Secretly teach background voclas in R&B clinics
Until but for now
You can't get run at night
Curfews is issued in the daylight x2
Population Control
Until but for now
You can't get run at night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
Population Control x6
The song "Population Control" by Company Flow, featuring El-P and Bigg Jus, is a complex track that critiques the music industry and the corrupt system that controls it. Throughout the song, the two rappers shift between various references to science, politics, and pop culture to expose the harmful consequences of propaganda and commercialization.
The lyrics start with El-P's verse, which contains various battle-rap style insults aimed towards other rappers and their crews. He brags about his skills and warns his competitors not to mess with him, implying that he will destroy them. He also references Pearl Harbor, comparing himself to the attacking forces, and suggests that he will break his opponents' "wishbone," a metaphor for their confidence and self-assurance. The verse concludes with a call to arms, as El-P declares that his group, Company Flow, is the "toughest" and most formidable in the game.
After El-P's aggressive introduction, Bigg Jus takes over with a calmer but more socially conscious verse. He criticizes the rap world for its obsession with money and fame, using the metaphor of a mousetrap to describe the danger of pursuing these goals. He compares his group to soldiers and mercenaries, highlighting their willingness to fight against the corrupt system that oppresses them. He also references the sport of basketball, suggesting that competition and hard work should be celebrated, but not at the cost of individuality and creativity.
Overall, "Population Control" is a dense, multi-layered track that combines impressive wordplay and sharp social commentary. It shows Company Flow's ability to use hip-hop as a tool for political resistance, rather than just a form of entertainment.
Line by Line Meaning
You and your whole fucking canned crewmen'll end tepid
You and your entire worthless group will fail miserably
So when I Pearl Harbor don't let me catch you intrepid
When I attack unexpectedly, don't try to be brave and fearless
I'm telling you the wishbone be broke in my favorite crumbcake your mistake
I'm warning you that you'll regret crossing me so heavily
Enterprise and see Indelibles the number one feel bad crew of the season
Take a look at us, Company Flow, the most disliked crew of the season
Just give me one reason to splash I should let the flag half mast
Just give me a small provocation and I'll humiliate you
Take time to wallow
Take some time to reflect on your mistakes and failures
Company Flow the toughest penis sucky sucky
Company Flow is known for being uncompromising and unwilling to please others
So of course in an attempt to defend you end up unkempt
Naturally, when you try to defend yourself, you just end up looking messy and disheveled
Plus this agent get orange E-L-P-F-see-F rock for you
Furthermore, this representative will bring the intense and powerful sound of E-L-P-F-see-F to you
First cousin to sling red dye number five be the potion
Similar in nature to a harmful chemical, like red dye number five
In the subterrain warden for a gem of fate like stop motion
In the underground, guarding a precious and fateful gem, as if frozen in stop motion
Best to get ak-a-nickulous
It's wise to become inconspicuous and elusive
Our masks aren't intangible
Our disguises aren't illusory or intangible
Auto man verse mandible
The strength of a self-operating machine against the strength of a jawbone
We answer to no one, we 911
We are not accountable to anyone, we are like an emergency hotline
Silent alarm this is harm fear the duck of learning
This is an ominous warning, pay attention to the consequences of acquiring knowledge
El-P phase through these walls like vision
El-P effortlessly passes through obstacles, like a visionary
Choked in the shallow water, a bad executive decision
Struggling in a situation with limited options, a poor decision made by someone in power
Release the crack and please put down your skin flutes
Unleash the intensity and stop playing insignificant instruments
How could you...motherfuckers think ya
How could you possibly believe in your own arrogance
To this mercenary sunblock 2000 burner
Against this powerful and unstoppable force, your resistance is futile
All of your knowledge is truant
Your understanding of things is incomplete and lacking
Unlearn all of the shit and then over time you become fluent
Forget all the useless information and gradually gain true understanding
Send a fucking storm
Bring forth a chaotic and destructive force
After I present enter the spectrum your career's never no more
Once I make my mark, your career will be forever ruined
Enter the rectum
Infiltrate the inner workings and expose their weaknesses
And at twilight we'll skip stones and laugh about your poems
In the evening, we'll enjoy simple pleasures and mock your feeble attempts at poetry
But a blood-red book when the others got funcrushed is a spot
When everyone else fails, a dark and twisted book stands out
The terror fabulously gets hot
The fear we instill is strikingly intense
Co Flow mossie
Company Flow is strong and elusive
Walt Disney meets Kaiser Soze
A combination of innocence and deception
There will be no grand comebacks unless Lazarus or Kotter
There won't be any dramatic comebacks unless there's a supernatural intervention
Inflicted bitch styles in a cave with stigmata
Imposing styles of submission, suffering with symbolic wounds
We're locked in a box but you can't say Jack
We may seem confined, but you can't underestimate us
Trying to paint them fucking red doors black
Attempting to hide the true nature of things and deceive others
Like that spilled milk spoiled
Like milk that has gone off, turned rotten
When Bill Gates and Ted Turner rub each other down with olive oils
When two wealthy individuals indulge in excess and superficiality
Bitch put away the fucking piteous punchlines
Stop using weak and pathetic lines
Blue Blockers break under the red light, belittled by my design
Even strong and impenetrable defenses break under my relentless attack
I don't try to be different I am
I don't make an effort to stand out, I inherently am unique
So inevitably my style will survive when your now turns to then
My distinct style will persist while yours becomes outdated
El-P, vastly crapaphobic
El-P has an intense aversion to mediocrity
3-2-1 contact never no more that's a promise
The connection between us will be severed, that's a guarantee
You hold toast, well I hold Thomas
You may have a firearm, but I have something even more valuable and powerful
Golden nooks and crannies
Hidden and valuable treasures
Win my ticket raffle off the recycled thought shopping spree winner
Obtain the chance to experience my unique and fresh ideas
Congratu-fucking-lations, I dropped it now you got it
Congratulations, I let go of it and now you're burdened with it
But it's only a matter of time before Waldo gets spotted
It won't be long before your true nature and location are exposed
Pulled out of the crowd and martyred, a good old fashioned stoning
Taken out of obscurity and punished, subjected to a traditional form of public execution
My children, the professional has left the fucking building
My followers, the skilled and experienced person has departed
Like gargling, even in the nights we rip shit up
Just like gargling, we cause destruction and chaos even during the darkest times
The two franchise players that make your whole squad look butt
We are the key players who make your entire team look incompetent
Who brought the March Madness competition till October
We extended the competitive spirit of March Madness until October
Got you thinking that shit became a little bit harder
Made you believe that the situation became more challenging
These niggas is fucking soldiers
We are highly dedicated and fearless warriors
Indelible mercenaries that's why ballin' gets me on the nutsack
Unforgettable and ruthless soldiers, that's why I excel in the game
The murderous intellect highly infections on contact
My deadly intelligence spreads rapidly and affects others
You need to come quicker than that
You need to respond more quickly and effectively
To snatch the cheddar from the mousetrap
To successfully take the money from a dangerous situation
Small timer, it takes crazy engineering
You are insignificant and it requires incredible skill and effort
To fuck with anything from quantum physics to thought transmitters
To successfully manipulate and understand complex concepts
Next up be that over .400 switch hitter
Next in line is the highly skilled and versatile performer
Out the park kingpin Dave couldn't do Justice
Even the most highly regarded individuals couldn't surpass our achievements
Pound for pound it be these 2000 rap slugfests
In terms of intensity and impact, we dominate the rap battles of the year 2000
Hardcore when future emcees fight future wars
Hardcore and relentless battles between upcoming rappers in the future
But for now I'm fighting a squad of super-whores
But for now, I'm dealing with a group of talentless and morally bankrupt people
Butt-fucking invincible Co Flow skills for take-out
Unstoppable and unbeatable skills from Company Flow, perfect for eliminating opponents
Where you can get the beef broccoli with extra duck sauce
In this environment, you can have a fulfilling but potentially harmful experience
The quick draw intend to keep cops reaching for the bearclaws
Our quick reaction time prevents law enforcement from effectively stopping us
Come meet the Coney Island intruder hit the arts way after midnight
Come face the mysterious and disruptive figure from Coney Island, appearing late at night
Had a scheme for a burner etched out tonight in graphite
Had a plan for a weapon carefully planned out tonight
Apply the same ideology of be-boys to men to the mic
Apply the same principles of the b-boy culture to our approach in rap
And scratch the sounds like a quarter inch bolt broken off
Create unique and unconventional sounds, like a broken bolt
Co Flow coming at you from every verse payola shit
Company Flow is attacking you with every verse of their paid promotion
Got stations blessing me off two thousand for every song minute
Radio stations support and advertise my music, paying handsomely for every minute played
Secretly teach background voclas in R&B clinics
Secretly impart knowledge of background vocals in R&B workshops
Until but for now
But for now, until the present time
You can't get run at night
You can't escape and avoid consequences during the night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
Restrictions and curfews are enforced during the day
You can't get run at night
You can't escape and avoid consequences during the night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
Restrictions and curfews are enforced during the day
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Until but for now
But for now, until the present time
You can't get run at night
You can't escape and avoid consequences during the night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
Restrictions and curfews are enforced during the day
Until but for now
But for now, until the present time
You can't get run at night
You can't escape and avoid consequences during the night
Curfews is issued in the daylight
Restrictions and curfews are enforced during the day
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Population Control
Exercising control and influence over the population
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Y, JUSTIN INGLETON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Dean
"I don't try to be different, I AM, so inevitably my style will survive while your now turns to then"
Oswald Bates III, Esq.
Here it is 25 years later and his style did indeed survive.
Ten Bears
@Brian Simpson he still is.
Happy Mask Salesman
Those are Thanos end game words!
Brian Simpson
EL-P was ridiculous
TheBigBamfWolf
Man not only does this album make you think but it gives you dem feels too. Superb work.
Barry Gol
this song is pure genius
Maximum Axiom
This track is tied with, "The Fire In Which You Burn", for being my favorite songs on this legendary album.
Maximum Axiom
@pistachio's You're most certainly welcome. I hope you enjoy it.👍😊
pistachio's
Thank you for introducing me to another song