As a member of Company Flow, he honed his production skills alongside DJ Mr. Len and Bigg Jus. His unique style helped Company Flow gain critical, then popular success, culminating in 1997 with Funcrusher Plus. Eventual differences between the group & label Rawkus, lead to El-P & Len leaving the label in 2000.
El-P then started his own record label, Definitive Jux. Of the many albums he has helped produce (most on Definitive Jux), the most influential and successful has been Cannibal Ox's album, The Cold Vein (2001). In 2002 he released his debut album, Fantastic Damage, which received critical acclaim. His follow-up, I'll Sleep When You're Dead, hit stores in March of 2007. It featured a wide range of artists, including The Mars Volta, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and Cat Power. El-P has also contributed productions and guest raps to albums by DJ Krush, Aesop Rock, Murs, Cage, Mr. Lif, Prefuse 73, Del the Funky Homosapien, Mike Ladd, The High and Mighty, Aceyalone, and Alec Empire on the first Handsome Boy Modeling School album.
Cannibal Ox member Vordul Mega can be heard on "Linda Tripp", El-P's rebuttal to Sole's "Dear Elpee". He was also selected to work on Rage Against the Machine frontman Zach de la Rocha's solo album.
In 2012, El-P released his 3rd solo album, Cancer 4 Cure, on Fat Possum Records. The album was released to general acclaim, aggregating a score of 84 out of 100 on Metacritic.
In 2013, Meline formed rap duo Run the Jewels, with Michael Render (aka Killer Mike).
Sites: Discogs, Wikipedia and SoundCloud.
Stepfather Factory
El-P Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It gets so fuckin' crabby in this booth, man)
(It's like 90 degrees in here)
(Smells like cigarettes in a toilet)
(I'm gonna build) a Stepfather Factory
The latest in technology
Stepfather Factory
A Stepfather Factory
The age of familial industry
A Stepfather Factory
Building tomorrow's fathers today
A Stepfather Factory
The latest in technology
Stepfather Factory
Jobs for the community
A Stepfather Factory
The age of familial industry
Building tomorrow's fathers today
Spilling the leftovers of [creational clique]
We grew with the concept now we're ready to go public
Today's a big day for the company
A big step for the little-steppers who slept for years uncomfortably
Little man, little lady, cute little baby
Reach your hand out to the future of automated robotics
On display here for the first time in under a year here
At the World's fair - but is it really?
Ladies and Gentlemen I propose that the market
is sinking under the weight of useless contraptions
added to the shopping carts of all hard-working families
Electric doodads and wizard hats [exist] to keep the munchkins entertained
But get replaced by newer versions such as breakdown systematically
Mothers - how many times have you debated sub-euthanasia tablets for breakfast snacks
When restlessness attacks seemingly at random?
With an emptiness inside that's hard to identify, maybe
Pursuing obvious like pill-popping [the cossanova edict]
Chances are you've been abandoned
Well I'm no scientist, that's not what I went to school for
And I'm not a doctor, so I don't know much about medicine
But I'm willing to bet that you, yes you little
what's your name sweetheart? (dada) yeah, whatever
Get a funny feeling in your tummy when your mommy cries
Something between woozy and confusion
And you spend your thoughts on how the sadnessin your mommy
can be rooted out, burned, scorched, turned out, forgotten
Different concepts than the candy and little baby dolls or
Whatever it is that normal kids get to think about
Well I can honestly say that this invention is,
Let me start by saying we've grafted only the finest stuff
Inserted the most high tech, state of the art, with brain charted for authentic
Truly human emotion and trained to be domestic
Made from the most easily available materials and, uh, loosely inspected
Guaranteed to revolutionize
Perfectly realistic and even somewhat institutionally respected
Robotic relative
(That's why I'm gonna build) a Stepfather Factory
The latest in technology
A Stepfather Factory
Jobs for the community
A Stepfather Factory
The age of familial industry
A Stepfather Factory
Building tomorrow's fathers today
A Stepfather Factory
The latest in technology
A Stepfather Factory
Jobs for the community
Stepfather Factory
The age of familial industry
I'm not only the president, I'm a client
So you purchased a paternal unit, class A type 1
A new addition to your living room space, watch it go
Have your warranty for at least 90 days, so have fun
If in that time frame there's a problem, please let us know
Before you start there's a few details that you must learn
Technical specs about your unit to make things run smooth
In an effort to find an energy source our company's learned
The cheapest way to keep his battery running is with booze
Plug it in, give it a name, man of the house, help sustain
Wear the pants, you can relax, [water the pad], nuclear fam [ordered a nucleus]
Brings us to the safety chapter
Section 87 in your handbook subsection 16 entitled
Troubleshooting
Fuel sources are at a slight risk of mixing
With the crispy plutonium center
Of your automated new spouse and then driven
Possibly leading to the unpredicted stimulation of its artificial emotion circuits
And in a few unsubstantiated clinical trials this condition
has led to simulated feelings of resentment and worthlessness
Manifested in the highly unlikely but still possible act
of physical aggression towards you and your loved ones fleshy surfaces
Remember, no cash returns
Only credits towards future purchases
"Why are you hurting me?
I love you."
"Why are you hurting me?
I love you."
"Why are you hurting me?
I love you."
El-P's song "Stepfather Factory" starts off with the artist lamenting the cramped and unpleasant surroundings he finds himself in. He then introduces the "Stepfather Factory," which represents the latest advancements in technology and offers jobs for the community. This phrase is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the importance of the concept to the artist.
El-P goes on to elaborate on the idea behind the Stepfather Factory. He creates a social commentary on the state of the American family, suggesting that the current market is filled with countless useless contraptions. He offers a solution of artificially engineered stepfathers who are "perfectly realistic" and "trained to be domestic," ensuring that they are better, more reliable fathers than their human counterparts. The song suggests that the Stepfather Factory could help bring structure and normalcy to modern, dysfunctional families.
There is a note of warning, however, in the voice of the robotic stepfather. The final lines of the song offer a cautionary tale: if users accidentally mix the unit's fuel sources or mistreat it, there is a chance that it will become aggressive and turn against its human family members. The song leaves open the possibility that this innovative new technology could end up being as dysfunctional as the human families it supplants.
Line by Line Meaning
(Burrrrp) Oh, yeah, oh, you son of a bitches
Expressing frustration or annoyance with the current situation
(It gets so fuckin' crabby in this booth, man)
Describing the uncomfortable and unpleasant environment
(It's like 90 degrees in here)
Highlighting the extreme heat in the booth
(Smells like cigarettes in a toilet)
Commenting on the unpleasant odor in the booth
I'm gonna build a Stepfather Factory
Introducing the concept of creating a factory for stepfathers
The latest in technology
Emphasizing the advanced tech used in the factory
Jobs for the community
Highlighting the employment opportunities provided by the factory
The age of familial industry
Describing the era of manufacturing stepfathers
Building tomorrow's fathers today
Promoting the idea of constructing future fathers through the factory
Spilling the leftovers of [creational clique]
Referencing the creativity and ideas that were developed over time
We grew with the concept now we're ready to go public
Explaining the growth and readiness to share the concept with the public
Today's a big day for the company
Expressing the significance of the day for the company
A big step for the little-steppers who slept for years uncomfortably
Acknowledging the progress made by those who struggled for a long time
Little man, little lady, cute little baby
Referring to the innocent and young individuals affected by stepfather issues
Reach your hand out to the future of automated robotics
Encouraging the audience to embrace the advancements of technology
On display here for the first time in under a year here
Highlighting the debut of the technology after less than a year of development
At the World's fair - but is it really?
Questioning the legitimacy or true value of the showcased technology
Ladies and Gentlemen I propose that the market
Presenting a proposal or argument about the market
is sinking under the weight of useless contraptions
Claiming that the market is burdened by worthless inventions
added to the shopping carts of all hard-working families
Explaining that these inventions are purchased by busy families
Electric doodads and wizard hats [exist] to keep the munchkins entertained
Describing gadgets and toys designed to entertain children
But get replaced by newer versions such as breakdown systematically
Pointing out that these gadgets become obsolete and break down over time
Mothers - how many times have you debated sub-euthanasia tablets for breakfast snacks
Highlighting the struggles and difficult decisions mothers face
When restlessness attacks seemingly at random?
Questioning the unpredictability of restlessness or dissatisfaction
With an emptiness inside that's hard to identify, maybe
Recognizing the difficulty in understanding feelings of emptiness
Pursuing obvious like pill-popping [the cossanova edict]
Suggesting that people resort to obvious solutions like taking pills
Chances are you've been abandoned
Implying that many people have experienced abandonment
Well I'm no scientist, that's not what I went to school for
Acknowledging a lack of expertise in science
And I'm not a doctor, so I don't know much about medicine
Acknowledging a lack of medical knowledge
But I'm willing to bet that you, yes you little
Expressing confidence in a certain assumption or belief
what's your name sweetheart? (dada) yeah, whatever
Casually engaging with a child and dismissing their response
Get a funny feeling in your tummy when your mommy cries
Noticing the child's emotional reaction when their mother cries
Something between woozy and confusion
Describing the child's mixed and disoriented emotions
And you spend your thoughts on how the sadness in your mommy
Exploring how the child thinks about their mother's sadness
can be rooted out, burned, scorched, turned out, forgotten
Expressing the child's desire to eliminate or overcome their mother's sadness
Different concepts than the candy and little baby dolls or
Comparing the child's thoughts to typical childlike concerns
Whatever it is that normal kids get to think about
Reflecting on the mindsets and experiences of other children
Well I can honestly say that this invention is
Asserting the authenticity and validity of the mentioned invention
Let me start by saying we've grafted only the finest stuff
Claiming that the invention consists of high-quality components
Inserted the most high tech, state of the art, with brain charted for authentic
Describing the advanced features and precise brain mapping of the invention
Truly human emotion and trained to be domestic
Promoting the authenticity of human-like emotions and domestic skills
Made from the most easily available materials and, uh, loosely inspected
Acknowledging the use of easily obtainable materials with some flexibility in inspection
Guaranteed to revolutionize
Promising a revolutionary change or impact
Perfectly realistic and even somewhat institutionally respected
Asserting the authenticity and acceptance of the invention
Robotic relative
Referring to the invention as a robotic family member
So you purchased a paternal unit, class A type 1
Addressing the buyer who acquired a specific type of stepfather unit
A new addition to your living room space, watch it go
Describing the stepfather unit as a new addition to the household
Have your warranty for at least 90 days, so have fun
Informing the buyer about the warranty period and encouraging enjoyment
If in that time frame there's a problem, please let us know
Requesting the buyer to report any issues within the warranty duration
Before you start there's a few details that you must learn
Highlighting the importance of learning some essential information before using the unit
Technical specs about your unit to make things run smooth
Referring to the technical specifications that contribute to smooth functioning
In an effort to find an energy source our company's learned
Explaining the company's research and development focus on an energy source
The cheapest way to keep his battery running is with booze
Revealing that alcohol is the cost-effective energy source for the unit's battery
Plug it in, give it a name, man of the house, help sustain
Instructions to connect the unit, assign a name, and rely on its support
Wear the pants, you can relax, [water the pad], nuclear fam [ordered a nucleus]
Encouraging the buyer to take charge and enjoy the benefits of a traditional family
Brings us to the safety chapter
Transitioning into the discussion of safety precautions
Section 87 in your handbook subsection 16 entitled, Troubleshooting
Referring to a specific section of the handbook that covers troubleshooting
Fuel sources are at a slight risk of mixing
Noting the possibility of fuel sources blending or combining
With the crispy plutonium center
Explaining the potential interaction between fuel sources and the plutonium center
Of your automated new spouse and then driven
Describing the impact on the unit's behavior and actions
Possibly leading to the unpredicted stimulation of its artificial emotion circuits
Highlighting the potential activation of the unit's emotion circuits due to interaction
And in a few unsubstantiated clinical trials this condition
Referring to unverified studies that explored this specific condition
has led to simulated feelings of resentment and worthlessness
Claiming that such interactions resulted in artificial emotions of resentment and worthlessness
Manifested in the highly unlikely but still possible act of physical aggression towards you and your loved ones fleshy surfaces
Addressing the rare but potentially violent response of the unit towards the buyer or loved ones
Remember, no cash returns
Reminding the buyer that cash returns are not accepted
Only credits towards future purchases
Informing the buyer about the possibility of receiving credits for future transactions
"Why are you hurting me?
I love you."
Quoting a statement from someone expressing confusion and love simultaneously
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mauve Gun
[Spoken: El-P]
Oh, yeah
Oh, you son of a bitches
(Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya)
It gets so fuckin' crabby in this booth, man
Shit is a hundred degrees in here
(Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya)
Smells like Satan's toilet
[Chorus]
I'm gonna build
(A stepfather factory)
The latest in technology
(A stepfather factory)
Jobs for the community
(A stepfather factory)
The age of familial industry
(A stepfather factory)
Building tomorrow's fathers today
(A stepfather factory)
The latest in technology
(A stepfather factory)
Jobs for the community
(A stepfather factory)
The age of familial industry
Building tomorrow's fathers today
[Verse 1]
Spilling the leftovers of creational clay
We grew with the concept, now we're ready to go public
Today's a big day for the company
A big step for the little steppers who slept for years uncomfortably
Little man, little lady, cute little baby
Reach your hand out to the future of automated robotics
On display here for the first time in (enter year here)
At the World's Fair, but is it really?
Ladies and gentlemen, I propose that the market is sinking
Under the weight of the useless contraptions
Added to the shopping carts of all hard-working families
Electric doodads and whizzer apps and such to keep the munchkins entertained
But get replaced by newer versions or just break down systematically
Mothers, how many times have you debated self-euthanasia tablets for breakfast snacks
When restlessness attacks, seemingly at random?
Feel an emptiness inside that's hard to identify, maybe?
Pursuing hobbies like pill-popping or constant overeating?
Chances are you've been abandoned
Now, I'm no scientist (No, no, no, no, no)
That's not what I went to school for
And I'm not a doctor
So I don't know much about medicine
But I'm willing to bet that you, yes, you, little
What's your name, sweetheart?
(Wah wah) Yeah, whatever
Get a funny feeling in your tummy when you see mommy cry
Something between woozy and confusion
And you spend your thoughts on how this sadness
In your mommy can be rooted out, burned, scorned, turned out, forgotten
So you can concentrate on candy and little baby dolls or
Whatever it is that normal kids get to think about
Well, I can honestly say that this invention is
Let me start by saying we've grafted only the finest of
Inserted the most high-tech
State of the art with brain charted from authentic
True-to-human emotions and trained to be domestic
Made from the most easily available materials and, uh, loosely inspected
Guaranteed to revolutionize
Perfectly realistic and even somewhat institutionally respected
Robotic relative
[Chorus]
That's why I'm gonna build
(A stepfather factory)
The latest in technology
(A stepfather factory)
Jobs for the community
(A stepfather factory)
The age of familial industry
(A stepfather factory)
Building tomorrow's fathers today
(A stepfather factory)
The latest in technology
(A stepfather factory)
Jobs for the community
(A stepfather factory)
The age of familial industry
I'm not only the president, I'm a client
[Verse 2]
So you've purchased a paternal unit, class A, type 1
The new addition to your living room space, watch it go
Under warranty for at least ninety days, so have fun
If, in that time frame, there's a problem, please let us know
Before you start, there's a few details that you must learn
Technical specs about your unit to make things run smooth
In an effort to find an energy source our company's learned
The cheapest way to keep his battery running is with booze
Plug it in, give it a name, man of the house, self-sustained
Wearin' the pants, you can relax, one of the pack, nuclear fam
Literally nuclear
Which brings us to the safety chapter
Section eighty-seven in your handbook, subsection sixteen
Entitled "Troubleshooting"
"Fuel sources are at a slight risk of mixing
With the crispy plutonium center
Of your automated new spouse and then dripping
Possibly leading to the unpredicted stimulation of its artificial emotion circuits
And in a few unsubstantiated clinical trials
This condition has led to simulating feelings of resentment and worthlessness
Manifested in the highly unlikely but still possible act
Of physical aggression towards you and your loved ones fleshy surfaces"
[Spoken: El-P]
Remember, no cash returns
Only credits towards future purchases
[Spoken: Robotic voice]
Why are you making me hurt you?
I love you
Why are you making me hurt you?
I love you
Why are you making me hurt you?
I love you
Modern Music Mayhem
El-P has consistently put out G.O.A.T. quality material, yet he’s still seen as “the other guy in Run The Jewels”. The man needs more respect!
Cheryl Marie
I don’t know anybody who calls him the other guy in run the jewels LOL except maybe kids who never actually listened lol anybody I know who listens is completely floored and bewildered By eLP mainly… the only reason killer mike is where he is is because of ELP, sure ELP needed the lightheartedness because let’s face it stuff like stepfather factory is way too serious and intelligent for most people so killer Mike gets their foot in the door with his fun pumped up attitude but it’s ELP who makes everybody stay, everybody knows that, so don’t be crazy
Modern Music Mayhem
@Cheryl Marie most people I’ve spoken to at least see Mike as the main brain mostly because of him having the first verse on Legend Has It which is false.
Jacob Lamberson
El-P is an underground legend, anyone who says differently doesn't know what they're talking about. Lol it's not even debatable.
son of mann
@Jacob Lamberson he is one of the most important hip hop artists people just do know it.
NachoMan Randy Sanchez
Only because he wasn't as mainstream as Mike and only to people who didn't know about his body of work
mattychrans
Low key one of the dopest artists of all time
dragorocky
Oh that’s a definite
Nick Dillon
Everybody knows Producto now, he's not low key anymore. RTJ is doing tracks for FIFA and music videos for Amazon originals.
PETER PEDRO
@Nick Dillon his success was inevitable.