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.
The Jig Is Up
El-P Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's paying for this time you're wasting?
Who signs when you submit receipts?
What do they have on you to bribe you?
What's the threat they held above that very pleasing face?
What do they want from me?
As for that shed of tools we spoke about
I doubt that I'm the sharpest one
So you're not fooling anybody
We all know that you couldn't be here out of love
You must really think that I am dumb
Well, I know a thing or two about a thing or two
And one of them's the fact that men like me don't ever get no second chance
Not for the kind of man who showed up at death's door
And ding, dong, dashed so much he wore a hole out on the welcome mat
Oh you're good
The way you just smiled at me; pro move
A lesser man would fall for that
Just drift into the thrill of you
Why don't you just admit the truth
That you've been trained to withstand pain
And that's the only way my crazy is not killing you
Look at me
I'm on to you
No more lies
I'm on to you
Then again, you might out of your goddamn mind
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
You must be out of your goddamn mind
Tell me your real name, who's your leader
What agenda got you slumming it down here
Who's handing out the dough?
Tell me the point of adopting a crocodile
When you know that he's going to be flushed to the sewers down low
Slithering, writhing, wiggling
Living where the moon don't glow
Why would you book a ticket with a living Costa Concordia?
Why would you travel on a vessel that might not float?
For all the times that I drowned out hope
I don't really see the logic of me getting this spot on the lifeboat
Got to be a better candidate
For that sheer dumb luck
No comprendo
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
The lyrics to El-P's song "The Jig Is Up" are a scathing critique on the tactics and motives of those who seek to control and manipulate others. El-P questions the identity and intentions of his interlocutor, demanding to know who sent them and what agency they are working for. He questions the person's loyalty and integrity, wondering why they would be wasting their time and why they would be bribed.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of power dynamics and inequality. El-P accuses his interlocutor of thinking that he is dumb and suggests that they have been trained to withstand pain. He also critiques the person's choices, asking them why they would adopt a crocodile when they know it is destined to be flushed down the sewer. El-P maintains that he would not want to be part of any club that would have him, suggesting a deep distrust of those who hold power over others.
Overall, "The Jig Is Up" is a cynical and confrontational song that questions the motives of those who seek to control others and invites the listener to question their own assumptions and allegiances. With its dense, complex lyrics and driving beat, the song is both a work of art and a call to action.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me who sent you here, what agency
Please inform me of the person or organization that deployed you and which agency they represent.
Who's paying for this time you're wasting?
Who is the party that is funding your presence and responsibilities here that seem to be unnecessary?
Who signs when you submit receipts?
Who is the authorized signatory who signs off on your submitted receipts?
What do they have on you to bribe you?
What does your briber know about you to make you accept the bribe?
What's the threat they held above that very pleasing face?
What are the repercussions or dangers that they have imposed upon you, despite the fact that they have a friendly face?
What do they want from me?
What motive do they have to use you to extract information or resources from me?
As for that shed of tools we spoke about
Regarding the conversation we had about the tool shed,
I doubt that I'm the sharpest one
I do not believe that I am the most intelligent person in the room.
But manuals I come with clearly read "I cut"
However, the manuals that come with me read or suggest that I am capable of cutting or harming others.
So you're not fooling anybody
You are not succeeding in deceiving anybody here.
We all know that you couldn't be here out of love
We are all aware of the fact that you did not come here out of any love or affection towards us.
You must really think that I am dumb
You seem to believe that I am not intelligent enough to be aware of your motives or intentions.
Well, I know a thing or two about a thing or two
Well, I have my fair share of knowledge about certain things.
And one of them's the fact that men like me don't ever get no second chance
One of those things that I know is that people like me do not get second chances or opportunities as easily as others.
Not for the kind of man who showed up at death's door
Especially not for people who have already cheated death like I have.
And ding, dong, dashed so much he wore a hole out on the welcome mat
And I have skipped and cheated so many times that I have literally worn out the welcome mat.
Oh you're good
I must say that you are doing a good job so far.
The way you just smiled at me; pro move
Your smiling technique is quite professional and impressive.
A lesser man would fall for that
Someone less aware or experienced than me might easily fall for your tactic.
Just drift into the thrill of you
Envelop yourself in the excitement that you are creating.
Why don't you just admit the truth
Why don't you just be honest about the situation?
That you've been trained to withstand pain
That you have been trained to be able to tolerate or endure pain.
And that's the only way my crazy is not killing you
And that is the sole reason why you continue to be unharmed despite my unstable behavior.
Look at me
Pay attention to me and my words.
I'm on to you
I understand your intentions and motives.
No more lies
I do not want any more deception or falsehoods.
Then again, you might out of your goddamn mind
However, I must consider the possibility that you are completely insane or irrational.
I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me
I do not want to be associated with any group or organization that would accept someone like me as a member.
Tell me your real name, who's your leader
Please disclose your true identity and the individual or entity that you are working under.
What agenda got you slumming it down here
What is the purpose or objective that brought you to this lowly or undesirable place?
Who's handing out the dough?
Who is the person or entity distributing the money or funds here?
Tell me the point of adopting a crocodile
Explain or justify the reason for acquiring or adopting a dangerous and unpredictable animal like a crocodile.
When you know that he's going to be flushed to the sewers down low
When you are fully aware that the animal that you have acquired will be discarded or discarded soon in a shameful and unpleasant way.
Slithering, writhing, wiggling
Moving or wriggling about in a way that suggests a lack of grace, elegance or purpose.
Living where the moon don't glow
Existing or residing in a place that is devoid of light or life.
Why would you book a ticket with a living Costa Concordia?
Why would you knowingly or unknowingly choose or be associated with a flawed or dangerous journey or enterprise?
Why would you travel on a vessel that might not float?
Why would you choose to be on board a ship that is not capable or safe enough to stay afloat?
For all the times that I drowned out hope
Considering all the moments that I lost faith or gave up on hope.
I don't really see the logic of me getting this spot on the lifeboat
I do not believe that I am the most suitable or deserving person to get a spot on the lifeboat.
Got to be a better candidate
There must be an individual who is much more suitable or deserving for that spot.
For that sheer dumb luck
Based on a random or coincidental chance.
No comprendo
I do not understand or comprehend your intentions or actions.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JAMIE MELINE, TORBITT SCHWARTZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D G
Love this video! El gets deep AF. Found out about RTJ from the BF:Hardline soundtrack and I'm a little pissed at myself for not finding his music sooner as it meshes so well with me.
Ryan Blakely
I feel this shit
Anthony Bartek
After all these years stay coming back.
jason butler
my favorite song.
Arsendis
I love this
Andy Zagray
It's like they never knew before rtj but I've been here from the start
David Benabe
Genius
Midnight Club Still Cancelled Soz
Number one, baby!
Leon Hickey
Tf you doing here 0-0)
jeremyof218
I wouldn't want to be a part of any club that would have me.