El-P: I'll Sleep When You're Dead Vinyl 2LP

Finally, El-P's ambitious 2nd solo full-length reissued on vinyl! Originally released on the Def Jux label in 2007, the album saw El Producto taming his gritty Company Flow sound into something more dense and cinematic, which would eventually become the blueprint for his Run The Jewels project alongside Killer Mike. Check out the OG Lab review from when the album was originally released:

Lookout, Jukies! The long awaited new El-P full length is finally here. It's hard, grimy and aggressive, and believe it or not, I'm not even hating! I mean, I was waaay into Fantastic Damage, and with I'll Sleep When You're Dead the sound has just evolved and expanded. El Producto has even expanded his connect game, collaborating with all kinds of musicians through out the album. Check out "Tasmanian Pain Coaster" with Omar from The Mars Volta. Pure psy-fi sickness... a fitting intro to this epic album. And speaking of epic, check the pairing of dark minds on "Flyentology" with Trent Reznor(!). Whoa! I also gotta give it to him though for actually getting Chan Marshall aka Cat Power on "Poisonville Kids." Her vulnerable yet oh so sweet voice is a great counter-balance to the sausage style. Of course, the usual DefJux suspects make appearances throughout the album, especially on the standout track "Run The Numbers" with Aesop Rock and Dibbs. Also check out "EMG" and "No Kings" which remind me of that rugged old CoFlow style. 13 tracks of megaton beats and cyberpunk rhymes.

• 15th anniversary reissue
• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 2007
• music label: Fat Possum 2022

reviewed by snackmaster 03/2007