Company Flow

The first release on Company Flow frontman El-P's label Def Jux also marks the last from the seminal New York duo, who announced their breakup in the fall of 2000. Sharing the bill with labelmates Cannibal Ox as a double 12", Company Flow continues to further push the boundaries of quality underground hip-hop. "D.P.A. (As Seen on T.V.)" is suitelike, with beats and production that are apocalyptic in scope. El-P's lyrics are rapid fire, packing in cinematic imagery without resorting to the hip-hop cliché of a catchy chorus or hook. Momentum is not lost as the duo serves up the pounding "Simple," and a cameo from Ill Bill adds extra venom to "Simian D (Feelin' Ignorant)" on the B-side. Newcomers Cannibal Ox benefit from the violently murky production techniques exhibited by El-P on the second 12", which features the ominous "Iron Galaxy" and the spooky synthesizer-driven "Straight Off the D.I.C." Even the instrumentals of all the tracks presented stand strong on their own merits, a signature trademark of classic hip-hop 12" singles. ~ Douglas Siwek, All Music Guide