Founding members El-P and Mr. Len met when the latter was hired to perform as a DJ at the former's 18th birthday party. The two quickly became friends and formed Company Flow in 1993. They released their first vinyl single, "Juvenile Techniques". After El-P was introduced to Big Juss by underground rapper and indie label owner ANTTEX, the trio then released their follow-up, "8 Steps to Perfection" and then their debut EP, Funcrusher, in 1996. Subject to a major label bidding war onLibra Records, Company Flow waited until they could get a contract on their own terms. They eventually signed to Rawkus, and helped revitalize underground rap with labelmates like Mos Def. Their full-length debut albumFuncrusher Plus was released in 1997 on Rawkus. After two years of pushing the album and touring, group member Bigg Jus decided to strike out on his own and the group amicably dissolved. El-P and Mr. Len followed up their debut with the instrumental album . By 2000, the relationship with Rawkus had disintegrated. The label was accused of neglecting the group's talent and being financially dishonest. The staff was fired shortly before Christmas, and Company Flow announced their departure from Rawkus shortly thereafter. Separately, El-P and Mr. Len ended their own deals with Rawkus, effectively severing the relationship between the three and Rawkus. El-P started his own record label and pursued a solo career before eventually forming Run the Jewels with Killer Mike. Mr. Len has done the same with his. Bigg Jus has released work on Big Dada and Mush Records. Bigg Jus stated in 2006 that he was working on material for a new Company Flow album, suggesting the possibility of the group re-forming. Company Flow reunited for a show on October 19, 2007 in Brooklyn, New York City as well as a show on July 16, 2011, and supported Portishead at the inaugural British 'I'll Be Your Mirror' festival on July 23, 2011. Company Flow performed their final show as a group at Coachella in 2012.
Discography
Albums and EPs
Singles
"Juvenile Techniques"
"8 Steps to Perfection"
"Infokill"
"Blind"
"End to End Burners...Episode 1"
"End to End Burners...Episode 2"
"Patriotism" from Soundbombing 2
"D.P.A. "
Guest appearances
- "Lune TNS" from Soundbombing
Boulevard Connection - "Jonny Rookie Card" from Sut Min Pik