In the given quote, El-P is expressing his stance on music collection and curation. He emphasizes that he has never been a collector of vinyl records nor someone who goes out of their way to search for rare or obscure tracks. The speaker contrasts himself with the stereotypical record hunter who might travel long distances to find unique pieces, even going so far as to imagine such individuals having encountered improbable circumstances like obtaining stolen Russian funk records.
El-P's words carry a deeper meaning beyond just his approach to music collection. They highlight his preference for authenticity and originality in music creation rather than being influenced by extensive knowledge of obscure tracks or historical musical artifacts. By distancing himself from the notion of collecting rare vinyl, El-P underscores his belief that true artistic expression comes from within oneself and is not necessarily tied to an encyclopedic knowledge of previous works. This attitude reflects a commitment to innovation and personal creativity over nostalgia and accumulation.
El-P, whose full name is Jaime Meline, is an American rapper, record producer, and writer. Known for his work with the group Company Flow and as a solo artist under various aliases including El-P, he has built a reputation for experimental hip-hop that challenges conventional musical boundaries. His statement encapsulates not only his personal approach to music but also reflects broader themes in contemporary artistic expression where originality and individual creativity are valued highly.
