What makes High Water by El-P notable?

'High Water' received critical acclaim for its inventive sound and was influential within the underground hip-hop scene, leading to recognition from publications like Pitchfork. It showcased El-P's unique approach to storytelling and production, contributing to the rise of experimental hip-hop in the 2000s. When 'High Water' was released in 2004, El-P was establishing himself as a key figure in alternative hip-hop, following his work with Company Flow and his debut solo effort, 'Fantastic Damage.' This album further solidified his reputation as an innovator in production and lyrical complexity.

Who is High Water for?

High Water works well if you're into gritty urban storytelling vibes, patient explorations of complex themes and sharp lyricism with raw energy.

How many songs are on High Water?

High Water has 8 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

High Water

El-P · 2004

44 min · 8 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty blend of abstract beats and sharp lyricism that captures the raw energy of underground hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sunrise Over Bklyn — This track encapsulates El-P's signature production style with its sprawling instrumental and introspective lyrics, making it a highlight of the album.
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Get Your Hand Off My Shoulder, Pig — Through sharp social commentary and aggressive delivery, this track exemplifies El-P's ability to merge personal narrative with broader societal issues.
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Something Is Wrong — A pivotal moment on the album, this track's haunting atmosphere and reflective lyrics illustrate the tumultuous emotions that permeate 'High Water.'

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

El-P's inventive production and sharp lyricism create a unique sound that stands out in underground hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered samples and unconventional rhythms, creating a dense sonic landscape.
Each track maintains a distinct narrative focus, with lyrics that often shift perspectives or explore abstract themes.
The production style incorporates both gritty textures and polished elements, allowing for dynamic contrasts within individual tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gritty urban storytelling vibes
patient explorations of complex themes
sharp lyricism with raw energy
late-night introspection and reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, upbeat tracks
want polished mainstream production

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'High Water' was released in 2004, El-P was establishing himself as a key figure in alternative hip-hop, following his work with Company Flow and his debut solo effort, 'Fantastic Damage.' This album further solidified his reputation as an innovator in production and lyrical complexity.
Stylistic neighbors: Run the Jewels· Aesop Rock· Death Grips

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Please Stay (Yesterday) 2:37
2 Sunrise Over Bklyn 10:33
3 Get Your Hand Off My Shoulder, Pig 6:34
4 Get Modal 5:06
5 Intrigue in the House of India 6:33
6 Something Is Wrong 4:09
7 When the Moon Was Blue 6:42
8 Please Leave (Yesterday) 1:51

What to play next

Listen next

Collecting the Kid

2004

Go back to

The Conspiracy

2003

Full El-P discography Artists like El-P

hip-hop rapping

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata