What makes I'll Sleep When You're Dead by El-P notable?

The album received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying El-P's reputation in the hip-hop community and influencing a wave of alternative rap artists. It debuted at number 87 on the Billboard 200, showcasing its commercial viability despite its avant-garde sound. Additionally, tracks like Smithereens have been lauded for their inventive lyrical style and production. Released in 2007, I'll Sleep When You're Dead is El-P's sophomore album following his acclaimed debut, Fantastic Damage. By this point, he had established himself as a defining voice in underground hip-hop, combining complex production techniques with personal and politically charged themes. The album marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from producer to a front-and-center artist.

Who is I'll Sleep When You're Dead for?

I'll Sleep When You're Dead works well if you're into gritty, intense lyrical explorations, short bursts of frenetic energy and cathartic moments of reflection.

How many songs are on I'll Sleep When You're Dead?

I'll Sleep When You're Dead has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

I'll Sleep When You're Dead

El-P · 2007

54 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty fusion of experimental beats and incisive lyrics that challenge conventional hip-hop narratives.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Smithereens (Stop Cryin) — This track encapsulates the album's introspective nature, blending personal reflection with El-P's trademark dense production and sharp lyrical flow.
→
Tasmanian Pain Coaster — Opening the album with frenetic energy, this track showcases El-P's unique ability to weave surreal imagery into his narrative style.
→
Habeas Corpses (Draconian Love) — This song stands out for its dark humor and intricate wordplay, highlighting El-P's skillful storytelling against a backdrop of haunting instrumentals.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental production and incisive lyrics create a unique sound that stands out in hip-hop.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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, intense lyrical explorations
short bursts of frenetic energy
cathartic moments of reflection
late-night introspective listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer lighthearted, upbeat music
seek straightforward lyrical narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2007, I'll Sleep When You're Dead is El-P's sophomore album following his acclaimed debut, Fantastic Damage. By this point, he had established himself as a defining voice in underground hip-hop, combining complex production techniques with personal and politically charged themes. The album marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from producer to a front-and-center artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Run the Jewels· Aesop Rock· Death Grips

Tracklist

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

1 Tasmanian Pain Coaster 6:54
2 Smithereens (Stop Cryin) 4:32
3 Up All Night 2:36
4 EMG 4:31
5 Drive 4:13
6 Dear Sirs 1:32
7 Run the Numbers 4:41
8 Habeas Corpses (Draconian Love) 4:34
9 The Overly Dramatic Truth 4:30
10 Flyentology 4:01
11 No Kings 3:05
12 The League of Extraordinary Nobodies 2:34
13 Poisenville Kids No Wins / Reprise (This Must Be Our Time) 7:00

What to play next

Listen next

Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3

2010

Go back to

High Water

2004

Full El-P discography Artists like El-P

hip-hop rapping

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata