Music

El-P From Run the Jewels Considers Prince His Biggest Influence and Hero

The Current (Minnesota Public Radio)
The Current (Minnesota Public Radio)•Apr 21, 2026

Why It Matters

Prince’s cross‑genre impact informs modern hip‑hop’s sound and branding, illustrating how legacy artists drive creative direction and commercial opportunities for newer acts.

Key Takeaways

  • •El-P cites Prince as his top musical influence.
  • •Prince's genre-blending style shaped Run the Jewels' sound.
  • •Interview recorded at The Current in 2017.
  • •El-P calls Prince a personal hero and creative mentor.
  • •Prince's legacy continues to inspire modern hip‑hop artists.

Pulse Analysis

Prince’s artistic daring reshaped popular music in the 1980s, merging funk, rock, and pop with a visual spectacle that set a new standard for performance. His willingness to control every aspect of his output—from songwriting to production—created a template for artists seeking both creative autonomy and commercial success. This legacy of self‑sufficiency resonates today, as musicians across genres cite him as a blueprint for building a distinctive brand.

When El‑P of Run the Jewels references Prince as his greatest influence, he isn’t merely paying tribute; he signals a broader cultural shift where hip‑hop artists draw from the eclectic playbook of past icons. Run the Jewels’ aggressive beats and lyrical intensity are infused with Prince‑style funk grooves and theatrical dynamics, reflecting a hybrid sound that appeals to diverse audiences. Such cross‑pollination expands market reach, boosting streaming numbers and live‑show ticket sales for acts that blend styles.

From a business perspective, Prince’s enduring relevance fuels catalog monetization, licensing deals, and brand collaborations that benefit both estates and contemporary creators. Artists like El‑P leveraging his influence can tap into nostalgia‑driven marketing, attract media attention, and negotiate advantageous partnerships. As the music industry continues to prioritize multi‑dimensional branding, Prince’s blueprint offers a lucrative roadmap for artists aiming to translate artistic reverence into measurable commercial growth.

Original Description

Listen to El-P from Run the Jewels talk about Prince's influence
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El-P from Run the Jewels talks about the powerful effect Prince had on his life. “Prince is one of the biggest influences and one of the biggest heroes in my life,” El-P explains in this interview recorded at The Current in 2017.
You can find that full interview on The Current's website: https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2017/03/04/theft-of-the-dial-run-the-jewels
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