This week we sit down with Epik1 who previously performed at the season four wrap party. We take a deep dive into his history and growth in the hip hop space. We start with a quote which encompasses his music and viewpoint on the craft. We also talk about the transition from Underpaid Productions to Its For Us. Since Epik has a bio we break things down into chapters and Melly adds a chapter at the end.

In chapter one we start from the beginning which is when his family moved to Chicago instead of New York. His first love was drawing which sometimes got him in trouble at school. His art was so good he go into the art institute. We also go into his first influences starting with NWA and the Posse, Too Short and may more.

We also delve into his djing. He currently has a radio show which he host weekly named Kicks and Snares. Make sure you tune in. He has also made some controversial statements online which we address. He’s standing on business with his statement. In chapter two we delve into his time doing graffiti and street bombing. We also discuss his time at the art institute. In the next chapter we discuss Epik’s journey into breakdancing including stopping tapes to learn moves and being part of the Chicago Sky Walkers.

In chapter four Epik goes into the pause mixtape era. This is also where he started to learn more about Djing. He used to save his lunch money to invest in equipment. He also started making beats which he does to this day. He was also going to SubT during this time with a fake id and freestyling. Chapter five we zoom through but in chapter six we discuss his journey into thrifting records.

Epik has gone to many open mics and used to bring his own remixes. We go back to the Limewire days for me and Napster days for Epik. You could find nearly anything on these services back in the day. In chapter eight everything changes when Epik has his son. He changed his life and set on a path to break the generational curse that plagues the men in his family tree. We delve into this curse and how Epik has made the changes necessary so his son doesn’t carry this curse into the future.

He also stopped selling weed and started learning audio engineering. He even had a mobile recording studio. You can still get services if you need an engineer. We also break down a lot of his music starting with Epik 1.0 to his current and upcoming music. Epik also dabbles in making music videos himself. Being in the industry for so long has also led to him opening up for some legends and performing all around the midwest. One of the most meaningful events he’s done was recently at Subt, “Check yourself for your health”.

Next up we go into Epik’s battle-rapping career with No Coast. We break down some of these battles. His next career move was to become an Uber driver. And in true Epik fashion he freestyles for his passengers. It has evolved and now there are tons of videos online of him doing his thing. During chapter 13 he had big plans and a distro deal but the pandemic hit. We break down Epik 1.2 as well which is full of feature support. This brings us to the end of his bio. However, as a writer Melly adds another chapter: Fight.

We end the interview by talking about his future project Epik 1.3 which already has a few songs out. ‘Fight’ will not be on that album but you can already hear some songs that will be. He might be releasing two projects this year but you have to stay tuned. He wants the world to hear this music so he can focus on his christ-like hip hop. Follow his journey using these links:

• Instagram
• Spotify
• YouTube

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