Epik High#Tablo
{{short description|South Korean hip-hop group}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Epik High
| background = group_or_band
| image = 190322 에픽하이 코엑스 스타필드 팬싸인회 2.jpg
| landscape = yes
| caption = Epik High during an autograph event at COEX, March 2019
From left: Mithra Jin, Tablo, DJ Tukutz
| origin = Seoul, South Korea
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| years_active = 2001–present
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.epikhigh.com|epikhigh.com}}
| module = {{Infobox Korean name|child=yes
| hangul = 에픽하이
| rr = Epikai
| mr = Ep'ik'ai
}}
| current_members =
}}
Epik High ({{Korean|hangul=에픽하이}}) is a South Korean hip-hop trio formed in 2001, composed of rapper and songwriter Tablo, rapper and lyricist Mithra Jin, and DJ and record producer DJ Tukutz. Based in Seoul, the trio first met in 2001 before signing with Woollim Entertainment and released their first two studio albums, Map of the Human Soul (2003) and High Society (2004), to minor success. The trio rose to fame with the release of their follow-up studio albums, Swan Songs (2005), Remapping the Human Soul (2007), and Pieces, Part One (2008), spawning the hit singles "Fly", "Paris", "Fan", "Love Love Love", "One" and "Umbrella". Although the majority of these albums were censored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism due to strong language and themes of crimes, war, religion, and education, Epik High established themselves as one of the leading hip-hop artists in the country, gaining a cult following and critical acclaim.{{cite magazine|script-title=ko:여전히 쓰여지는 서사시, 에픽하이|url=https://rollingstone.co.kr/music/music-features/15653|magazine=Rolling Stone Korea|date=June 15, 2021|language=ko}}
Following the completion of Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz's mandatory military service{{Cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0004011878|title=에픽하이 DJ투컷, 군대갔다 왔습니다|website=Newsis|language=ko|date=August 9, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2016}} and the end of their exclusive contract with Woollim Entertainment, Epik High signed with YG Entertainment in 2012. The trio's next studio albums, 99 (2012), Shoebox (2014), and We've Done Something Wonderful (2017), explored heartbreaks, personal struggles, and self-help. Supported by the successful singles "It's Cold", "Up", "Born Hater", "Spoiler", "Happen Ending", "Love Story" and "Home Is Far Away", Epik High garnered international recognition, becoming the first South Korean act to play at Coachella.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/23/epik-high-k-pop-rap-group-crashing-coachella/83192716/|title=Epik High is the K-pop rap group crashing Coachella|last=Bui|first=Hoai-Tran|date=April 23, 2016|work=USA Today|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713121835/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/23/epik-high-k-pop-rap-group-crashing-coachella/83192716/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/epik-high-makes-history-first-korean-musical-act-perform-coachella-n556696|title=Epik High Is Bringing South Korean Rap to Coachella|last=Bai|first=Stephanie|date=April 16, 2015|website=NBC News|access-date=July 7, 2016}}{{Cite magazine |last=Herman |first=Tamar |date=April 12, 2016 |title=Epik High on Being First Major South Korean Act to Play Coachella: 'It Feels Like a Miracle' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/epik-high-coachella-interview-7333010/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164404/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/epik-high-coachella-interview-7333010/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Coachella 2016: Epik High brings rowdy, rap-driven K-Pop to a curious Coachella|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-coachella-epik-high-k-pop-curious-coachella-20160418-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 18, 2016}}
Epik High left YG Entertainment in 2018, after which they started their own in-house label, Ours Co., and signed with William Morris Endeavor to manage their overseas promotions. They released their second extended play Sleepless in __________ in 2019, followed by a two-part tenth studio album, Epik High Is Here (2021 & 2022). They released their third EP Strawberry in 2023.
History
= 2001–2005: Career beginnings and breakthrough=
Epik High was formed in 2001{{Cite web|url=http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/About.asp?LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50|title=Epik High About|website=YG Entertainment|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305133804/http://ygfamily.com/artist/about.asp?artidx=50&atype=2&langdiv=e|url-status=live}} upon frontman Tablo's return to South Korea after graduating from Stanford University.{{Cite web|url=http://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/magazine/article/?article_id=40913|title=The Persecution of Daniel Lee|last=Davis|first=Joshua|date=2011|website=Stanford Magazine|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212105717/https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/magazine/article/?article_id=40913|url-status=dead}} Having previously met rapper Mithra Jin during a trip back to Seoul while still in college, the duo began performing together in the local underground hip hop scene with the Movement crew, one of the most prominent Korean hip hop crews of the time that included the likes of Uptown, CB Mass, Leessang and Drunken Tiger. Initially they intended to debut as a duo but decided to add a DJ for their live performances, in the same vein as Dilated Peoples. They recruited DJ Tukutz, a turntablist-disc jockey known to the Hongdae club scene who occasionally played with CB Mass.{{cite news|title=에픽하이의 계절|url=https://www.vogue.co.kr/2014/11/24/%EC%97%90%ED%94%BD%ED%95%98%EC%9D%B4%EC%9D%98-%EA%B3%84%EC%A0%88/|work=Vogue Korea|date=March 17, 2016|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=디제잉으로 표현하는 그들의 열정, 디제잉 클래스 탐방기|url=https://popkon.konkuk.ac.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=6025|work=Popkon|publisher=Konkuk University|date=February 28, 2011|language=ko}}{{cite news|title='악재'와 헤픈엔딩… 에픽하이, YG에선 날아볼까|url=https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201611231692646438|work=Hankook Ilbo|date=November 23, 2016|language=ko}}
The trio's first performance together was to a small audience at the amusement park Everland in 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/11/386_167386.html|title=Epik High ponders secrets of success|last=Kim|first=Ji-soo|date=November 2, 2014|work=The Korea Times|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603174610/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/11/386_167386.html|url-status=live}} Preparations for their first album were delayed due to them and their producer being defrauded and the lack of financial backing from a major label, forcing the members to work part-time jobs to raise the necessary funds. They signed with newly-established Woollim Entertainment and released their debut album, Map of the Human Soul, in 2003. This was followed by a second album, High Society in 2004. As the genre was unpopular among mainstream audiences, the releases were met with a lukewarm response from the public, with critics seeing little market for "lyrically complex music" that starkly contrasted the popular trends of the era which favored songs with simple lyrics or was choreography-focused.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[최영균의 21C 必聽음악실] '빠른 랩+멜로디' 힙합 정상에 서다|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20080515/8578420/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=September 25, 2009|language=ko}}
File:Epik High cropped.JPG in 2007]]
Swan Songs was intended to be Epik High's final album, following the poor commercial performance of their previous two releases; however, it became a mainstream hit and made them one of the most popular hip-hop groups in Korea.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-noisey-guide-to-epik-high/|title=The Noisey Guide to Korean Rap Pioneers Epik High|last=Lee|first=Madeleine|date=May 22, 2015|website=Noisey|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821101232/http://noisey.vice.com/blog/the-noisey-guide-to-epik-high|url-status=live}} The album was a chart success with the title track, "Fly," reaching number one on domestic charts.{{Cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=111&aid=0000021553|title=[네티즌 인기가요] 에픽하이, 'Fly'로 온라인 정상 날개짓|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829123720/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=111&aid=0000021553|url-status=live}} "Fly" also featured on the soundtracks for FIFA 07 and Pump It Up. Another of the album tracks, "Paris" featuring Loveholics' Jisun, was also a hit in Japan and Korea. The album was repackaged the following year as Black Swan Songs, which included remixes of several tracks.
=2006–2009: Continued success=
Originally set for release in October 2006, Epik High's fourth album Remapping the Human Soul was released on January 23, 2007.{{Cite web|url=http://magazine.hiphopplaya.com/magazine/article/view.html?num=2383&category=&category2=&mode=&sort=&page=1|title=Tablo (of Epik High) 와의 인터뷰|date=February 28, 2007|website=Hiphopplaya|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921013605/http://magazine.hiphopplaya.com/magazine/article/view.html?num=2383&category=&category2=&mode=&sort=&page=1|url-status=live}} The two upbeat lead singles, "Fan" and "Love Love Love," were hits, while the rest of the album had darker undertones and tackled diverse themes including sex crimes, war, religion, and education. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reportedly censored the album due to its lyrical and thematic content.{{Cite web|url=http://freemuse.org/archives/874|title=South Korea: Censors attempted to silence hip hop group|date=March 18, 2013|language=en-GB|access-date=July 7, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807122714/http://freemuse.org/archives/874|archive-date=August 7, 2016}} Despite this, it was a commercial success in both Korea and Japan. It went on to sell 120,301 copies during the year, making it the third best-selling album of 2007 in South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2007_2.htm |access-date=May 4, 2008 |title=January - Total sales level |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508152311/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2007_2.htm |publisher=Music Industry Association of Korea (MIAK)|language=ko |archive-date=May 8, 2008 |url-status=dead }} During this time, the group spoke of their "no genre, just music" philosophy, expressing frustration with "outdated and isolated" perceptions of the hip hop genre and the backlash they received from "narrow-minded" traditionalist factions of the domestic hip hop community.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/23111/1/how-tablo-of-epik-high-pushes-korean-hip-hop-forward|title=How Tablo of Epik High pushes Korean hip hop forward|last=Glasby|first=Taylor|date=January 9, 2015|website=Dazed|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012181420/http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/23111/1/how-tablo-of-epik-high-pushes-korean-hip-hop-forward|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:멜로디 타고~ 힙합이 뜬다|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/11/25/2005112570020.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=November 25, 2005|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=에픽하이 "대중보다 마니아가 못 따라온다"|url=https://www.imaeil.com/page/view/2006022016360979394|work=Maeil Shinmun|date=February 20, 2006|language=ko}}
Over 50,000 copies of their fifth studio album entitled Pieces, Part One was pre-ordered before its release in April 2008. The album's release was followed by music videos for the singles "One," "Breakdown," and "Umbrella." After the album's success, Epik High released the EP Lovescream to acclaim in October, with the EP's title track "1 Minute 1 Second" topping online music charts. In early 2009, Epik High parted ways with Woollim Entertainment and founded their own independent label, Map The Soul, which also managed MYK, Planet Shiver, and Dok2.{{cite news|title=에픽하이 "인디 전향은 혁명 아닌 재미 위한것"|url=https://www.khan.co.kr/article/200904241749355|work=Kyunghyang Shinmun|date=April 24, 2009|language=ko}} They released their seventh work, a "book album" entitled 魂: Map the Soul, on March 27 and distributed it exclusively on Epik High's website. Tablo stated that 魂: Map the Soul is not the group's official sixth album but a particular project.
Music videos for the single "Map the Soul" were released on May 19, with worldwide and Korean versions. To commemorate their first release under the independent label, Epik High toured in Japan and performed at Melon Ax in Seoul with Kero One and MYK. That month, they also served in various cities in the US (New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle) along with Dumbfoundead, Kero One, MYK, and Far East Movement. On July 22, Epik High and Map the Soul signed with electronic group Planet Shiver and released the remix album Remixing The Human Soul.
Epik High's sixth album, [e], was released on September 16 with the title single "Wannabe" ({{Korean|hangul=따라해|labels=no}}) featuring Mellow, an electronic pop track critiquing K-pop trends. The studio album contained 30 tracks in a 2-CD format. Its release was followed by a concert at the Olympic Hall. However, promotional activities and plans for a tour were canceled when DJ Tukutz's enlistment date was unexpectedly pushed forward.{{cite news|title=에픽하이, DJ 투컷 입대로 활동 중단 선언|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/10/07/2009100700257.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=October 7, 2009|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=Epik High Suspends Activities for 6th Album|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/02/719_53235.html|work=The Korea Times|date=October 9, 2009}} He enlisted for mandatory military service on October 15, two days after his marriage,{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2015/08/144_53620.html |title=DJ Tukutz Enters Military |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=July 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817104729/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2015/08/144_53620.html |archive-date=August 17, 2016 }} and was discharged in August 2011.{{cite news|url=http://global.mnet.com/news/newsdetail.m?searchNewsVO.news_id=201205141449_6653|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708145954/http://global.mnet.com/news/newsdetail.m?searchNewsVO.news_id=201205141449_6653|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2012|title=Epik High's Mithra Jin Released from Army|last=Oh|first=MiJung|date=May 14, 2012|newspaper=Mnet|access-date=May 16, 2012}}
=2010–2012: ''Epilogue'', military service, and hiatus=
Following DJ Tukutz's enlistment, Tablo and Mithra Jin continued as a duo, with guest DJs joining them for live performances. They performed at Midem 2010 in Cannes on January 26, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://dfsb.kr/projects/k-pop-night-at-midem-2010.html|author=DFSB Collective|title=K-Pop Night at MIDEM 2010 - Projects - DFSB Kollective |date=2010-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222111952/http://dfsb.kr/projects/k-pop-night-at-midem-2010.html |archive-date=December 22, 2022 }} Epik High's seventh studio album, Epilogue, was released under Woollim Entertainment on March 9, 2010, to chart success.{{Cite web|url=http://dfsb.kr/projects/epik-high-epilogue-album-runs-to-1-on-itunes-hip-hoprap-albu.html|title=
Shortly after promotions for Epilogue ended, Mithra Jin enlisted on August 3. He reported to Chuncheon for basic training and served as an infantry rifle soldier, a member of the military band, and a GOP soldier before being transferred to the Defense Media Agency (DEMA).
During the two-year hiatus that followed, Tablo (who is a Canadian citizen and therefore was not required to carry out military service) signed a four-year contract with YG Entertainment and released a solo album titled Fever's End on November 1, 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=17430&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|title=Epik High's Tablo Joins YG Family|last=Nguyen|first=Mai|date=September 28, 2011|website=Asia Pacific Arts|publisher=University of Southern California|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829123405/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=17430&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|archive-date=August 29, 2017|url-status=dead}} However, he indicated that Epik High had not disbanded.
Mithra Jin was discharged from the military on May 14, 2012 and Epik High began preparations for their comeback.{{cite news|script-title=ko:에픽하이 "웃으며 노래할 수 있는 음악 담았죠"|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20121023182700005|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=October 24, 2012|language=ko}} In July, it was confirmed that he and DJ Tukutz had joined Tablo in signing with YG Entertainment and that Epik High would be making a comeback after a three-year hiatus.{{Cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2956905|title=Epik High to make a comeback|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|date=July 27, 2012|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=August 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807192556/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2956905|url-status=live}} On October 9, the group released the single "It's Cold" featuring the newly signed Lee Hi, to chart success.{{Cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/17107/epik-high-conquers-charts-with-its-cold|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160714184239/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/17107/epik-high-conquers-charts-with-its-cold|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2016|title=KPOP NEWS - Epik High Conquers Charts with 'It's Cold'|last=Jeon|first=Su-mi|date=October 10, 2012|website=Mwave|access-date=July 7, 2016}} They digitally released the album 99, as well as music videos for the tracks "Up" (featuring Park Bom) and "Don't Hate Me," on October 19. The album was physically released on October 23 with two extra tracks, not on the digital release.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Notice.asp?LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50&Page=1&IDX=2570&n2PageSize=8&SchKey=&SchTitleN=|title=[Notice] 10/23, Release of Epik High's 7th Album [99]|date=October 17, 2012|website=YG Entertainment|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108030937/http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Notice.asp?LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50&Page=1&IDX=2570&n2PageSize=8&SchKey=&SchTitleN=|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:에픽하이, 터널의 끝에서 희망을 찾다|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Entertainment/article/all/20121023/50336789/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=October 23, 2012|language=ko}} During the SBS Gayo Daejeon on December 30 they joined Dynamic Duo and Simon D for "Cypher 2012", a remix of popular hip-hop tracks of the year to popular and critical acclaim.{{cite news|title=2012 SBS 가요대전 '베스트vs워스트'|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/musics/5380853|work=MK|date=December 30, 2012|language=ko}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:다듀·쌈디·에픽하이, '강남스타일' 힙합 재해석 '신선'|url=https://www.starnewskorea.com/stview.php?no=2012122919455786978|work=Star News Korea|date=December 29, 2012|language=ko}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:'가요대전' 에픽-다듀-쌈디, 힙합 콜라보..'카리스마'|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/12/30/2012123000005.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=December 30, 2012|language=ko}}
File:Epik High, 2015 K-Pop Night Out at SXSW.jpg
Left to right: DJ Tukutz, Tablo, Mithra Jin]]
=2013–2017: 10th anniversary and worldwide recognition=
On October 23, 2013, Epik High released the single "420" featuring Double K, Yankie, Dok2, Sean2Slow, Dumbfoundead, TopBob, and MYK to celebrate their tenth anniversary.{{cite web|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/10/epik-high-releases-hard-hitting-track-420-featuring-seven-talented-rappers|title=Epik High releases hard-hitting track '420' featuring seven talented rappers|date=October 23, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2013|archive-date=October 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026121500/http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/10/epik-high-releases-hard-hitting-track-420-featuring-seven-talented-rappers|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on WP:KO/RS|date=December 2024}}
On May 18, 2014, they released the single "With You" in collaborating with Chinese Singer Bibi Zhou, as a re-recording of "Fool" (originally featuring Bumkey) from their previous album Epilogue.{{Cite web|url=http://hypetrak.com/2014/05/epik-high-bibi-zhou-with-you/|title=EPIK HIGH & BiBi Zhou – With You|last=Kujundzic|first=Petar|website=HYPETRAK|access-date=July 7, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629010515/http://hypetrak.com/2014/05/epik-high-bibi-zhou-with-you/|archive-date=June 29, 2016}} On October 18, YG Entertainment released the music video for the pre-release track "Born Hater" featuring a line-up of noted rappers.{{Cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/78206/epikhigh-reveals-epic-featured-artists|title=KPOP NEWS - Epik High Unveils Verbal Jint, Beenzino, Winner's Mino, iKON's B. I and Bobby as Featured Artists for 'Born Hater' MV|last=Danbi Hong|first=Grace|date=October 15, 2014|website=Mwave|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020054819/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/78206/epikhigh-reveals-epic-featured-artists|archive-date=October 20, 2014|url-status=dead}} Epik High's eighth studio album, Shoebox, was physically released on October 22 and met with critical praise for the emotion and complex lyrical content of lead singles "Happen Ending" and "Spoiler" as well as other tracks including "Burj Khalifa" and "Amor Fati."{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6296939/epik-high-shoebox-album-born-hater-spoiler-happen-ending|title=Epik High Explores Dark, Personal Struggles & Tells Off Haters on 'Shoebox' Album|last=Oak|first=Jessica|date=October 28, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210100003/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6296939/epik-high-shoebox-album-born-hater-spoiler-happen-ending|url-status=live}}
In 2015 Epik High gained further recognition abroad with well-received performances at the K-Pop Night Out at SXSW in the U.S.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2015/03/epik-high-interview-sxsw|title=Epik High Discuss "Sad Fun" Hip Hop & K-Pop at SXSW 2015|last=Sherman|first=Maria|date=March 26, 2015|website=Fuse|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818063529/http://www.fuse.tv/2015/03/epik-high-interview-sxsw|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=K-Pop Night Out Marks Biggest Success Yet at SXSW 2015|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/k-pop-night-out-2015-review-sxsw-6524270/|magazine=Billboard|date=April 6, 2015|author=Jessica Oak}} and the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.{{cite web|title=History - 2015|url=https://www.summersonic.com/history/2015.html|publisher=Sumer Sonic Festival|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=EPIK HIGH JAPAN 夏フェスグッズ発表!|url=https://ygex.jp/epikhigh/news/detail.php?id=1025180|publisher=YGEX|date=August 7, 2015|language=ja}} In April 2016, they became the first-ever Korean act to perform at the Coachella music festival,{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7333010/epik-high-coachella-interview|title=Epik High on Being First Major South Korean Act to Play Coachella: 'It Feels Like a Miracle'|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=April 12, 2016|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627121221/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7333010/epik-high-coachella-interview|url-status=live}} where their performance was well received by audiences.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/04/epik-high-k-pop-coachella-interview-kanye-west|title=Inside Epik High's K-Pop Coachella Takeover|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|date=April 18, 2016|website=Fuse|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627185606/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/04/epik-high-k-pop-coachella-interview-kanye-west|url-status=live}} On October 23, 2017, they released We've Done Something Wonderful, their ninth studio album.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7980970/epik-high-new-album-weve-done-something-wonderful|title=Epik High Confirms New Album: 'We've Done Something Wonderful'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 23, 2017|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101052125/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7980970/epik-high-new-album-weve-done-something-wonderful?|url-status=live}}
=2018–present: Departure from YG and new releases=
On October 3, 2018, Epik High left YG Entertainment after their contract expired and set up their own agency, naming it "Ours Co".{{cite news|title=Epik High On Going Independent And The State Of The South Korean Music Industry|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarherman/2018/12/28/epik-high-on-going-independent-the-state-of-the-south-korean-music-industry/|work=Forbes|date=December 28, 2018}}{{cite web |title=Hip-hop trio Epik High leaves YG Entertainment |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/10/682_256371.html |work=The Korea Times |access-date=May 1, 2019 |language=en |date=October 3, 2018 |author=Lee Min-young |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504011046/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/10/682_256371.html |url-status=live }} On February 19, 2019, Epik High signed to William Morris Endeavor to manage their overseas promotions.{{cite web |script-title=ko:에픽하이, 美 아델·리한나·감비노 한솥밥…WME와 에이전시 계약 |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=469&aid=0000365898 |website=entertain.naver.com |access-date=May 1, 2019 |language=ko |date=February 20, 2019 |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112193605/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=469&aid=0000365898 |url-status=live }} Epik High released their second EP, Sleepless in __________, on March 11. The EP peaked at number 8 on the Gaon Album Chart{{Cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/|script-title=ko:국내 대표 음악 차트 가온차트!|website=Gaon Chart|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606081701/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/|url-status=live}} and number 6 on the Billboard US World Album Chart.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/epik-high/chart-history/wlp/|title=Epik High|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117214205/https://www.billboard.com/artist/epik-high/chart-history/wlp/|url-status=live}} On October 22, 2020, the band posted a new video announcing their tenth album for January 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYragJp4kno |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/aYragJp4kno |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Message From EPIK HIGH|website=YouTube|date=October 22, 2020}}{{cbignore}} On December 28, 2020, Tablo announced that the group would release part 1 of their tenth album, Epik High Is Here, on January 18, 2021.{{cite web|title=Album Announcement|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJWHTCqHdl3/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CJWHTCqHdl3 |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|website=Instagram|date=December 28, 2020}}{{cbignore}} The album's first single, "Rosario", featured CL and Zico.{{cite magazine |last=Kwak |first=Kristine |title=Song You Need to Know: K-Pop Legends Epik High, CL, and Zico Team Up for 'Rosario' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/epik-high-cl-and-zico-rosario-song-review-1116351/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622180727/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/epik-high-cl-and-zico-rosario-song-review-1116351/ |url-status=live }}
On June 29, 2021, Epik High released the new single "Rain Song," featuring Colde.{{cite web |script-title=ko:[공식] 에픽하이, 29일 비 안오면 신곡 발매 취소?…기상청 SNS 팔로우 |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0003745701 |website=entertain.naver.com |access-date=June 23, 2021 |language=ko |date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623013728/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0003745701 |url-status=live }} On October 25, 2021, Epik High released the new single "Face ID," which features Sik-K, Justhis, and Giriboy. The single serves as a pre-release for part two of Epik High Is Here.{{cite web |script-title=ko:에픽하이, 25일 선공개 싱글 기습 발매…내년 10집 정규 '기대' |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/311/0001358747 |website=en.news.naver.com |access-date=October 12, 2021 |language=ko |date=October 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908142206/https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/311/0001358747 |url-status=live }}{{Full citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=See WP:KO/RS#NA; should specify underlying publication used by news aggregator.}} On January 12, 2022, it was revealed that Epik High would be performing at Coachella 2022, making them the first Korean act to be re-invited to the festival.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/epik-high-coachella-2022-asian-artists-1284251/|title=Epik High React to Historic Coachella Announcement: 'Dream Came True'|date=January 13, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Tim Chan|access-date=January 13, 2022|archive-date=September 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908142327/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/epik-high-coachella-2022-asian-artists-1284251/|url-status=live}} On February 14, 2022, the group released part 2 of Epik High Is Here.{{cite web |script-title=ko:에픽하이, 2월 14일 컴백…10년간 쓴 가사 날아갔다더니 '메모 다시 시작' |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/015/0004656738 |website=en.news.naver.com |access-date=January 25, 2022 |language=ko |date=January 25, 2022 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125004817/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/015/0004656738 |url-status=live }}{{Full citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=See WP:KO/RS#NA; should specify underlying publication used by news aggregator.}} On March 17, 2022, Epik High announced that it would be holding the 2022 'Epik High Is Here Encore' concert for three days from May 11 to 13.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=052&aid=0001714740|author=Gong Yeo-ju|script-title=ko:에픽하이, 5월 앙코르 콘서트 확정(공식)|trans-title=Epik High, May Encore Concert Confirmed (Official)|publisher=YTN|via=Naver|date=March 17, 2022|access-date=March 17, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317072814/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=052&aid=0001714740|url-status=live}}
On January 18, 2023, Epik High announced their third EP, Strawberry.{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000958094|script-title=ko:에픽하이 컴백, 2월 1일 새 앨범 'Strawberry' 발매 [공식]|language=ko|work=Newsen|date=January 19, 2023|access-date=January 19, 2023|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125053025/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000958094|url-status=live}}{{Full citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=See WP:KO/RS#NA; should specify underlying publication used by news aggregator.}} It was released on February 1, 2023.{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Maddie |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Epik High welcome new album 'Strawberry' with memes |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/epik-high-strawberry-memes-tablo-dj-tukutz-mithra-jin-new-album-february-2023-spotify-apple-music-listen |work=Bandwagon |access-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201173239/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/epik-high-strawberry-memes-tablo-dj-tukutz-mithra-jin-new-album-february-2023-spotify-apple-music-listen |url-status=live }} They held their sold-out 20th anniversary concerts at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium from December 15 to 17.{{cite news|title=Two decades into their story, Epik High don't look like they're coming down from their "all-time high" anytime soon|url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/epik-high-20th-anniversary-retrospective-3563662|work=NME|date=December 28, 2023}} A concert film, which included footage of the performances and backstage and commentary from the members, was made and released in theaters in March 2024.{{cite news|title=에픽하이 20주년 콘서트를 CGV에서 만나보세요!|url=https://cjnews.cj.net/%EC%97%90%ED%94%BD%ED%95%98%EC%9D%B4-20%EC%A3%BC%EB%85%84-%EC%BD%98%EC%84%9C%ED%8A%B8%EB%A5%BC-cgv%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C-%EB%A7%8C%EB%82%98%EB%B3%B4%EC%84%B8%EC%9A%94/|publisher=CJ CGV|date=March 8, 2024|language=ko}} It was also screened at the Busan International Film Festival in October.{{cite news|title=Busan Film Festival to kick off with Netflix film 'Uprising' as opener|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-10-02/entertainment/movies/Busan-Film-Festival-to-kick-off-with-Netflix-film-Uprising-as-opener/2146545|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=October 2, 2024}}
On May 30, 2024, it was announced that Epik High would be releasing their first mixtape, Pump, on June 20.{{cite web|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-05-30/entertainment/kpop/Epik-High-to-release-album-Pump-on-June-20/2057998|title=Epik High to release album 'Pump' on June 20|date=May 30, 2024|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614223924/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-05-30/entertainment/kpop/Epik-High-to-release-album-Pump-on-June-20/2057998|url-status=live}} They embarked on a North American Tour, "The Pump Tour," beginning on August 22 and ending on September 25.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/epik-high-2024-pump-mixtape-north-america-tour-interview-exclusive-1235694383/|title=Epik High Say 'It's Time to Get Our Fans Pumped All Over Again' With 2024 Music & Concerts|magazine=Billboard|date=May 29, 2024|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614224135/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/epik-high-2024-pump-mixtape-north-america-tour-interview-exclusive-1235694383/|url-status=live}}
Artistry
=Lyrical themes=
The content of Epik High's discography is largely social commentary, often utilizing direct or thinly-veiled references to current events or personal experiences. For example, "난 사람이 제일 무서워 (People Scare Me)", the first track from the 2017 album We've Done Something Wonderful, referred to the then-ongoing 2017–2018 North Korea crisis while "K-Drama" from the 2024 mixtape Pump satirized the cliched "happily-ever-after" endings frequently seen in Korean dramas.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'아재 유부남 힙합 그룹' 에픽하이의 반란|url=https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201710241879355444|work=Hankook Ilbo|date=October 24, 2017|language=ko}} Other songs such as "FAQ" from the critically-acclaimed Remapping the Human Soul and "Born Hater", the lead single of Shoebox, addressed the criticism and hateful online comments written about them by directly quoting the statements. As some of their hits frequently featured strong language or profanity in both English and Korean, the original recordings are banned from variety programs or music programs by terrestrial television networks and only the "clean version" is allowed to be performed.{{cite news|script-title=ko:타블로 "에픽하이 전원 아이아빠 됐다…가사 수위 조절 필요"|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Entertainment/article/all/20220211/111717639/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=February 11, 2022}}
=Musical style and influences=
{{cquote|
Because we felt very limited by what the three of us could do because if we stuck to just us three doing it, there would be beats and raps, which is fine, which we love....but at the same time, we also love melodies. We love a lot of instrumentation. We are fans of other genres. I'm actually more of a rock kid than hip-hop. Tukutz loves hip-hop but also loves jazz. He loves K-pop. Mithra pretty much listens to everything. And we wanted this group to channel all of that. [...] Outside of Korea, sometimes we're referred to as a K-pop group and sometimes they make a clear distinction about us being a hip-hop group. You can call us anything. We’ve been called a boy band even.
—Tablo{{cite magazine|title=Epik High Reflects on 'We've Created Something Wonderful,' Channeling Groot & The 'Miracle' of K-Pop|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/epik-high-interview-weve-created-something-wonderful-groot-8014835/|magazine=Billboard|date=October 26, 2017|author=Tamar Herman}}
}}
Epik High's hip hop sound has been described as being rooted in "old school" boom bap and the members have cited Dilated Peoples, Rakim and Nas as influences.{{cite news|title=Epik High Brought Korean Hip Hop To Coachella|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38515/title.epik-high-brought-korean-hip-hop-to-coachella|publisher=HipHopDX|date=April 26, 2016|author=Ural Garrett}} However, they have since become known for being more experimental and disregarded the traditional confines of Korean hip hop by incorporating elements or collaborating with artists from other genres such as R&B, trot, soul and Latin music.{{cite magazine|title='Korean Music Is Amazingly Vibrant.' TIME Talks to Seoul Hip-Hop Sensation Epik High|url=https://time.com/5625205/epik-high-south-korea/|magazine=Time|date=July 14, 2019}}{{cite magazine|title=Song You Need to Know: K-Pop Legends Epik High, CL, and Zico Team Up for 'Rosario'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/epik-high-cl-and-zico-rosario-song-review-1116351/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 22, 2021}} They were among the earliest hip hop acts to collaborate with singers rather than other rappers; having a "featured artist", especially one of a different genre, was uncommon in the Korean music industry before the 2010s. The members themselves expressed on multiple occasions that they disliked being pigeon-holed into a particular category or genre.{{cite news|script-title=ko:에픽하이, 힙합? 경계짓기 질색!|url=https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/culture/music/78346.html|work=The Hankyoreh|date=November 9, 2005|language=ko}} Dazed noted: "They don't quite fit into pop, but they've evolved beyond a traditional hip hop act too: and they've angered the underground community by daring to meld elements of rock, soul, R&B and pop with their rap verses."
Impact and legacy
Epik High were part of a new wave of hip hop artists who had started underground before gaining more visibility, following in the footsteps of trailblazer Tiger JK and duos Leessang and Dynamic Duo. Although no longer part of the underground hip hop scene, they have continued to regularly feature both established and lesser-known hip hop artists in their albums or inviting them as guests at their concerts.{{cite news|script-title=ko:스내키챈 "에픽하이, 남 헐뜯는 힙합과 차별화"|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/musics/6917638|work=MK|date=August 25, 2015|language=ko}}{{cite journal|title=힙합적 탁월성에 매력적인 대중성까지|url=https://eiec.kdi.re.kr/publish/naraView.do?fcode=00002000040000100012&cidx=14169&sel_year=2023&sel_month=01|journal=1 Month, 1 Album|publisher=Korea Development Institute|author=Bae Soon-tak|date=January 2023|language=ko}}
{{cquote|
The first textbook to refer to regarding the survival and establishment of hip hop groups in Korea....they have moved between the underground hip-hop community (Movement) and major K-pop agencies (YG Entertainment) and have appeared in hip-hop concerts and entertainment programs at the same time, so it is no exaggeration to say that their trajectory is the gravity that holds the center of domestic hip-hop.
—Newsis on Epik High's 20th anniversary{{cite news|script-title=ko:'데뷔 20주년' 에픽하이, 홍대 지하서 코첼라 위…"우린 서 있어 HERE"|url=https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20231023_0002492016|publisher=Newsis|date=October 23, 2023|language=ko}}
}}
Epik High are among the earliest domestic hip hop acts to achieve mainstream success and recognition, becoming the first act to have a song win first place on a music program with the success of "Fly" from the 2005 album Swan Songs; since then, their songs have won number 1 multiple times on all music programs broadcast by the country's three main television broadcasters (KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core and SBS's Inkigayo) and pop music-centered channel Mnet (M Countdown) and they have performed at major music awards ceremonies such as the MAMA Awards and Golden Disc Awards. In 2010 they became the first Korean artists to top the US iTunes charts in the hip hop category.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[랄랄라] 티아라↑, 카라↓|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/03/19/2010031900808.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=March 19, 2010|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=CNN to Air Interview With Epik High|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/719_64440.html|work=The Korea Times|date=April 19, 2010}} Their success on music programs and various charts was considered groundbreaking for a hip hop act, particularly in a landscape largely dominated by idol groups and pop singers.{{cite news|title=美 FUSE TV "에픽하이 한국 힙합 성장의 원동력"|url=https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10005046840|publisher=SBS|date=February 23, 2014|language=ko}} They were the longest continuously active artist in Spotify's list of the top 5 most streamed Korean hip hop artists for the year 2022, a testament to their longevity.{{cite news|title="글로벌 K힙합 인기 이정도였어?"… 최고 인기 가수는 누구?|url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/202209151685i|work=The Korea Economic Daily|date=September 15, 2022|language=ko}} Music critic and radio writer Bae Soon-tak noted that part of their enduring appeal stemmed from their reputation as consummate live performers and ability to entertain audiences across all demographics, despite having only three members and mostly performing with only DJ Tukutz's live DJing and no backing musicians or dancers.{{cite news|title=음원차트 장악한 걸그룹, '핫'한 기운 대학교 축제로 이어진다 [이슈+]|url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/202209015118H|work=The Korea Economic Daily|date=September 1, 2022|language=ko}} In a 2024 joint survey organized by Gallup Korea and local media outlet Star News, in which 1,052 citizens aged 19 to 69 were asked to rank the top 10 active Korean hip hop artists (specifically rappers) of the 21st century, Epik High ranked 3rd overall.{{cite news|title=지코, '21세기 가장 사랑받은 래퍼' 1위..다듀 2위·에픽하이 3위 [창간 20주년 설문]|url=https://www.starnewskorea.com/stview.php?no=2024083014105848805|work=StarNews|date=August 30, 2024|language=ko}}
Within the domestic music industry, Epik High have garnered critical acclaim for their prolific musical output while maintaining their artistic integrity and are one of the few acts whose members have all been promoted to "full members" of the Korea Music Copyright Association.{{cite news|title=곡 쓰고 노래도…세븐틴 에스쿱스·이무진·윤하, 한음저협 정회원 됐다|url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/202501247725H|work=The Korea Economic Daily|date=January 24, 2025|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=2025년도 정회원 승격을 축하드립니다.|url=https://www.komca.or.kr/CTLJSP|publisher=Korea Music Copyright Association|date=January 24, 2025|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=세븐틴 에스쿱스·윤하·이무진, 한음저협 정회원 됐다|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Entertainment/article/all/20250124/130926238/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=January 24, 2025|language=ko}} They have been credited with influencing a new generation of "self-composing" idols, as well as younger hip hop artists.{{cite news|title=[ESC] 아이돌은 '뮤지션'이 아니라고요?|url=https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/specialsection/esc_section/853948.html|work=The Hankyoreh|date=July 19, 2018|language=ko}} Despite changing labels several times throughout their career, the trio continued to retain their creative independence, with all three members directly involved in the songwriting process from conception to release. Rappers Tablo and Mithra Jin mainly contribute to the lyrics and composition while DJ Tukutz oversees the musical direction and post production.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[인터뷰] 에픽하이 (Epik High)|url=https://hiphople.com/music_feature/2939173|website={{ill|HiphopLE|ko|힙합엘이}}|language=ko|date=November 4, 2014}}{{cite news|title=에픽하이 "팬들이 창작의 자유를 허락했죠"|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20080421200600041|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=April 21, 2008|language=ko}}
Once dubbed the "rebels" or "bad boys" of the industry,{{cite news|title=악동들 두뼘 컸구나… 4집 앨범 낸 힙합그룹 '에픽 하이'|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20070124/8399415/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=January 24, 2007|language=ko}} Epik High became known for their refusal to adhere to certain industry norms and for their outspoken personas that contrasted their clean-cut appearances, particularly in a socially reserved society.{{cite news|title=에픽하이, 솔직한 세 남자의 사담(私談)|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20081023/8647709/9|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=October 23, 2008|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=<사진작가 조세현의 스타 & 얼굴>'반항이 아름다운 세남자' 에픽하이|url=https://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2006080201032830073002|work=Munhwa Ilbo|date=August 2, 2006|language=ko}} Unusual for top-selling veteran artists, they personally run the day-to-day operations of their own agency and oversee nearly all aspects of their careers, from group branding to scheduling performances.{{cite news|title=Sleepless Beauty ― 잠 못 드는 밤 에픽하이는 내리고|url=https://www.vogue.co.kr/2019/03/04/sleepless-beauty/|work=Vogue Korea|date=March 4, 2019|language=ko}} They adopted several marketing strategies mainly associated with K-pop singers and idol groups rather than hip hop artists, such as appearing on television programs and producing a light stick for their fandom; their light stick was designed in the shape of the finger and named "Park Kyu Bong", a pun of the phrase "fuck you", with various media outlets describing the design and wordplay as befitting of the group's trademark "irreverent", "rebellious spirit".{{cite news|title=에픽하이, 응원봉 '박규봉' 공개에 '술렁'...손가락 욕 모양?|url=https://newsfeed.dispatch.co.kr/2269269|work=Dispatch|date=October 31, 2023|language=ko}}{{cite news|title=Lightsticks of Korean hip hop group Epik High banned from The Pump Tour Asia 2024 KL stopover|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2024/08/23/lightsticks-of-korean-hip-hop-group-epik-high-banned-from-the-pump-tour-asia-2024-kl-stopover/147903|work=Malay Mail|date=August 23, 2024}} It went viral among K-pop and K-hip hop communities online and was notably seen at protests following the 2024 martial law crisis.{{cite news|title=NCT →에픽하이 응원봉, 불티나게 팔리고 있는 이유|url=https://imnews.imbc.com/news/2024/enter/article/6665276_36473.html|publisher=MBC|date=December 9, 2024|language=ko}}
Discography
{{main|Epik High discography}}
- Map of the Human Soul (2003)
- High Society (2004)
- Swan Songs (2005)
- Remapping the Human Soul (2007)
- Pieces, Part One (2008)
- Map the Soul (2009)
- (e) (2009)
- Epilogue (2010)
- 99 (2012)
- Shoebox (2014)
- We've Done Something Wonderful (2017)
- Epik High Is Here (2021–2022)
Concert tours
- Epik High Map The Soul USA Tour (2009)
- Epik High Concert Parade Asia Tour (2014){{Cite web|url=http://www.yg-life.com/archives/38963?lang=en|title=EPIK HIGH Holds Solo Concert "Parade 2014" After 5 Years|work=YG LIFE |date=October 13, 2014|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108031710/http://www.yg-life.com/archives/38963?lang=en|url-status=live}}
- Epik High Japan Tour The Show Must Go On (2015){{Cite web|url=http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Network_Info.asp?IDX=7784&Page=2&n2PageSize=9&LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50|title=EPIK HIGH Rounded Off Second Concert Tour in Japan Successfully|date=May 2, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108030933/http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Network_Info.asp?IDX=7784&Page=2&n2PageSize=9&LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50|url-status=live}}
- Epik High North America Tour (2015){{Cite web|url=http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Network_Info.asp?IDX=7859&Page=1&n2PageSize=9&LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50|title=EPIK HIGH: Successful 8th Album to North America Tour… 12-Year-Old HipHop Group Soars Again!!|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108030853/http://www.ygfamily.com/artist/Network_Info.asp?IDX=7859&Page=1&n2PageSize=9&LANGDIV=E&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=50|url-status=live}}
- Epik High Concert Legend 3 In Seoul (2015){{Cite web|url=http://www.yg-life.com/archives/59232?lang=en|title=EPIK HIGH's "LEGENDARY CONCERT" that Featured Notable Guests Ends in Success|date=December 13, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108033254/http://www.yg-life.com/archives/59232?lang=en|url-status=live}}
- Epik High Japan Tour (2016)
- Epik High Concert Now Playing (2016)
- Epik High Comeback Concert We've Done Something Wonderful (2017)
- EPIK HIGH 2019 European Tour (2019)
- EPIK HIGH 2019 North American Tour (2019)
- 2019 EPIK HIGH in Singapore{{Cite web|url=http://x-clusive.sg/2019/07/epik-high-concert-in-singapore/|title=Be Sleepless with EPIK HIGH at their First Concert in Singapore|last=Germx|date=July 8, 2019|website=(x)clusive★|language=en-US|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=September 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913001231/http://x-clusive.sg/2019/07/epik-high-concert-in-singapore/|url-status=live}}
- Epik High Is Here North American Tour (2022)
- Epik High Is Here Asia Pacific Tour (2022)
- Epik High All Time High Tour Europe & North America (2023)
- The Pump Tour N. America (2024)
Awards and nominations
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category|Epik High}}
- {{Official website|https://www.epikhigh.com/}}
{{Epik High}}
{{Woollim Entertainment}}
{{Circle Chart Music Awards for Artist of the Year – Digital Music}}
{{MAMA Award for Album of the Year}}
{{MAMA Award for Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance}}
{{Melon Music Award for Rap/Hip Hop}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Korean Music Award winners
Category:Musical groups established in 2001
Category:Musical groups from Seoul
Category:South Korean hip-hop record producers
Category:South Korean hip-hop groups