Epik High is a group whose name personifies it. Epik. Consisting of three members Tablo, Mithra, and DJ Tukutz, they are an alternative hip-hop group who have earned themselves legendary status in the industry as K-Hip-Hop leaders.

Epik High has been together for about 20 years now, having made their debut in Oct. 2003 with the album "Map of the Human Soul". The group was formed in 2001, however.

The name 'Epik High' is described as a 'narrative high'. It can be interpreted in multiple ways but describes the feeling of being on top or being intoxicated. This is representative of their music which takes any listener to the top. It is euphoric and symbolizes how Epik High has provided a musical platform that showcases the best self and the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-expression.

Today, we'll get to know more about this legendary group and the impact that they've had since their debut to now. We'll take a look at their history, musical influences, and more.

The Members

The members started out their group as strangers who ended up together in a team. At first, they were a little awkward with each other until they became close friends. Now, the group prides itself on its family-like bond. Let's get to know the brother-like members.

Tablo

Birthday: July 22, 1980

Role in Epik High: Rapper, Producer, Vocal

Tablo is known in the industry as one of the catalysts who popularized Korean Hip-Hop. He is also considered the frontman of the group.

Mithra

Birthday: January 6, 1983

Role in Epik High: Rapper

Mithra is known as more than just a rapper. He is known as a poet and a wordsmith due to his profound ability to tell a story through his sonic vision.

DJ Tukutz

Birthday: November 19, 1981

Role in Epik High: DJ, Dancer, Producer

DJ Tukutz is known for being the engineer behind Epik High's signature sound thanks to his beyond-belief production skills.

Fandom 

Although Epik High doesn't have an official fan club, their fans have dubbed themselves 'High Skool' with the members acknowledging the name, too. The fandom has a banter-filled relationship with Epik High as they show affection and admiration in the form of teasing each other. The fandom is known for having superior humor and meme culture; especially to the point where the Epik High members can rely on fans to deliver top-notch memes and even use them as part of their marketing strategy like with the recent "Strawberry" release.

This is not the only time that they have involved fans directly in their marketing either. They have also made posters based on fans' opinions, no matter the visual outcome, for example.

The members are especially known for their great sense of humor and chilled vibes. They are also admired among their fans as the kings of parody.

High Skool and Epik High have grown together. They have gone through many of life's milestones side by side and each has amazing accolades to show for it.

Growth From Debut to Now

2001 - 2003: Pre-debut era

The Epik High members met in South Korea in 2001 through a mutual acquaintance. After meeting each other, Tablo headed back to the US to complete his studies. During that time they all communicated by computer. Epik High worked extremely hard to produce their first album but was unable to release it due to a scam. Thereafter they had to go back to the drawing board and figure out a new way to release the album once again.

2003 - 2012: Debut under Woollim Entertainment and career obstacles

Luckily, they caught a break in 2003 and were able to join the agency Woollim Entertainment (which was new at the time - established in September 2003). Epik High made its debut in October of that same year. They immediately gained praise for their profound lyricism and the addictive quality of the music's rhythm.

In 2004, the group released their second self-produced album "High Society" and saw a rise in fame as member Tablo received recognition for his variety show appearances thereafter.

Their next album and release topped the charts as a result.

Subsequently, the group saw an exponential increase in recognition. Their albums sold well despite slumps in the music market, they won awards, cemented their status in the hip-hop industry, and more.

In 2009, they branched out from Woollim Entertainment and went independent with their own hip-hop label. However, due to certain circumstances, they became affiliated with Woollim Entertainment once again.

Thereafter, Epik High and its members went through a bit of a dark period. You can hear Tablo explain the events of the time on the VICE podcast "Authentic: The Story of Tablo".

It was during this fiasco that Epik High made ties with and finally joined hands with YG Entertainment in 2012.

They had their fair share of snags along the way but their loyalty remained constant.

"Even if music disappears, Epik High will never disappear." - Tablo

2012 - 2019: Epik High as YG Entertainment artists

Epik High released "99" and experienced a change in musical style as YG producers got involved in the production process. The change took many by surprise but Epik High went back to their original sound with their next release "Shoebox" in 2014.

Fans appreciated the return of the Epik High sound that they know and love once they went back to self-producing. Fans particularly enjoyed the unique melodies and the group received a world of praise for this.

This is the era when 'BORN HATER' was released, marking itself as one of the best hip-hop tracks of the time.

In 2015, Tablo founded HIGHGRND, another hip-hop label. Mitsura was not part of the label but DJ Tukutz worked as a producer for it. Tablo stepped down from the representative position in 2017 and the group later stopped its contract with YG Entertainment.

2019 - 2023: Recent years

Epik High saw steady appreciation for their work as is their standard. In recent years, they have not only earned their standard amount of admiration but their global influence has been growing exponentially, too.

"sleepless in__________" sold 7,200+ copies in the first week of album sales.

"Epik High Is Here, Pt. 1" sold 5,500+ copies in the first week of album sales.

"Epik High Is Here, Pt. 2" sold 4,800+ copies in the first week of album sales.

"Strawberry" is at 2,700+ copies in the first week of album sales.

On top of having a dedicated fanbase, the group is known for its sheer determination over the years and is highly regarded then and now. Countless sacrifices were made to get them to the point that they are now. They have proven the phrase 'quality over quantity' to be a point of integrity for artists, too.

Rightfully so, they are an award-winning group who have won several awards for their artistry over the years. These titles include 'Best Hip-Hop Artist', 'Artist of the Year', 'Album of the Year', 'Best Rap Performance', and more. On top of that, they have performed at countless iconic international festivals, too.

Their career can be summarized into one word. Illustrious.

Epik High Music Style & Recommendations

Epik High has been known for having a slightly dark and gloomy musical style. That stems from their courage to make truthful music about even the not-so-pretty realities of life. It's for this reason that so many of their fans love and celebrate their relatable music. They make the kind of music that isn't just about escapism but gives you the tools to overcome the things that hold you down/back.

"Everyone has probably experienced something like this. The feeling of being on the outside. Like no one appreciates you. Like they all look down on you. Like you're an outcast. For me, whenever I'm in an unfamiliar place performing for an unfamiliar crowd, I feel something like that. Like fear right before the show. The way that I overcome that feeling is to tell myself that at least for this moment I'm a superstar. I'm the greatest. I hypnotize myself and it helps me overcome the fear. I'm hoping that anyone who hears this song can feel for a moment like a living legend. Like they're the greatest. And take a confident step forward in life. That's what this song is for." - DJ Tukutz

The above quote proves how intentional Epik High's music is and how it comes from a personal place that is trying to help those who listen. For example, the group mentioned that their album "sleepless in __________" was made with the aim to help listeners fall asleep. Everything from the length of the album to the music was made in consideration of this.

Filled with sentiment, a lot of their discography is filled with music perfect for rainy days, long car rides, and just all-around jamming.

They are the type of artists who do it for the love of the music and continuously up their game. You can especially feel the journey they've gone on through their music if you listen to it in order.

Additionally, their music videos have always been known for having the qualities of masterful art pieces.

If you're new to Epik High and its music, here are some recommendations of music videos and songs that you should definitely check out - approved by the Epik High members!

The Epik High members have identified some of their favorite music videos as 'Wannabe', 'Fly', and 'Face ID'. Fans of the group will know that most of their music videos have a high focus on narrative and creating a viewing experience on top of the listening experience.

'Wannabe' is a mellow slice of life in Seoul that gets flipped upside down by a supernatural/monster-type invasion of the city. The song's funky beat montages a movie-like sequence where the members train themselves to retaliate against the monster. They head on a satirical adventure to slay the beast and become the protagonists in their own mystery adventure, and the audience learns the unexpected identity of the monster.

'Fly' finds the members in another action adventure, starting with a high-speed chase that breaks into a groovy melody. The music video switches between a film-like stickup scenario and a news reporting motif. It is definitely regarded as one of their most iconic songs and videos.

More recently, 'Face ID' boasts a pop art theme with collage elements and overlapping/uncorrelated but matching visual elements. If you had to analyze the music video frame by frame, it could easily feel like walking through an exhibition in the hip part of downtown. The rock and hip-hop influence of the song has an addictive quality that adds to the visual aesthetic with its unique sonic vibe, too.

Some of the Epik High members' favorite songs from their discography include 'Super Rare', 'Fly' (as we mentioned before), and 'Gray So Gray'.

'Super Rare' juxtaposes a traditional hip-hop heat and flow with classical elements and an edgy sound. Wonstein's smooth voice and pH-1's groove, again, add contrast to the hard rap flow by the Epik High members, making for a balanced listening experience.

'Gray So Gray' features YounHa's honey vocals and profound lyrics that anyone can relate to. It is the kind of song that can get someone through the obstacles in their life. Additionally, its groovy beat and beautiful melody make it a well-balanced song to listen to regardless of the time of day or occasion.

These are just a few gems out of their discography that you should be sure to check out!

To keep up to date with the group's musical releases and updates, check out their official channels here: YouTube / Facebook / TikTok.

Their hope for the group has evolved over the years. At first, it was for as many people to listen to their music as possible, but now it is for the group to have even longer longevity and be another decade strong.

20 years in, we have no doubt that they'll be able to achieve that goal.

Are you a fan of Epik High? What do you love the most about them? Let us know in the comments!