Two decades ago, Epik High made their debut in 2003 with their first album ‘Map Of The Human Soul’. While the group themselves aren’t big fans of the record these days, it provided a springboard for an act who would go on to have a seismic impact on the Korean music scene and beyond.
Since that album’s release, the trio – comprised of Tablo, Mithra Jin and Tukutz – have been credited with helping popularise hip-hop in South Korea and influenced some of the country’s biggest stars. They’ve done that with music that is both poetic and powerful, highlighting social issues and mastering unifying anthems along the way.
All of this makes it nigh on impossible to choose just 10 essential songs from their back catalogue. Yet, in celebration of 20 years of a truly iconic act, we’ve tried to do just that.
Honorable Mentions
Pencil Sharpener (2008)
No Different ft. Yuna (2019)
People Scare Me (2017)
Map The Soul (2009)
No Thanxxx (2017)
Ask to the Sky ft. Dynamic Duo (2003)
As part of Epik High’s debut album, 2003’s ‘Map Of The Human Soul’, ‘Ask To The Sky’ might not have been celebrated at first but hindsight is 20/20 and thankfully that record has been reappraised in the intervening years. This song is one of its highlights, a piano-laced rap gem boasting an appearance from fellow legends of the Korean hip-hop scene, Dynamic Duo.
Burj Khalifa ft. Yankie and Gaeko (2014)
On the other side of Epik High’s coin is addictive, smart hip-hop and 2014’s ‘Burj Khalifa’ is a prime example of that. One of the standout tracks in the group’s whole discography – no mean feat – the song compares the impact of Tablo, Mithra Jin and Tukutz’s output to that you’d get from a host of substances, while the title too nods to dizzying heights. Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper in Dubai, is the world’s tallest building, but blasting Epik High’s ode to it will leave you feeling like you’re soaring way above its 830m peak.
Don’t Hate Me (2012)
Epik High might be a hip-hop group but that doesn’t mean they can’t rock out too – as they proved on ‘Don’t Hate Me’. At the time of the song’s release in 2012 as part of the ’99’ album – the trio’s first for YG Entertainment – many of their core fanbase weren’t on board with the track’s departure from the group’s usual sound.
Yet, in the years since, it’s become a beloved cut – and for good reason. It tackles the relationship between band, fans and haters over anthemic rock riffs that feel both ridden with the angst of hatred and celebratory of the love Epik High receive from their supporters.
Fan (2007)
Like the K-hip-hop take on Eminem’s ‘Stan’, 2007’s ‘Fan’ delves into the toxic side of fandom and sasaeng culture in Korea. Written from the perspective of an obsessive fan who’s in way too deep, it’s a sublime template of Epik High’s versatility and creativity.
“I know I can’t have you (but you’re always in my head),” they sing in the chorus before later getting into an internal monologue filled with unrealistic dreams of falling in love with a celebrity. It’s enough to make even the most rational fan think about getting out and touching some grass.
Fly ft. Soulciety’s Amin. J (2005)
Without ‘Fly’, it’s possible Epik High might not have gone on to have the impact they’ve had on the Korean hip-hop scene and beyond. Prior to the track, the three-piece hadn’t scored a hit, but the 2005 single gave them the breakthrough they needed.
A bright, bouncy and breezy banger that featured the pretty vocals of Soulciety’s Amin. J, it’s become a beacon of their influence, even inspiring the likes of BTS in their own musical journeys.
Love Love Love ft. Lee Yoong-jin (2007)
Although it appeared on their fourth album ‘Remapping The Human Soul’, ‘Love Love Love’ gave Epik High one of their first breakthrough hits, following ‘Fly’ and ‘Fan’. It perfectly captures one side of the trio’s artistry – one that mixes melancholy with danceable beats, here telling the story of being trapped in a cycle of hopeless love. “Though it hurts, I keep repeating it,” Lee Yoong-jin sings in the chorus, while the verses detail scenes from a relationship in self-destruct mode.
Paris ft. Loveholic’s Jisun (2005)
‘Paris’, from Epik High’s breakthrough album ‘Swan Songs’, begins as you’d likely expect a song named after the French capital to – swaying along a Gallic melody with Loveholic’s Jisun casting a sophisticated and chic atmosphere over the track with her elegant vocals. Seconds in, though, it enters more typical Epik High territory, merging into a lightly bouncing hip-hop masterpiece.
Peace Day (2004)
Epik High have never shied away from sharing messages to society in their songs and ‘Peace Day’, from 2004’s ‘High Society’, offers up an important lesson. As the trio tell us, life might be tough and full of frustrations, but we don’t have to let negativity win and rule over us. “Just for one day, let’s help each other,” Mithra Jin raps midway through. “Just for one day, let’s look at each other […] Let’s all bear some love / Let’s dance in the wind of peace.”
Rosario ft. CL and Zico (2021)
Two decades into their career, Epik High still possess the same swagger and brilliance in their rap-heavy tracks as they did in their early days. ‘Rosario’, the ‘Epik High is Here’ track that boasts appearances from CL and Zico, is proof positive of that. It references the struggles the group have gone through over the last 20 years, including Tablo’s “TaJinYo” scandal, but stands tall in its resilience and refusal to bow down to critics. CL’s chorus line shares that sentiment best – Epik High are legends and they’re here to stay.
Umbrella ft. Younha (2008)
Over the years, Epik High have collaborated with many other artists, be they rappers or singers. ‘Umbrella’, from 2008’s ‘Pieces, Pt.1’, though, is one of their most beautiful team-ups. Lyrically, it’s utterly devastating, portraying someone reminiscing sadly on a partner who is no longer in their life, with singer Younha’s gorgeous voice only adding to that feeling. “Before I know it, the rainwater wells up around my ankles,” she sighs. “The tears I held back well up in my eyes / I cry.” Make sure you’ve got some tissues handy before you press play.
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