Fantasy K-Pop Collab: Epik High + Twenty One Pilots

Epik High has been a staple in the K-hip-hop industry for a long time - it has been a decade since their debut as a trio in 2003.

Even though in the start the group was relatively unknown outside the underground scene, they soon began to perform with other artists and joined the well-respected hip-hop crew, Movement Crew.

After the release of Epik High's High Society, their fame and popularity began to increase with every passing album.

During a temporary hiatus while Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz were fulfilling their mandatory military service, Tablo signed with YG Entertainment. After being discharged from duty, the other members of Epik High joined the YG Family as well, and the group made their first comeback in three years.

Now directed by the internationally recognized record label, Epik High joins forces with their label-mates regularly to create a constantly evolving sound.

Twenty One Pilots were formed in 2009 when Tyler Joseph and two friends from college got together to make music. In 2011, due to conflicting schedules, the other two members left and Joseph joined forces with drummer Josh Dun.

Later that year it was announced that Twenty One Pilots signed to Atlantic Records's subsidiary label, Fueled By Ramen, under which they released a debut EP and their third full-length album.

In the summer of 2012, the duo traveled to South Korea to play for a crowd of thousands at the Jisan Valley Rock Festival.

Both Epik High's Tablo and Twenty One Pilots's Tyler Joseph deliver a unique rapping style, at times slow and melodic while other times speedy and in your face. Their voices, too, are a bit higher pitched and are equal parts abrasive and melodious.

Whereas Epik High has the husky voiced and powerful Mithra for balance, Twenty One Pilots utilize the strong drum line provided by Josh Dun.


Lyrically, both groups dive into emotional and philosophical social commentary and the words themselves are colorful and full of metaphor and imagery.


Since joining YG Entertainment, Epik High has been branching out their style to include more a more pop-like sound and various elements of rock-n-roll. The music created by Twenty One Pilots would be another arena for the guys to show off their various talents and styles. Epik High would also be able to add another dimension to the lyrical delivery for Twenty One Pilots's hard-hitting songs.

If Epik High and Twenty One Pilots were to collaborate if would definitely need to be outside the studio - doing a concert together (or small tour) would be the best way to deliver the unique sound that would likely be created.

A high-energy performance that would blend contemporary hip-hop with electro-alternative and a steady rock beat. There would be free-styling, jumping and dancing around, and likely some crowd-surfing.

Another bonus to this collaboration, Tablo speaks fluent English.

Maybe the next time Twenty One Pilots are invited to perform in Korea, they will consider meeting up with Epik High for a killer collaborative live show.

Tags
Epik High
Tablo
YG Entertainment
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