Jul 02 2024 32 mins 3
Epic has incited many a hardcore head to clench their cheeks and shout, "This shit ain't hip hop!" But a look into Epic's work reveals him as a deep admirer of the culture and a learned student of the craft. Instead of adopting inner city affectations, as so many other white rappers have, Epic chose to be himself and lean into his Canadian prairie roots.
While not shying away from humor, and rapping about such un-hip-hop subjects as snow sledding, Epic is also no stranger to rap battles, shit-talking with the best of them, and at other times his rhymes gets so raw and real you might be brought to tears.
After a near-decade hiatus Epic is readying several new albums, and his work sounds as fresh as ever. Nassau Manor, a collaboration with producer robcrooks, comes out later this month on Hand'Solo Records.
In our conversation (which Epic described as "heavy"), we discuss his outlook on the haters, his approach to the craft, aging as it relates to rap, and much more.
Also in this episode, a look at the excellent debut album by Wave Generators (AKA Nosaj of New Kingdom and Height Keech).
Our bonus episode reviews a slew of past releases that may deserve another glance, including works by Rob Base, X-Ecutioners, Jamalski, Ween, Devin The Dude, Tricky, Beck, Method Man, Mike Ladd, Slick Rick, King Geedorah, Biz Markie & more. Exclusively at http://patreon.com/extraordinaryrap.
For Kool Keith shirts, Rammellzee and StapleMouth records, pedestrian tapes and zines, and much more, visit http://extraordinaryrap.org.
