ICYMI: K-hip-hop royalty Epik High is *coming back* to Manila for their Epik High Is Here: Asia Pacific Tour and we can't wait to watch them perform live! The legendary trio has gained a huge following over the years (they've been in the industry for almost two decades) thanks to their distinct vocal style, the timelessness of their songs, and their lyrical creativity that just pulls you in and never lets you go. And if you're like me, then chances are you've already binge-listened to their songs—a non-negotiable to my pre-concert ritual—before their concert on November 30 at the New Frontier Theater.
So, whether you're an old fan ~vibing~ to their albums for the nth time or a new listener dipping your toes into their music (promise, you won't regret it!), we've rounded up some of Epik High's tracks that will turn you into a bonafide High Skool (their fandom name) in no time.
Epik High songs that you should listen to
1. "Don't Hate Me" (2012)
Let me kick off this list with the song (it's one of their best pick-me-up tracks) that started my love for the trio. The fast-paced hit may seem like any other hip-hop staple but ICYDK, "Don't Hate Me" is both an ode to their supporters and a message to their critics. This is the anthem for artists who (sometimes) have a complicated ~*love and hate*~ relationship with their fans and anti-fans.
Lyrics:
Everybody hates me
But you love me and I love you
Oh oh oh (whoa oh oh)
I only need you to clap for me baby
The whole world is my anti
But the reason why I smile
Oh oh oh (whoa oh oh)
Is because I only need you to be on my side
You're my only fan
2. "Rosario" (2021)
The release of Epik High Is Here Pt. 1 in 2021 is a welcome (read: much-needed) distraction for a world still reeling from the pandemic. And just when you thought that the album couldn't get any better, its first track featured CL and ZICO! Epik High is known for their piercing social commentaries and "Rosario," which they explained is about a person's duality and religion, is a testament that they're not afraid to shift people's attention to important and often controversial social issues. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tablo candidly called this song "the soundtrack that plays when you get your sweet revenge on your biggest enemy." *slow claps*
Lyrics:
Out of my way
I am a legend and I'm here to stay
Did it my way
Where I set foot becomes the way
When it pours
I'll dance in the rain
You talk too much
Ain't no one givin' a f*** what you say
3. "Rain Song" (2021)
Speaking of collaborations, Epik High wowed everyone in 2021 with their single "Rain Song" featuring Korean singer-songwriter Colde. I mean, just imagine this: You're sitting on a bus with your earphones on, stuck in traffic while the rain pours outside, all while thinking about that *one* person. Maybe it's the group's gripping vocals seamlessly blending with the sweet voice of Colde, but this gem definitely gives us the feels every time we listen to it.
Lyrics:
When it rains
Oh when it rains
And sad music plays
Like an old song
I think of you
4. "Acceptance Speech" (2021)
It's always a joy to see our faves team up to give us hits after hits, and it's the same with the trio's "Acceptance Speech"—a track that features Korean artist B.I. Like other Epik High songs, this track is heavy with takes on the industry, focusing on the resilience of celebrities after facing challenges.
Lyrics:
I'm comin' home
If you won't help me, let me go
Put your hands up in the air
The show goes on and on and on
5. "Eternal Sunshine" (2021)
Here's one for those who've ever felt stuck in life's rat race. In "Eternal Sunshine," the group sings of the universal anxiety that comes with wanting to succeed in life. Even if the song feels angsty, this one's still a hopeful track. It's the perfect reminder that it's okay to just take a breath and slow down. And oh, BTS' Suga, who mentioned Epik High's influence in his decision to get into hip-hop, is one of the song's producers!
Lyrics:
Baby, slow down, stop feeling suffocated
Stop feeling anxious that you might fall behind
Good things come in due time
Pay it no mind
6. "Champagne" (2022)
It's difficult to stay true to ourselves—take it from the group who've been there but did just that. This is exactly what Epik High's hit "Champagne" is all about. The song takes a very personal turn and speaks of the difficulties when you forge an identity that runs opposite of everyone's expectations. It's an empowering message for everyone doing it their way. Epik High's got you, sis! We got this. *pops a bottle of champagne*
Lyrics:
I did it my way
Baby, you know that I tried
I made some mistakes
But I'm not afraid to die
Put your hands in the air for me
Champagne in the air for me
'Cause I did it my way
7. "Born Hater" (2014)
What do you get when you combine some of the biggest names in Korean hip-hop? An ~epic~ ensemble of voices and an explosive track! In "Born Hater," Epik High worked with other K-hip-hop artists like Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I, Mino, and Bobby to call out the born haters. The result? One of the most powerful diss-tracks that was ever written. If you're up for a little sleuthing, then you might wanna check out the song's music video (it is said that each one of them represented a deadly sin!).
Lyrics:
Wow look over here,
cowards will run away, no doubt
Are you looking?
If you don't like me, then you do it
Hide carefully, I can see you,
how dare you underestimate me
The scale is different here,
it's motherf***** do or die
8. "Fly"(2005)
And now we cap off this list with the song that catapulted the trio into success—the 2005 chart-topper "Fly." The group regards the mainstream success of this hit as their claim to fame. Like other Epik High staples, "Fly" is yet another nod to the power of believing in your dreams even if no one else will. Did you know that they originally penned the song for Korean actress Park Shin Hye? It turns out, they loved it so much that they decided to release it themselves!
Lyrics:
Don't forget what made you want this old dream
Elegant two arms, spread your wings
You can fly (higher)
Than the birds in the sky
You can fly (higher)
Than the birds in the sky
Tickets for Epik High Is Here - Manila are available at ticketnet.com.ph andTicketnet outlets.
MORE PLAYLISTS HERE:
10 K-Pop Songs That Are Guaranteed To Brighten Your Day