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 Raptalk got the chance to catch up with Orange County's rising Emcee Epademik!
Where did you grow up?
Grew up in good ol' Gardena, (that's 136th & Hoover in case you wanna know) until I was 12 then my pops moved us out to O.C. to get us out of that rough environment. Talk about a culture shock! I remember saying to my dad there is nothing but white people here. ha ha He just shook his head and gave me that look like I was crazy.
Where did the name Epademik come from?
I actually received the name after battling some guys at a house party in San Juan Capistrano. It was funny cause two of my friends were freein next to the deejay & next thing I know two guys started rapping at my boys on some battle type stuff. They did their thing and plus my friends were drunk and we all know how excessive alcohol & rapping do not mix too well. lol. Basically they were getting served so I felt like it was my duty to go in & save them. So I ended up ripping both of them guys and like my cuzzin DJ Jemani says I SHUT EM' DOOOOOOOOWWWWWWN!! Afterwards a good friend of mine was telling me how I ripped those dudes and I was like a plague how I went in & destroyed them...an epidemic. And there it was... a star was born! ha ha I am a true believer that emcees names are given to them.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as lyrics with substance, storytelling, humorous at times, very blunt & to the point, raw...ya know good Hip Hop... what seems to be missing nowadays.
When did you first fall in love with Hip Hop?
I first fell in love with Hip Hop in 1985 "all the way live" Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh. I thought that was the illest thing I had ever heard. Beat boxing & emceeing.. the true artform, I loved it to death & I still do.
You were nominated for Artist of the Year -07 at the Orange County Music Awards, how did that come about?
I was really doing a lot of backpack hustlin in the streets, building my name & rep as much as possible. Of course shows is a major aspect of that. Somewhere, somehow my manager Snap connected with the head people of the OCMA's and tossed them my music. They mentioned that they had been hearing about me throughout O.C. Next thing I know, I'm nominated for Hip Hop artist of the year. Really, cool experience. I did not win it but the nomination was a real good look. It made a lot more people pay attention to what I was doing out here.
Another nomination for the Urban Artist of the Year Award - 2008, how did that go?
It was crazy because I thought I would end up in the Hip Hop category again but they heard a song I did that is a hip hop/alternative style. They did not really know where to place me. Since I'm known for Hip Hop but I switched it up on them I ended up in the Urban category which is great cause that's the angle I am trying to hit. A much larger market. Once again, I was overlooked. However, hey, two years in a row is real major.
What are you currently working on right now?
I just released a mixtape with DJ Arkane (Shadyville DJ / Bogish Boys) & Akoma called DANG! That is Hot. The production is crazy hot by Steve Dang out of OC. Be sure to go to my myspacer and download it! I have a couple videos & some other fun stuff for everybody. I am finishing another mixtape called Backpack Hustle. It will be out in a couple weeks. I am just keeping real active right now. Oh yeah and of course I am also working on my next album. I am taking my time on that one.
"Listen at your own Risk" released in 2004
That was actually my first solo album. That album definitely was a building process. I had a lot of fun creating it. I said a lot of crazy shit on it. lol
Even though OC and L.A are a freeway away, how does to the 2 county’s compare and contrast?
LA has been in the trenches of Hip Hop for decades & OC is just now getting recognition. Especially now that labels are taking notice of us OC heads since the Cashis got signed to Shady Records. Wassup Ramone! Bogish Boy reppin!!
Since "Listen at your own Risk" is there any plans to have a 2nd album?
Actually, my second solo album was The Third Finger. It came out in 2006. You can peep out on my site. www.epademik.com & iTunes.
Who would you want on it?
I am not very big on having features on my solo albums. If somebody makes the cut then it has to be some incredible shit. I feel like people buy my solo album to hear what I am talking about, not for this guy or that girl. I know you're thinking, "Damn EP that’s some arrogant shit, your such an asshole!" lol. Not the case.
LOL Not at all, that's how it should be! What do you think of the state in Hip Hop?
It is gone to complete shit. I realized how far off the radar it has gotten when I was talking with a younger high school kid and I mentioned EPMD & MC Shan & he said who the hell was that? Its sad cause hip-hop to this kids that are under 18 is Lil Jon, 50 Cent & Lil Wayne. I mean The Chronic came out before they were born! Wow... they know nothing about LL Cool J when he was "Going Back to Cali" & spittin about his "Radio" or the original Golddigger by EPMD. That shit is crazy to me.
Why should people check out your music?
I DO NOT make songs about lollipops & excessive jewelry! lol She wants to lick the rappeeeeeer..lol what the hell is that crap? May God have mercy on his soul for that corny shit?
Are you open to collabs?
Of course I am. However, one thing other artists need to understand is that I am gonna do my best to outshine them on that track. It is all in good fun & friendly competition. Yo Konfident, holla at ya boy..it's long over do pimpjuice!
How do you select your beats?
Most of my best tracks were specifically made for by certain producers that I have a close working relationship with.
Where have you performed?
Where do I start? lol...
Key Club (Hollywood, Ca.)
Cat Club (Hollywood, Ca.)
Hogue Barmichaels (newport beach, Ca.)
Club Roc (Costa Mesa)
Club Rewind (Costa Mesa, Ca.)
Martini Blues (Huntington Beach, Ca.)
Blue Cafe (Long Beach, Ca.)
Xcentric Media New Years Party (Pittsburgh, PA)
Shepphards (Phoenix, AZ)
Stadium Palladium (Anaheim, Ca.)
Sloppy Joes (Irvine, Ca.)
El Patio (Orange, Ca.)
The Block of Orange (Orange, Ca.)
There's a handfull more to add that can't think of at this moment. Always looking to rock bigger & better crowds in different area codes!
What Emcee's and Producers would you love to work with?
Emcees... I would have to say, Slim Shady & not because he's white. lol... Redman would be dope. Crooked I is a hot spitter. Bishop Lamont would be another one. To top off the list I would have to say Big Daddy Kane! That would be the bizness.
As far as producers I would have to say Timbaland, of course Dre, Qunicy Jones, Quik...Primo would be super duper!
Do you ever feel judged because of your race?
More like underestimated. I'm use to it. People like to generalize & stereotype but thats just how people of todays society are.
Where can people contact you?
People can get at me via www.epademik.com & myspace.com/epademikemceeesq
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