Korea's favorite hip-hop group, Epik High, is finally back with 'Shoebox.'  There's been a lot of hype surrounding this new album, so let's take a look and see if it exceeded expectations (ahh!): 

"Encore" opens 'Shoebox' with a soothing string orchestra intro.  The track drops into a vibe out hip-hop beat with "I didn't realize that the show was over" The Miracles sample on loop.  This opening track is pretty dope.  Epik High not only writes their own raps but also capitalizes on their ability to execute their lyrics.  "[They] came through" with this track.

The fading audience applause that closes out "Encore" leads into "Happen Ending." Jo Won Sun features in this track.  Her soft, feminine voice complements the melancholy sound and smooth raps for an overall chill track.  Although the song is a little depressing, it's a beautifully tragic love song. 

As a Taeyang fan, it's no surprise that I love the next track, "Rich."  The meaning behind the song has been done before—the hope for an easier, lavish life.  However, again the lyrics are really well written, and the result is a pretty amazing track.  I particularly like the line, "My Drive Rules Everything Around Me DREAM," a play on Wu Tang's, "Cash Rules Everything Around Me CREAM."

I think I share the opinion of others that have listened to this album when I say "Spoiler" sounds like a collaboration track between Epik High and fellow YG group, WINNER.  This song is another beautifully written track about a crumbling love.  The chorus, "Your cold gaze and words are a spoiler," says it all—my ultimate favorite line is, "Just cut me out or kill me out, I don't even need a happy ending, just don't let me fade out."  

"Spoiler" ends with a simple "the end," which transitions into "Burj Khalifa."  Yankie and Gaeko feature in this sick track.  It's a track that is going to be my pre-game jam on a Friday night.  "My high is epic" and Epik High and company, too, are epic in this track.

The mood calms down with the next track, "We Fight Ourselves."  Younha lends her beautiful voice in this song.  The beat has a simple bass line with drums and a piano feature.  Younha's solo, "Let's stop, I'm sorry," is really powerful, and her voice layered over Tablo's is perfect.

"Amor Fati" has yet another feature, Kim Jongwan. The track also has yet another simple hip-hop beat, but the lyrics are heavy.  Although I don't 100% understand why this track is titled "Amor Fati" (comment below if you see the connection!), the "I believe in myself, I believe in the moments I can see with my eyes […] but they call me a non-believer" lyrics are freaking deep.

"Born Hater" is quite possibly the most hyped track off this album, and it doesn't disappoint—it's sick.  The track features Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I., Mino, and Bobby.  It's like a cypher of the best rappers in the game.  Although I think the track could have been done without B.I.'s random singing parts, still... this track is quality.

If you've listened to Epik High over the years you would know about their "Lesson" tracks. "Lesson 5," is the 5th track in the "Lesson" series and its another song that makes you think—it touches on societal issues and values.  These lyrics are paired with an old school hip-hop beat and scratches, a combination that works well.  It reminds me of 90s American rap, which, too, had heavy meaning rather than the typical "I love to party" lyrics popular today.

Jay Park, too, features in this album in "Life Is Good." The track is like Jackson 5 meets hip-hop—it is a chill feel-good track.  It's a "say bye to the haters, because I'm feeling fresh" song.  To be honest, I don't know if Jay Park is the best feature for this song; nonetheless, it's a solid track.

Prior to this album release, I had already listened to Tablo's cover of Taeyang's "Eyes, Nose, Lips" about a thousand times, so it's not news that I love it.  Seriously, the line, "the only trophy you deserve, catastrophe"--I wish I wrote that.  I am generally a fan of covers, but I think Tablo did an amazing job making this track completely his own.  The climax with Taeyang x Tablo still gives me chills. 

The final track, "Shoebox," reminds me of a Lauryn Hill beat.  However, rather than a Lauryn Hill feature, it's MYK (almost the same artist, right?).  I can feel the personal touch of this song and Epik High's devotion to their music and their families. The album fins with them "taking off their shoes" and being home, which I think is a nice round out to this album.

Overall, I think this album was absolutely amazing.  Not only were there 1024129 features by some of my favorite artists (okay, more like 15 or 16) but Epik High also put their own flare into each track, showing us why they are so respected in the hip hop industry.  As of now, "Shoebox" has cracked into the U.S. iTunes charts, rightfully so, and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon.  I absolutely loved it.

What did you think about Epik High's new album?  Comment below! 

P.S. HOW CUTE IS HARU?!