The Urban Decadence

I know what you’re thinking: “Finally there’s a fresh interview to read up on!”

I know, I know, there’s been a serious drought regarding interviews on the blog, and I seriously have to apologize about that. There’s that promised-but-never-posted Tre Hardson interview that Jhair’s still working on. There’s that promised-but-never-stenographed Alpha MC interview I still have to do but can’t because Jhair has my tape recorder. Then there’s that Andrew Garcia interview that DEREK NEVER POSTED. And then there were many interviews that just fell through. Fret not, my avid readers, fret not! I have an interview/photoshoot date with VerBS on Friday (Venice Beach, if you guys want to catch the action), and next Tuesday I have a date (no, not that kind of date) with Percee P! I’m out here doing big thangs. Big thangs.

So, about this interview. I was honestly kind of hesitant about this one because 1) he’s not LA underground and 2) he’s by some definition an international star. Whoaaaa. I know. But anyway, on with the show!

Tablo, Mithra & DJ Tukutz

Tablo is a member of a Korean hip-hop/pop group called Epik High, and he’s been in the Korean music game since 2003. He was born in Seoul, Korea and was raised in Indonesia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Canada, and back again in Korea. According to my mother (who keeps up with the Korean entertainment industry), he attended Stanford University and graduated in 3.5 years with a degree in English Literature (the same major as mine, yeeyee).

Now, I don’t really listen to Korean music (uninterested, really), and I haven’t since the ninth grade, but back when I did, Epik High used to be in my “must have” list whenever I burned CDs. I mean, all you fellow Koreans must admit; who in the Korean music industry has stayed consistent with their music as much as Epik High did? And that one old-school joint of theirs, “I Remember”, shit, that never gets old.

But to continue my little informative bit on Tablo, he’s a rapper, producer, songwriter, and overall genius. IQ of over 150? Doesn’t that qualify him as MENSA status? Crazy. After hanging out with him for a few hours, I got to see a glimpse of his personality (you know, I’m famous for observing and analyzing people). He’s a very sarcastic individual with an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude and dry sense of humor that can be mistaken for arrogance. Or maybe he’s indeed arrogant and my perception of him is wrong because I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. I mean, how can you really get to know the ever-changing nature of the human species? Either way, I’m usually very on point when it comes to my speculation of the human behavior. So, yeah. Sarcastic, idgaf, dry humor individual it is. I liked him right away.

Anyway, Tablo and Epik High just finished their recent “Map The Soul” tour no too long ago, which celebrates their separation from any major Korean labels. Through the tour he met Dumbfoundead, who acted as a correspondent for The Urban Decadence (I just tried hard to hold my laughter and keep the camera steady). Enjoy. Oh, and sidenote regarding the video: I tried hard not to laugh. The shaking and the sound of me inhaling is testament to it.

-hannahrenee.