Epik High
Showing posts with label Epik High. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Epik High. Show all posts

2015 Iconography & Listography

Just when you thought that 2015-related posts are so last year... ;-)

I'm so pumped for 2016 but I'm forever grateful for all the things that happened in the past year. The good and the bad. I hope the good things will continue and all the bad things will get better. For you and for me.

I'll try something different. Iconography. I'm not exactly good at it but I'm testing out a website/service that makes it easy for Photoshop dummies like me. If you've noticed, I've been tweaking the appearance of this blog. A little change for 2016, yeah?

가자!

CONVENTIONS: 6.
I can't get enough of them. They're exhausting and I tend to spend much more than my budget - not to mention, adding to the clutter in my room - but I love them. I'm looking forward to going to more in 2016. Preferably, EVO 2016.

  • 3 times at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I can tell you where the nearest restrooms are. WonderCon is moving to LACC in 2016, by the way.
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SMTM4 Concert in LA!

I know. It's been almost 20 days since this event. It's 7 days away from my next K-pop related event. Forgive me. It's been a trying September.

I could not contain my excitement when they announced the Show Me the Money 4 concert tour stop in Los Angeles. My Inner Circle heart was cheering that I will finally see someone from WINNER but it wasn't yet meant to be. Finalist, Song Minho, had other engagements and had to skip out from the whole tour. BFF Zico from Block B wasn't going either. But that's okay; I saw him at KCON not too long ago.  (And I might see him again in November. I have to see the ticket perks and prices before deciding.)

 But the real reasons why I was so hyped up were... Verbal Jint and Jinusean. Meeting Tablo for the second time in the same year was a very welcomed icing on the cake. I've admired Verbal Jint's music and lyrics for a long time. I think he is a fantastic human being and to see him perform live... it took so much from me not to tear up. Who the hell cries at a hip-hop concert?! I almost did. I'm a YG stan so I'm happy to meet anyone from YG. Jinusean was one of the first ones and their song, 한번 더 말해줘, is my JAM. It's so catchy with a sort of old school 90s feel to it. Not to mention it brings me a tad bit closer to two of my favorite shows, Superman is Back and Running Man. (Upon rewatching more episodes of RM, I realized that I've met more guest stars that I initially thought.)

 My love for Tablo's talent (and the rest of Epik High) knows no bounds. I could not pass up the opportunity to see him again. That alone paid for my ticket. Among other things, of course. Jay Park and almost all of the AOMG crew were there. San E and the sole representative of Team ZiPal, Palo Alto were there too. Heck, even Dumbfoundead was there. And if anyone from YG was there, Danny and Ben Baller would be too. I wish Danny and DFD joined the hi-touch event lol. (More on that later.)

 I admit, I'm one of those who paid attention to SMTM4 because of Mino. Not gonna lie. But I stayed because of the other rappers on the show. I was familiar with some by way of collaborations with other artists that I know and some I'm glad I found out through the show. I do not care for Western rap/hip-hop that is playing on the radio today. AT ALL. (I've been known to say that "If it is in English, I might not listen to it. I don't know 90% of the songs on the radio today.) Most of it is empty and it's like who can spit out senseless shit faster. Make up words along the way, why don't you. It's not for me. My interest in American hip-hop ending some time before 2010. But that was when my love for K-hip-hop resurfaced. Yes, I don't understand most of it but you can just feel the passion and emotion in their voices. Look up the lyrics and you'll see that it's not empty made-up bullshit. It actually speaks to you. 

 (A marvelous example is LeeSsang. Do yourself a favor and listen to either Hexagonal or Asura Balbalta, look up the lyrics, and try not to feel sad and cry.)

 Anyway, enough with the sales talk. 
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Show Me The Money 4 in LA!

Powerhouse Live
2015 is the year the Hallyu gods smiled upon me. I thought it was 2012 when 2NE1 and BIGBANG came to the US. It was followed by 2013 with my first KCON. 2014 introduced me to WINNER but that year, I went back to my Hollywood world. Not much going on in my K-pop life... just my hoarding of anything WINNER lol.

I thought 2015 was going to be the same. I got more into conventions and anime and nerdy things. That is... until Epik High went on their North American tour. That got the ball rolling. From there, BIGBANG announced their 2nd world tour; I went to my 2nd KCON (2, 3). And if that wasn't enough... Show Me the Money 4 is coming to Los Angeles.

[I'm this close to kiss the ground where I currently reside. LOL.]

If you've been following this K-drama, you will know that WINNER's Song Minho is not only one of the contestants, he's also in the Final Two. Apart from being an idol rapper (and it seems like a part of him is not ashamed of being one in front of all these established hip-hop people), he has history as a young underground rapper by the name of Hugeboy MINO together with Block B's Zico. He actually calls Mino his "most treasured dongsaeng" which warms my heart of hearts.

MNET's been very dirty in this show, rather questionable at times. There were moments - no, whole episodes - where there was nothing but secondhand embarrassment. Sometimes, they air 90% drama and only 10% of talent. They clearly play favorites. I don't deny that Mino is their favorite since Day 1 because Mino's been involved in another MNET talent reality show that was really successful, Who Is Next? WIN. But they also screwed him up so many times. Until the very end, mind you. Either Mino wins and everyone thinks it's just because he's YG. Or he loses because everyone hates him. Poor baby.

But that doesn't really matter now. He's top 2 and I've read somewhere that only the top 2 contestants are going on the US shows. So that's Basick and Mino. At this point, I don't care who wins... I like them both and I'm going to see my word genius fave Verbal Jint perform live. And oh, Tablo for a second time in less than six months. Yeah-yuh.

The organizers said that Zico will not join Mino and Paloalto on the tour. Yes, I did see him with Block B at KCON but to see him with his precious dongsaeng on stage together would've been a dream. Being the huge ZiPal team stan, I hope Tablo jumps in if ever they'll do moneyflow ... or have Mino join them for Born Hater. Tablo, MINO, and Verbal Jint all there and play BI's chorus bit... they've done that song with less members.

 Also, Jinusean will only be doing the Los Angeles show! A-yooooo! I don't get what they're doing on this show but I love them, okay? Sean 삼촌 is my bb Daehanie's favorite. And here's the obligatory "Jinu oppa is hawt". (He shares the same name as WINNER's Kim Jinwoo but I can call Jinu "oppa" while Jinwoo is my dongsaeng.)  I don't know how to feel about San E only that it gave me a smidge of pleasure seeing Mino diss him (and MNET) for that Black Nut fiasco. I'm not the biggest Jay Park fan when he "raps" but I like a couple of his "singer" songs.

I would've liked a few more contestants to come along but... logistics. WINNER even has a Japan tour date on the same day at the NYC show. Poor baby. He's going to be so tired and I don't think he'll have time to sight-see. Maybe he can do that when he has his WINNER members with him... on their own world tour or a YG Family Concert? *wink*

I got the P1 ticket, of course. Like with my previous VIP ticket for the BIGBANG Alive Galaxy Tour, I got mine straight from Powerhouse Live which means I didn't pay the nasty service fee from AXS/Ticketmaster. It's going to be first come-first serve so I have to be there early to get a good spot. Ya know, shrimps like me need all the help we can get. And according to Powerhouse, there will be a special fan service event planned out! Yes, fcking please!

So there you go. Another event to add to my already eventful 2015 calendar. Hopefully, all goes well and I can meet Mino... that will tide me over until I meet the rest of WINNER.

EDIT:
The show is now going to be at Club Nokia LA Live. YES!
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Tickets, 어떡해?!

EDIIIIIIT! SEE BOTTOM OF POST AFTER THE JUMP.

My main source of stress this fine June.  But first:


See? Seeeee?! It happened! I talked all about it here and now I have proof!

(I may have to lighten up on Epik High thing because my dreams these past two nights have been with them. One night, it was my endless quest to take a selca with them. Last night, I was at a random Starbucks and they decided to share tables with me. I mean, whut? I wish!)

Anyhooo... it's another start of the week. I look forward to Monday nights thanks to Mostly Walking. They have yet to announce the next game or if they are doing a show tonight but still, my body's been trained to love Mondays partly because of this show. (Edit: No show today and next week.)

We also have family coming over this weekend. One of my relatives from the Philippines will be spending a week with us starting Friday to tour Los Angeles. As you know, I love taking people around. I love playing tour guide and really, I don't mind taking time out to do so. And really, I love going to Universal Studios and Hollywood and the several different museums and tourist spots in this lovely city.

So it seems that I'm going to have an awesome week, right? Well, I sure hope so. But already, I am so very stressed out. The BIGBANG MADE in USA tickets are going on sale this week. From my experience during both bloodbaths of the last tour, this one is going to be the same. Never mind the ticket prices, I can handle that. But the stress... oh god. Siva Group, you spoiled me. It was so hassle-free with them. The Epik High concert is one of the very best that I've attended partly because of how well it was handled. How I wish they did this tour too. Alas... we are to rely on this huge promotion monster... quantity over quality.

At first, I'm willing to fight for VIP for the Los Angeles leg of the tour. I know how fcking awesome that experience was, from the sound check to being on the dance floor during Fantastic Baby. Plus, I got a VIP pass, special bag, shirt, and free light stick with it. All that plus the incredible experience was worth its steep price tag. And I went the next date as well, with my original, non-VIP ticket to just enjoy the show without taking pictures. It was the best two-night concert of my life.

This time around, they're doing LA and Anaheim. Ticket sales will be open to public on June 12, at 12nn. Going back to the paragraph about having family over, we've scheduled a trip to the Universal Studios Hollywood on that day. If I need to be at home in front of a computer with a fast internet by 12nn, it's not going to leave much time to enjoy Universal Studios. If it were just me, I don't mind... I have an annual pass. She doesn't. I've volunteered to buy per a pass and take her around. I can't just bail on that. Then there's this BS about the Anaheim date having a pre-sale starting tomorrow at 10AM. Originally, I was planning to get the cheapest ticket just to enjoy the concert. Now... I think I have a better chance of scoring a VIP there vs Los Angeles.

I was talking to my mom and brother about this, my unofficial voices of reason. They both said to forget about VIP and just go with the 2nd best ticket. I won't get the VIP swag or I won't be that close to the stage but I will have a reserved seat and a better view of what's going on as a whole. Having experienced that on my 2nd ALIVE Tour night, I did enjoy the view. But then again, this conversation happened after my EPIK night. I was pit and loved it. Waaaaah, I'm so torn. I can see the reason, the practicality, behind what they were saying but my fangirl heart wants to try for VIP still.

Mom and bro also expressed that they want to join me at the LA show. Not with the same ticket but somewhere cheaper. They just want to see/hear them live. I would LOVE to have them there. I really don't mind buying them tickets, to be honest. They were also telling me that I'm not a K-pop concert noob. "Give chance to those who are," they both said. I call BS on that but I kind of get it. Then, I was cleaning up my room last night and I saw my VIP lanyard and all those doubts came running back to me. ;_____________;

어떡해???!!!

And as for the Anaheim show, they're telling me not to go. 헐. 헐. 헐.

A part of me totally gets it and agrees. Yes, I've been VIP before and it would be selfish of me to want another one. It's unfortunate that I will not be at home in front of a computer on the day of sale but maybe that is a sign. Can't be too greedy. 

But on the other hand... VIP was such an incredible experience that I don't want to miss out on it. I know how it felt like and it was leaps and bounds better than any other ticket out there. Back then, I scored it by chance and I saw it as a sign that it really was for me. But this time... should I look at it as a sign too? Or am I being too philosophical about it? DX

As for Anaheim, that's another can of worms all together. Especially now that VIP Nation has released the perks of VIP. I mean... you get why I'm stressing out, right? If you're a huge fan of anything, you'd know the feeling. Presale starts TOMORROW, June 9 at 10AM. I'll be at work and our internet reminds me of stupid dial-up. I might pester my brother again for help on this because he has a faster computer and internet connection. Thinking about all this gives me the shakes. 

So yeah, I'm legit stressing out. Both Staples and Honda Center have released seating map and while I'm this close to giving up on going VIP for the LA show, the Anaheim show is giving me hope. But I think this VIP package information served only to stress me out so much more.
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#EPIKHIGHLA [20150529]


My HIGH is EPIK. UBER EPIK.


And it still is. Normally when I see a band in concert or meet a celebrity, I tend to stay away from their music and films for about a week after the event. It's too fresh and my feelz are still too strong. But with Epik High, nope. I was listening to their Pieces, Part One album on my way home and all their other stuff days after. Sure, it took me a while to get to this blog post but I've been listening to them (and BIGBANG's new songs, duh) nonstop since last Friday's concert.

You all know me as as K-pop fan. Scratch that, a YG fan. So it makes sense that I like Epik High, right? Ehhhh... well... I've liked them even before they signed with YG. Back in the Woollim Entertainment days, remember those? That's the closest that I'll ever get to SM Entertainment. I stumbled upon Swan Songs, the particular track was Fly. Then Elements. I couldn't understand a smidge of Korean back then but I remembered Epik High. I already know that Ride was going to be my favorite song from them. It was not until Remapping the Human Soul and the magical song called Fan... and my whole musical perspective changed.

If I were to be 100% honest (and yes, I'm not a saint lol), I put Epik High about a hair's width higher on my list than the whole of YG Entertainment. When they joined the agency, my life became so much easier. XD Fangirling all in one go. Plus all the possible interactions. You already know about the BIGBANG/EH special stage from years ago performing my favorite song ever, right? Oh so ominous. Now, Tablo had written so many songs for other YG artists and the most important thing is that they have a home that supports their ideas and an avenue where they could share their music.

Epik High is one of the few artists - not just in Hallyu - that I could really tell are super passionate with what they are doing. They always are creating, sharing, collaborating. And yet, they are super humble. It warms my heart reading Tablo's posts on how thankful he is throughout this North American tour so far. Big Bang and 2NE1 were able to tour the world with a huge machine behind them but with this Epik High tour, it feels more organic and personal. I'm very sure they also have YG monies supporting them but fans in North America wanted to see them and without much hype and fanfare, they made it happen. (EPIK shoutout to SIVA Group. You guys are rockstars!) Their dreams are coming true. OUR dreams are coming true as well.
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My High is EPIK!


In 25 days. I will be sharing breathing space with Epik High. Tablo, DJ Tukutz, and Mithra Jin. The last time I was this excited was at the Big Bang concert. That was just VIP pit with access to the sound check. This time, I have meet & greet - a professional photo op (ala Josh Hutcherson) that automatically comes with a "hi-touch" and because these guys are such sweethearts, they said yes to autographs. Squee! 

 If you don't know who Epik High is... well, you should. I mean, even if you're not into K-pop, go check them out. They're one of the first Korean acts that I listened to and I think I fell in love with them before I even know who Big Bang was. *gasp*  Even if you don't understand Korean, you'll definitely fall for the beats and the rhythm. Much more when you read the meanings of the song. Tablo and Mithra are poetic geniuses. Pair that with DJ Tukutz's mastery of beats and you got yourself a winner.

 I loved them when they were in Woollim. I love them even more now that they're with YG Entertainment. The story of how Tablo - and eventually the rest of Epik High - ended up with YG is such a good one. I kept repeating that part of the YG Strong Heart episode because it's so endearing and very inspiring. The main reason why I started watching Superman is Back is because of Tablo and Haru; I ended up loving all the dads and babies. Tukutz and little Yunu made appearances while Tablo and Haru were there. And Mithra Jin... let's just say I have a thing for rappers with low timbre voices. ;-)

 And speaking of autographs, I want my Pieces of You signed. But that's Tablo's book. How about Tukutz and Mithra? I think I'll just have a copy of 신발장. As much as I want my Pieces of You signed... can't have them all. Ah, decisions... 

I originally have the VIP floor ticket, the one that came after this one. I bought it just as a buffer in case I wasn't able to score a Meet and Greet ticket. I had my brother working with me. I was at work with the slow as heck internet and he was at home where both the computer and internet were faster. He was the one who got me the M&G ticket. I had him refreshing over and over until he got the one that costs $190. I almost screamed at him via Twitter DM. Actually, I think I did lol. (I will borrow his services again once Big Bang comes around.) I managed to sell off my other ticket for less than face value. That's okay... I got my M&G ticket and that's all that matters.

 I have all sorts of wish lists for this Los Angeles stop. Especially guest performers. I'm pretty sure they will be performing my favorites such as Fan, Don't Hate Me, Love Love Love, Spoiler, 우산, and some of Tablo's solos. But what I would give to see Ride performed live in front of my eyes. And how about for Born Hater? As much as I would want them to bring over Song Minho with them, he might be busy at that time. There are a good number of awesome Korean-American rappers in LA so maybe one of them...? Hope so. YG talents are spotted in LA venues whenever one of their own is in town. I mean, Danny Im... how about having a sort of 1TYM reunion on the Epik High stage? Lydia Paek to feature on Happen Ending? One could dream.


Whatever happens, it's going to be a fucking blast. They already ruled K-pop night at SXSW and definitely caught people's ears. My appreciation for Epik High knows no boundaries. I hope they continue doing what they do for a long long time. 
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