After establishing himself with a flurry of impactful releases these last few years, Chicago-born rapper Epic Eli is back to his best once again with his captivating new EP 'Divine Timing II'.
Featuring the previously shared anthem 'Home', this new seven-track collection makes for an incredibly bold and driven return for him. Filled with emotive textures, a breezy atmosphere, and his own killer flow at the helm, 'Divine Timing II' delivers more of that riveting aesthetic he has been growing over the years.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the voice.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Hip-hop/Rap, Jazz, Funk, House, Pop, Blues, Soul, R&B, and Gospel.
What was the first album you remember owning?
When I was in sixth grade, I had a friend who randomly burned a CD to give to me. That CD happened to be “The Sound of Revenge” by Houston artist Chamillionaire. The first album I remember owning from the store was Snoop Dogg's album “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment”.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Prince – Purple Rain
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When I am in a creative space to write new music, there are a couple of things I naturally do. I like to spend time alone in nature, drive in my car while playing instrumentals, workout at the gym, and sometimes meditate.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Cleo Sol, Mac Miller, Thee Sacred Souls, The Isley Brothers, Snoh Aalegra, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It’s a couple people I could see myself opening a show for, but if I had to choose one I would say Common.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Learning about yourself more and more everyday. Evolution as a musician coincides with your evolution as a person.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being vulnerable even when you don’t want to. You don’t tell yourself what to write, your soul does.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always put God first in everything that you do.
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Epic Eli's new EP 'Divine Timing II' is out now. Check it out in the player below.