99 (Epik High album) explained

99
Type:Studio
Artist:Epik High
Cover:Epik High 99 album cover.jpg
Recorded:2012
Genre:Hip hop, K-pop
Length:34:17
Label:YG Entertainment
Producer:Yang Hyun Suk, Tablo
Prev Title:Epilogue
Prev Year:2010
Next Title:Shoebox
Next Year:2014

99 is the seventh studio album by the South Korean hip hop group Epik High.[1] It was released online on October 19, 2012 and in physical CD format on October 23.[2] The title tracks were "Up", a hip-hop song featuring 2NE1's Park Bom, and "Don't Hate Me". The album also included the previously released collaboration with Lee Hi, "It's Cold".[3] This is Epik High's first release under YG Entertainment.

Background

Epik High named the album '99′ for a number of reasons: their love of the number "9″, the 9 songs in the album (plus one short interlude), and the aim to "embrace the meaning of music" for 99% of people, not the top 1%.[4]

Through a commentary film released on October 22, Epik High went through the album tracks, explaining it's the kind of music that the members grew up to and enjoyed during the 1990s. "The album is like taking a time machine with us and going here and there", explained Tablo. Particularly for their two title tracks, the members said that "Up" is meant to encourage people that the next day will be better. For "Don't Hate Me", the members explained that even if the world hates you, if there is at least one person who loves you, life is worth living.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Epik High reveals tracklist for 7th album '99′ + two title tracks "Don't Hate Me" & "Up" . Allkpop. October 17, 2012.
  2. Web site: Epik High Releases Comeback MVs for "Don't Hate Me" and "Up" . Soompi. October 19, 2012.
  3. Web site: New Albums and Singles Preview – 2012 October Week 3. Soompi. October 21, 2012.
  4. Web site: Epik High reveals more information about '99′ album. Allkpop. October 17, 2012.
  5. Web site: Epik High Members Introduce '99' Album. 2012-10-22. 2012-10-22.