I'd like to take this moment to introduce you to Epsilon Project. EP is a collective of three emcees, three emcee/producers, and one deejay out of Oxnard, California (a community of just under 200,000 approximately sixty miles west of Los Angeles that is also home to underground legend Madlib). The group has been making music together since 2004, and their 2007 full length debut, Raising The Bar was met with positive reviews with the group's sample-heavy production being favorably compared to that of Slum Village in their prime. EP is in a similar position to the one that Seattle's Blue Scholars found themselves in a few years back. Like the Scholars, Epsilon Project has been grinding in their hometown for sometime now, but has only recently started to gradually accumulate national attention due in part to an exceptional live act that has gained exposure while opening for established acts such as Ghostface, De La Soul, and KRS-One.
The aspect about EP that originally caught my attention was the epic scratches on "Inspiration," combined with the overall positive energy and lyrics expressed by the emcees of group on the song as they honestly depict the struggle of an underground group trying to make it in the larger hip hop community (in the process giving thanks to all of the local support and love they've received over the years). "Mics On" provides a similar energy on a song that I imagine must be crazy when performed live. The track comes off of The Freeloaders EP, which can (and should) be downloaded for free at EP's bandcamp.
Epsilon Project certainly has the talent to be considered among the best underground acts in the nation. What makes such an outcome all the more likely is the group's outstanding work ethic. Over the past year, EP has been quite prolific, releasing four quality FreEPs since October with another, Audacity, scheduled to be released on May 25th. Pay attention to Epsilon Project. They're going places.
Peace, Love, & Hip Hop,
WordIsBorn
Epsilon Project - "Inspiration" (Prod. Kev Brown)
Recently heard of these guys and I like what I hear
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