Growing up in Compton wasn’t easy, but for Epicmustdie, it became the foundation of his art. Navigating challenging neighborhoods and finding solace in music, he turned everyday experiences into a personal form of therapy. From high school jerking competitions to building creative connections with friends like Dezzi G, Epicmustdie’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and relentless focus.
Epicmustdie’s introduction to music came during the jerking era in high school, where he first began experimenting with rhythm and flow. It was also at Jordan High where he met Dezzi G, who was already skilled in video editing and shared an interest in music creation. Together, they formed an early group called Dream Team and launched a YouTube page called Flirting and Jerking, blending humor and creativity while testing the waters of performance.
His first project, Nonchalant, set the stage for the introspective and candid style he’s known for today. Growing up in Compton, with time also spent in Long Beach, Epicmustdie navigated a neighborhood he describes as dangerous yet formative. His perception of his environment shaped both his perspective and his lyrical content, providing raw material for storytelling that’s both real and reflective.
Music was more than a pastime—it was his outlet. Epicmustdie recalls that the first album he ever purchased with his own allowance was Ludacris’s Chicken-n-Beer, a moment that would later influence his understanding of rhythm, humor, and commercial appeal in hip-hop. Early studio sessions took place in the most humble of settings: his grandmother’s back house, which became the birthplace of what he would eventually call Corner Store, his creative hub for recording and production.
Connections in the early days helped build his network. Through Myspace parties and local crews, Epicmustdie met Westside Boogie, further expanding his perspective on collaboration and the power of community in music. These experiences, combined with the trials of growing up in Southern California, shaped the themes of PERENNIAL II. Tracks like “Talking To God,” “FOCUS & DISCIPLINE,” and “LIFE IS LIKE A DICE GAME” reflect lessons learned, personal struggles, and the determination to stay committed to his craft.
PERENNIAL II is a concise, ten-track album with no features, putting the spotlight solely on Epicmustdie’s growth, vision, and the story he has to tell. It’s an album that doesn’t just showcase talent; it demonstrates resilience, reflection, and a dedication to turning life experiences into art that resonates.
In a city with a storied musical history, Epicmustdie is quietly but confidently carving his own lane, proving that Compton’s next chapter is still being written—and it starts with his voice.
