It was recently revealed that YG's Yang Hyun Suk did not allow Epik High to fully record and work at YG Entertainment's studios for their comeback album "Shoebox". Epik High was allowed to use the facilities in 2011 and 2012 without restriction, and many are puzzled about Yang Hyun Suk's decision today.
In an interview with Star News, Yang Hyun Suk said he had good intentions for asking Epik High to record outside of YG Entertainment. "I really enjoy Epik High's style of music... I think people are a bit prejudiced. But [the reason why I didn't allow Epik High to work fully in YG] was to avoid Epik High's music to be influenced by other YG artists." Yang Hyun Suk also said that he and Epik High came to an agreement on this.
He added that he feared Epik High's music style would be influenced if exposed too much to other YG artists. He also acknowledged that Epik High is already fully capable of working on their own music, thus he did not interfere with the group's production process. "We're here to help with promotions," he said.
As to the YG artists being featured in the album, Yang Hyun Suk said that it was Epik High's decision to have Bobby, B.I., and other artists participate on the album.
To clarify, Yang Hyun Suk said that other than Epik High, he also does not interfere with productions by PSY, G-Dragon, Big Bang, and Akdong Musician. "They all know how to produce their own music," Yang Hyun Suk confidently said.
Yang Hyun Suk also gave a brief buy satisfying comment on Epik High's new album. "I am very satisfied with Epik High's new release," the CEO said.
"Shoebox" will be out on October 21 (online) and 22 (offline). "Born Hater" will be pre-released on October 18.