Premiere: EPDMC talks new “Nothing Left 2 Say” video, Rap’s Charlie Brown EP, & more

I first met EPDMC at the 2018 Northen Touch Music Festival in Winnipeg. He was the only other artist from The Maritimes on the bill so I wanted to show my support and check out his set. Overall, I found myself really impressed with his stage presence and appreciated his boom bap-based performance style.

His latest project, Rap’s Charlie Brown, came out earlier this year on Apr. 12 and is actually one of the first EPDMC releases shared by HipHopCanada.  

The 5-song EP is a follow up to his 2018 project, Party on a Sunday, and featured the popular “Party on a Sunday” single which originally came out in 2016.

Today marks the premiere of the latest music video released in support of Rap’s Charlie Brown. “Nothing Left 2 Say,” featuring Jeffrey, was produced by John Rambo, and the video was co-directed by EPDMC and Grizzly Cut Films. It follows the Kiddo-assisted “Far Worse” video which was also shot and directed by Grizzly Cut out in Los Angeles.

Coinciding with the new video, I sat down with EPDMC to discuss his comeup as an artist, his plans to start working on his album debut, the meaning behind “Nothing Left 2 Say,” and more.

“Nothing Left 2 Say” and the Rap’s Charlie Brown EP are available on various digital streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.

Check out the new video and our interview with EPDMC below.

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Q&A: EPDMC

HipHopCanada: Where are you from originally?

EPDMC: I was born and raised in Windsor Junction, NS, not to be confused with the Windsor in the valley.

HipHopCanada: What got you into hip-hop?

EPDMC: I always needed a way to vent, to let go, and to express myself wholeheartedly. It also helped that, despite what my grades in school say, the writing, rhyme schemes and free will allowed me to not be concerned about NOT having a properly trained singing voice.

HipHopCanada: Do you have any local heroes that you look up to?

EPDMC: Over the years I’ve grown into an artist that I’ve finally found respect for. So that’s what I look for when trying to find inspiration and motivation. These people make moves with heart in each step, and to be honest, there’s one dude that comes to mind and that’s the homie Cunny Ross, founder and activist with Family Over Fame. The respect I have for his hustle and dedication is at the utmost.  

HipHopCanada: Who are some of your day ones?

EPDMC: Family and friends will always be my biggest supporters but I find “day ones” such a loose term. I’d rather focus on the ones that hold true throughout the journey and aren’t afraid of honesty and truth. And as you’ve seen so far, that falls into the hands of the homie Jeffrey. He may not be a “day one” but he’s held me down like nobody else as far as fellow rappers lately. Not afraid to tell it how it is and take criticism with a positive step forward. Also, the homie Gee Clarke, who helped direct and shot the video for “Nothing Left To Say.” We’ve been through a lot and gone around the world and I hope to take these guys with me to many more shows and destinations.

HipHopCanada: Have you ever made beats before?

EPDMC: I attempted in the past with the most basic of sounds in Fruity Loops but quickly passed that off to the producers that knew what they were doing. Attempting to come back into it now, but more acoustically now than ever.

HipHopCanada: How did you come up with the name Rap’s Charlie Brown?

EPDMC: At first I thought it would be cool to just relate my music to something as basic as Charlie Brown, but once I started to develop the idea, it started to make more sense. The concept developed into the fact of who Charlie Brown is and stands for. May be a main character in the Peanuts but at the same time, he’s always looking to help, find solutions, make things better, also while never giving up. No matter how many times Lucy pulls that football away.

HipHopCanada: You seem to be very dedicated to your health and well being. What are some of the things you do regularly to take care of yourself?

EPDMC: I honestly just make sure I get to the gym. Once I make it into the car and I’m heading there, that’s enough commitment to carry me through any workout, whether good or bad. To say I have a great diet would be a lie. As much as I’d like to say I do, and honestly would love a better food regimen but see, how my bank account works…  

HipHopCanada: What is the premise behind your song “Nothing Left 2 Say?”

EPDMC: It was a focus on rap’s love song. Trials and tribulations of relationships and the fact that no matter how much we fantasize about a solid relationship, putting someone on a pedestal or even just in it for the sexual aspect, it’s never always what it seems and doesn’t always workout how you planned. Just hope that when there is “Nothing Left To Say”, there will still be someone in your corner that cares.

HipHopCanada: Who was responsible for the visuals and how do they relate to the song?

EPDMC: The visuals are all credited to the homie Gee Clarke. He’s helped with visuals in the past and I wanted to come up with a concept video for the first time. Had to force myself to come up with the scenes and concept completely and he truly brought it to life.

And as far as relating to the song, it’s built on a date, whether it be the first, second or seventh date is up to interpretation. But the way I wanted to have it, was even though we dream about the dream girl and want that love or intimacy in the relationship, sometimes what I we want, isn’t what they want and that is depicted very well in this video, all thanks to Gee.

HipHopCanada: Is this your first premiere on Hiphopcanada?

EPDMC: This is my very first premiere with HipHopCanada and I couldn’t be anymore stoked to release this video to the world. My very first concept music video and I’m truly proud of and hope everyone enjoys.

HipHopCanada: What are some of the milestones you’re looking to set for yourself in the coming months and years ahead?

EPDMC: Well I intend on beginning the process of creating my debut album. I’ve released projects in the past, EPs and singles, but I feel as though I’m finally ready to create my very first full length album. I had always dreamed of being signed and having my album on a label roster, but the way my life has played out, right now just feels like the right time to approach it and tackle it head on.

The album will take a little while to work on so I intend on keeping the tunes coming, singles with the homie Jeffrey and of course singles off the upcoming album as I feel fit to release them.

This summer has already been crazy busy with shows, travelling and creating but I’m ready to kick it up a notch and really dive into this album. Also, I have some super dope features lined up but don’t want to give away any details on that just yet, stay tuned!  

You can follow @EPDMC902 on Instagram.