Most in the UK would only know Stacy Epps for her delicious vocals on Madvillain’s 2 minute treat “Eye” off the first Madvillainy album. As Helg put it once in some seconds of transient joy; “everyone has had a moment with this tune…” We also love her 50 seconds to shine embedded into track 4 of Madlib’s Mind Fusion, vol 5.
Stacy is actually a double-threat. Homegirl is a killer M.C with poignant slam-style lyrics, as well as the owner of a singing voice that is ethereal, subtle, and strong simultaneously. The result is soaring, skyscraping, evocative of the perfume and the pulse of the urban South. Hailing from Atlanta, a signifyin(g) beacon of integration and vibrancy, she has a post-graduate law degree from the University of Southern California. Baby’s on the Afro-Centric tip, urging the sistas to honor their “natural glow” at all times.
So I just picked up her new E.P 222 on wax. It features a selection of cuts from her debut solo album “The Awakening” which is only available on CD at the moment. Check side B for “Cosmik Dust”, a classic Flying Lotus piece of work. Flylo’s staggering archetype shares center stage with Stacy’s relentless spitting to form a track that complements both aspects with a steady, cohesive groove. “Cold Times”, a softer Madlib production, contains those legendary Madlib bells and symbols against Stacy’s ferocious poesie. Other tracks produced by Apex (of 50 cent fame, lol) and Muhsinah. For the many Americans who are convinced that vocal Hip-Hop has already died a slow and gory death, perhaps Stacy’s presence ensures that its ghost inhabits a new shape that’s pretty damn FIERCE if you ask me.
Stacy freestylin et in the Old B