Officials at YG Entertainment have finally answered the question of “Who’s Next?” as it was announced on Monday that Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz of hip-hop trio Epik High will be lacing up their sneaks for the release of the group’s eighth studio album, “Shoebox.”

For weeks, YG had been releasing a string of “Who’s Next?” teaser posters, baiting fans with its mysterious taunts about which one of the company’s artists was next in line to return to the airwaves with something new.

Epik High. (YG Entertainment)

The trio’s upcoming full-length album is scheduled to drop on Oct. 21 and will mark Epik High’s first album release in two years, according to a statement by YG.

The title “Shoebox” is said to signify the past emotions that the members have carried all these years. Through this album, the trio is expected to cater to all music fans through poignant and thoughtful lyrics.

It was also announced on Monday that the trio would hold two solo concerts titled “Parade” at the Blue Square theater in Hannam-dong, Seoul, on Nov. 15 and 16.

The group’s previous album, “99,” Epik High’s seventh and its first under YG, was released in 2012 and featured the title tracks “Up” and “Don’t Hate Me.”

The previous album also included the prereleased hit single “It’s Cold,” featuring the then-newcomer and fellow labelmate Lee Hi. The track instantly topped all of the country’s major online music charts, giving the members of Epik High a fierce welcome back following a nearly three-year hiatus since 2009.

Best known for their hit song “Fly,” the longtime hip-hop veterans of Epik High debuted in 2003 with the album “Map of the Human Soul.” Since then the group has received numerous awards including the Seoul Music Awards best album in 2008 and the 2009 Golden Disc Award for best hip-hop artist.

While Epik High’s upcoming album is slated to be released digitally on Tuesday, the physical release for “Shoebox” is scheduled for the following day, Oct. 22.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)
By Yoon Ji-soo (thankque@heraldcorp.com)