Tablo’s solo album tops US chart

By Noh Hyun-gi

Tablo’s solo debut album, “Fever’s End,” topped the iTunes store’s hip-hop album chart in both the United States and Canada on the second day after its release. Fans have been waiting for Tablo, former leader of popular K-pop hip-hop group Epik High, to return after a long-running controversy over his Stanford education.

Released Tuesday, the album’s fast success has brought much attention to the artist worldwide. YG Entertainment, Tablo’s agency, proudly elaborated that the iTunes Hip-Hop Album Chart is frequented by the hottest musicians such as Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem.

Tablo has made it onto this chart before. Epik High’s 2003 album “Epliogue” also ranked at No. 1 in the U.S. chart. The artist had released “Part One” of his debut album prior to the full-release. “Part One” made it to 11th on the American chart.

The two-part album’s success puts the controversies regarding his academic history to rest. Reviews of the album acknowledge the influence of the pain Tablo went through in his music. In particular, critics applaud the depth of Tablo’s music that resonates with his recent heartache. The title track “Home” with Lee Sora offers an almost mournful background with the sounds of drums and echoes.

“Fever’s End” includes other tracks featuring famous Korean musicians such as “Tomorrow” in which singer Taeyang from Big Bang lent his strong voice.