Crac Kajak/Epidimic

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The hip-hop and rap world may be concentrated in a few large cities, but Fort Wayne can claim its own hip hop scene, with a number of acts that don’t necessarily attract a lot of attention in mainstream media.

Epidimic is one such act. A one-man rap crew consisting of local emcee Crac Kajak, Epidimic originally formed as a duo in 1999 with fellow MC Droopy Jeezus (who is still a member in spirit, according to Crac Kajak). The pair honed their technique and their music for years before releasing any material or playing more than the occasional show.

Once their initial albums, Epidimic (2004) and Wicked Realms (2007), dropped, however, Epidimic started making a name for themselves through the albums, playing shows, and touring out of state.

While the pair met with some initial success, Crac Kajak eventually ceased performing as Epidimic around the time of the birth of his daughter in 2006. He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, and even though he continued to write and record in his spare time, he took a break from performing until 2010. Once he returned to the stage, however, he met again with success, landing opening spots for the likes of Hed(PE), Mushroomhead and Twiztid, among others. He started once again playing the occasional show here in Fort Wayne, and eventually moved back in 2013.

Since then he’s been busy, performing shows and entering into collaborations like Cracodyne, a joint project with fellow rapper Anodyne. A prolific writer and recorder, Crac Kajak plans to release a new, as-yet-untitled album this year. He’s currently trying to whittle down the plethora of material he’s generated (roughly 120 songs and over seven hours of music) into a single album.

Epidimic’s style can range widely, but what pulls it all together is that it’s all a product of Crac Kajak’s sometimes manic mind, meaning there’s still a consistent quality to it. When describing his music, he says, “It’s got a dark root to it. It’s knowledge-based ... it’s always based in real-world knowledge, kind of like knowledge of society around you, how things are... a lot of government, religion, science, that type of thing. I don’t like to label myself or pigeonhole myself because I could do anything/ It can be nonfiction, fiction. It can be a story; it doesn’t matter. But overall, even if I’m goofing off or just being cool, I like to say real music, real thoughts.”

As far as the new album goes, Crac Kajak says it will have a wide range of content, which continues with one of Epidimic’s defining characteristics, a sense of unpredictability.

“This album that’s gonna come out, it’s a lot of dissonant type stuff. It’s some stuff I like to label ‘coffee shop tapes,’ which is like you’re going to a coffee shop and it’d fit in and everybody would love it. It’s real mellow real calm, and [includes] some things you might laugh [at] a little bit,” he says. “It’s all real rhythmic, so it doesn’t seem out of place, but it’s real different from itself. It stays in the rap family and it fits with all the work that I do because it’s very different. I don’t like to bore myself. I just do what the music says most of the time, so if I can get a crazy beat, I can get a crazy song and just go from there.”

To be able to produce that amount of material, Crac Kajak maintains a disciplined work ethic, writing and recording every day.

“Generally I’ll just write down a line so I don’t forget it, and I’ll just keep going, half-hour or an hour. It can be 10 minutes or three hours,” he says. “When I just started out we used to sit down and have writing sessions, and I just don’t really operate that way anymore. But I’m always writing and recording. I love to be in a studio. I love all that.”

The Epidimic experience can differ significantly whether you’re listening to a recording or seeing a live show. On record, the songs can tackle a range of topics and styles, amounting to something like a free-range experimentalism not unlike the Anticon crew. Live, however, Crac Kajak performs to simpler beats, with fewer bells and whistles, and he’ll often change things up or ad lib in order to keep things interesting.

While Crac Kajak’s discipline with a pen and paper and in the studio is apparent, and while he’s also a veteran performer, just as important at shows is the opportunity to meet and interact with new people.

“I love live shows. It’s my favorite. I do it all the time. It’s almost like politicking. I like to go out [and] kiss babies and shake hands and meet people, interact. Let ’em have a good night; let them know what you’re about,” he says.

“I’m always on some type of show high. It’s a natural high, it’s an energy, but number one, just meeting people, man, just being out, doing it live, let people hear it live and meeting people, that’s my favorite. I would be happy just doing that.”

Crac Kajak can hold his own as Epidimic or with collaborations like Cracodyne. But just as important to him is that he’s part of that larger music scene that often flies under the radar as far as mainstream attention goes.

“There’s a huge scene out here and. people need to be interested in what’s going on,” he says. “Once there’s new faces, I’ll do the rest. I’ll keep ’em there.”

Ryan Smith

IPFW Dept. of Music

15 hours ago

Join our talented jazz faculty as they play original compositions in our beautiful Rhinehart Recital Hall Tuesday evening at 7:30pm.

Columbia Street West

23 hours ago

Tonight: Football, Beer & Wings. What else do you need to know?

Mindy and Gabe

2 days ago

Mindy and Gabe will be at Trubble Brewing on Saturday, October 14th from 7:30pm-10:30pm! Trubble offers great beer on Tap! Support your local businesses and bring friends!

Mindy and Gabe

3 days ago

This Friday the 13th, Mindy and Gabe will be singing some groovy tunes at 2701 W. Jefferson Blvd. at RedRok BBQ! Come enjoy some great bbq and drinks with us! Bring your friends!

Allen County Public Library, Downtown

3 days ago

Don't forget to stop by the ACPL for all your Fright Night needs! T.A.G. Art will be in the Library Plaza helping zombify civilians for the Zombie Walk from 2-5:30 p.m.! and We have several not-so-spooky activities happening through the day, for the young and feint of heart, including games, crafts, trivia and much more! We will see you all Saturday, Oct. 21!

Rusty Spur Saloon

3 days ago

It's Friday....so that means its $3 Fridays at The Rusty Spur. $3 shots, Miller Lite, Fireball, Wells, and Chicken Dinner. Come for the dinner stay for The Joel Young Band hits the stage at 10:00pm

Columbia Street West

3 days ago

Kevin Farley is in The Fort! Join us on Oct 20 @ 8 p.m. for an evening ripe with comedy! #FarleyinTheFort

Wooden Nickel Music Store, North Clinton

4 days ago

Wooden Nickel Records welcomes the world-renowned Mersey Beatles back to Fort Wayne at C2G Music Hall this Saturday, October 14th-8 PM. Tickets are NOW available at all three Wooden Nickel Records locations. This LIVERPOOL based Beatles Tribute Band was the resident band for over a decade at the world famous CAVERN CLUB, where The Beatles got their start. These childhood friends have played in 20 ...Show more

IPFW Dept. of Music

4 days ago

Sacred Choral Festival: Join area church choirs , high school choirs, Voices of Unity and IPFW Choral Ensembles in our annual celebration of sacred choral music.

Columbia Street West

4 days ago

It's the perfect evening for some reasonably priced beef and discounted liquor. Tonight (and every other Thursday) we have $5 gourmet burgers & $3 Jager bombs and shots.

Hysterium Haunted Asylum

5 days ago

Saturday, Oct. 28.

Wooden Nickel Music Store, North Clinton

5 days ago

Wooden Nickel Records welcomes world-renowned blues guitarist Coco Montoya back to Fort Wayne at C2G Music Hall this Friday, October 13th-8 PM. Tickets are NOW available at all three Wooden Nickel Records locations. We also carry Coco Montoya CD's for you to pick up and get ready for the C2G concert! Hope to see you there! #recordstore Show more

Acrobats of China

6 days ago

This is going to be spectacular. Call for tickets (260) 481-6555.

Sweetwater Performance Pavilion

1 week ago

This week is the week! Covers for a Cause '17 is THIS SATURDAY at the Sweetwater Performance Pavilion! Jam to Led Zepplin classics performed by some of Fort Wayne's Finest, and support "B Instrumental" in Fort Wayne! Proceeds of album sales will go to supporting this amazing music program!

USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center

1 week ago

The University of Saint Franics School of Creative Arts presents Sister Act—the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including best musical. Dir...Show more

C2G Music Hall

1 week ago

The Mersey Beatles (one of our favorite tribute bands!) with special guest, author Julia Baird, JOHN LENNON’S SISTER! They take the stage Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.! Tickets just $33!

whatzup2nite

Tuesday, October 17

Things To Do

Columbia City Haunted Jail — Haunted tours of jail where Charles Butler was hung and is said to be haunted by Deimos Nosferato, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 17-19; 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 20-21; 7-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, Oct. 22-26; 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28; 7-9 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 29-31; 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, Columbia City Haunted Jail, Columbia City, $15-$20, columbiacityhauntedjail.com

Plein Air Artist Workshop — Half day workshops with NOAPS featured artist Jason Sacran, times vary Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 17-19, Castle Gallery Fine Art, Fort Wayne, $350, 426-6568

National Shows

Music & Comedy

Faculty Jazz Combo — Jazz at Rhinehart Recital Hall, Fort Wayne, 7:30 p.m., $7, 481-6555

Chilly's Talent & Tacos — Open mic at Latch String Bar & Grill, Fort Wayne, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., no cover, 483-5526

Karaoke & DJs

Fort Wayne Karaoke — Variety at Rack & Helen's, New Haven, 9 p.m., no cover, 749-5396

Rockstar Karaoke & DJ w/Scotty — Variety at CJ's Canteena, Garrett, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., no cover, 357-3393

Shooting Star Prod. w/Barbie — Variety at O'Sullivan's Italian Irish Pub, Fort Wayne, 10 p.m., no cover, 422-5896

Shooting Star Prod. w/Stu — Variety at Office Tavern, Fort Wayne, 8 p.m., no cover, 478-5827

SureShot Karaoke w/David — Variety at Danny's Italian Grill, Fort Wayne, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., no cover, 484-4444

Three Rivers Karaoke w/Rob — Variety at Wrigley Field Bar & Grill, Fort Wayne, 10 p.m., no cover, 485-1038

Stage & Dance

Movies

Art & Artifacts

American Brilliant Cut Glass: New World Innovation from 1876-1917 — Works from the permanent collection of the American Cut Glass Association, Tuesday-Sunday thru Dec. 31, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, $6-$8 (members, free), 422-6467

Celebrating the Fort Wayne Weaver’s Guild 70th Anniversary — Works from local fiber artists, Tuesday-Saturday, thru Oct. 21 , Crestwoods Frame Shop & Gallery, Roanoke, 672-2080

David Shapiro: Seer, Actor, Knower, Doer — An exhibit of more than 30 abstract works from the museum’s largest gift in history, Tuesday-Sunday thru Feb. 2, Fort Wayne Museum of Art $6-$8 (members, free), 422-6467

Fall Colors & Themes —Raku-fired skulls, fiber monsters, harvest moon paintings and more Halloween-themed works, Monday-Saturday thru Oct. 31 , Orchard Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, 436-0927

Fort Wayne Artist Guild’s September Exhibitions — Nancy Longmate at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Oct. 9-31 only), Linda Hall at Allen County Retinal Surgeons, Darlene Selzer Miller at Citizens Square (2nd floor), Brenda Stichter at Citizens Square (3rd floor), Stevie Ross at Ophthalmology Consultants (Southwest), Patricia Weiss at Ophthalmology Consultants (North), Karen Bixler at Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne, Jessie Strock at ResCare Inc. Adult Day Service, Barb Yoder at Town House Retirement, Celeste Lengerich at Visiting Nurse Hospice and Emily Jane Butler and Carolyn Stachera at Will Jewelers thru Oct. 31, fortwayneartistguild.org.

The Fox and the Man at the Door — A collection of Aesop’s Fables illustrations by Jason A. Mowry, Tuesday-Sunday thru Oct. 22, Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery, Fort Wayne, 424-7195

Graphicanos: Contemporary Latino Prints from the Serie Project — Fine art prints by Latono artists who have collaborated with Sam Coronado’s Serie Project in Austin, Texas, daily thru Oct. 30, Franco D’Agostino Art Gallery, Academic Center, Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, 399-2826

Kathryn Clark — Watercolor, graphite and oil paintings by Brown County, Indiana artist, Tuesday-Sunday thru Oct. 28, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne, $3-$5 (2 and under, free), 427-6440

Lost, Found Loved — Fanciful, animal-related mixed-media works by Peru, Indiana artist Susan Kline, Sunday-Friday thru Nov. 26, at First Presbyterian Art Gallery, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne, 426-7421

The National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society’s 2017 Best of America Competition & Exhibit — Works by artists from 30 states and Canada and from as far as Malaysia and Shanghai in this 27th installment of NOAPS’ annual national exhibition, Tuesday-Saturday thru Nov. 11 (opening reception and awards ceremony with live music, cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres, 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, $10), Castle Gallery Fine Art, Fort Wayne, 426-6568

Photography Show — Juried photography exhibition, daily thru Nov. 8, Clark Gallery, Honeywell Center, Wabash, 563-1102

The Secret Rooms of Katja Oxman — Selections from the major acquisition by FWMoA of prints and printmaking ephemera spanning the career of Katja Oxman, Tuesday-Sunday thru Nov. 5, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, $6-$8 (members, free), 422-6467

Selections from the ‘Dias de los Muertos’ Collection of Dr. Gilberto Cardenas — Works from the collection of the founding director of the Institute for Latino Studies, Tuesday-Sunday thru Dec. 3, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, $6-$8 (members, free), 422-6467

Soft Forms in Hard Metal — Steve Shelby’s forms hammered out of sheet metal, Tuesday-Sunday thru Oct. 22, Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery, Fort Wayne, 424-7195

Spiders! The Art & Science of Arachnids — North America’s largest public display of live arachnids, Wednesday-Sunday thru Jan. 7, Science Central, Fort Wayne, $6-$8 (2 and under, free), 424-2400 ext. 423

Summer Snapshots — Community-sourced exhibit of summer-themed photos, Monday-Friday thru Nov. 28, Balentine Gallery, Arts Commerce & Visitors Center, Bluffton, 824-5222

Where Shall We Now Roam — Exhibit curated by Daniel Dienalt and Julie Wall focusing on the natural world and environmental issues, Tuesday-Sunday thru Oct. 22, Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery, Fort Wayne, 424-7195