You probably know Mike Epps as the guy who made you fall out of your chair laughing as Day-Day Jones in Next Friday. Or maybe you've seen his Netflix specials where he roasts people in the front row until they want to crawl under the rug. But there is this weird, often overlooked corner of his career where he isn't just telling jokes. He’s actually in the booth.
When people search for a Mike Epps rap song, they usually expect a parody. They expect something like "Dicky" or a Weird Al vibe. But honestly? Mike Epps took his music phase way more seriously than most comedians do. He didn't just record a one-off joke; he dropped full-length projects with legendary producers like DJ Quik and Scott Storch.
It’s a strange trip down memory lane. Around 2008 and 2009, Epps was everywhere in the hip-hop world. He wasn't just the "funny guy in the music video" anymore—though he did plenty of that too, appearing in T.I.’s "What You Know" and Westside Connection’s "Gangsta Nation." He wanted a piece of the pie for himself.
The Era of Funny Bidness: Da Album
In October 2009, Epps released Funny Bidness: Da Album. This wasn't just a stand-up recording. It was a "comedy hip hop" hybrid that featured a dizzying list of real-deal rappers. We're talking Snoop Dogg, Young Jeezy, Slim Thug, and Too $hort.
If you look at the tracklist, it’s basically a snapshot of mid-2000s rap royalty. One of the standout tracks that people still talk about is "Big Girls." It’s exactly what it sounds like—an anthem for the plus-sized ladies.
Why "Big Girls" Became a Cult Classic
Interestingly, "Big Girls" wasn't even a Mike Epps original at first. It was originally recorded by Bow Wow and Yung Joc. Epps basically took the concept, added his signature Naptown flavor, and turned it into a single that actually got a real music video.
- Release Date: November 11, 2008
- Producer: Young World
- Vibe: Club-friendly beat with lyrics that are 50% comedy and 50% genuine appreciation.
People kinda loved it because it wasn't mean-spirited. It was catchy. You could actually hear it playing in a club in 2009 and not realize it was a "comedy" song until you listened closely to the lyrics.
Trying to Be a Gangsta: The Pooh Bear Collaboration
If "Big Girls" was his club hit, "Trying to Be a Gangsta" was his attempt at social commentary through a beat. Released in May 2009, this song featured Pooh Bear. Yeah, the same Pooh Bear who went on to write "Despacito" and a ton of Justin Bieber’s hits.
The song mocks the "studio gangsters" of the era—guys who talk a big game but have never actually seen the inside of a precinct. It’s Mike Epps at his best, using music to deliver the same kind of observational humor he uses in his stand-up.
The music video for this one is a gem. Epps plays multiple characters, showing off the acting range that eventually landed him roles in The Hangover and Winning Time. It’s short, punchy, and actually has a decent flow. Most comedians fail at rapping because they can't stay on beat. Epps, being from Indianapolis and growing up in the culture, actually has a natural cadence.
The Young Dro and Dorrough Connection
One of the most "real" rap songs Epps ever put out was "Ain't Chu You." If you haven't heard this one, go find the director’s cut music video. It features Young Dro, Nitti Beatz, and Dorrough.
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This track feels less like a comedy skit and more like a legitimate Southern rap song from the "lean and dab" era. Young Dro brings that high-energy Atlanta flow, and Epps holds his own. It’s the kind of song that makes you wonder if he ever considered quitting comedy to join Grand Hustle.
Beyond the Singles: The Features and Samples
Mike Epps' influence on rap goes way deeper than his own discography. He is the king of the "Rap Album Skit."
Think about it. In the late 90s and 2000s, every major rap album needed a funny interlude to break up the tension of the street tracks. Epps was the go-to guy.
- Gucci Mane: He appeared on multiple "Toilet Bowl Shawty" interludes on The State vs. Radric Davis.
- Bad Meets Evil: Eminem and Royce da 5'9" sampled Epps' stand-up from Under Rated & Never Faded for the song "I'm On Everything."
- J. Cole: His voice was sampled on the track "Runaway" from Born Sinner.
- Kendrick Lamar: He didn't just appear in the "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" video; he practically starred in it, adding a layer of dark humor to one of the most iconic videos of the 2010s.
Is Mike Epps Actually a Good Rapper?
This is the part where fans usually split. If you compare him to Kendrick or Nas, obviously, the answer is no. But within the sub-genre of "Comedy Rap," he’s probably near the top of the list.
He isn't trying to be a lyricist. He’s trying to entertain. His music works because he doesn't take himself too seriously, but he respects the production. He isn't rapping over cheap, royalty-free beats. He’s getting beats from Scott Storch at the height of Storch's power.
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His flow is very "Midwest." You can hear the influence of the Great Lakes rap scene in his voice—a bit of Chicago, a bit of Detroit, and a lot of Naptown (Indianapolis).
How to Listen to Mike Epps Music Today
If you're looking to dive into the Mike Epps musical catalog, you won't find it all in one place. His career is scattered across various labels and digital platforms.
- Check Spotify/Apple Music for "Funny Bidness - Da Album": This is the "motherlode." It has the Snoop features and the high-production tracks.
- Search YouTube for the "Ain't Chu You" Director's Cut: This is where you see the peak of his "rapper" persona.
- Don't overlook the mixtapes: Epps hosted G-Unit’s Elephant in the Sand mixtape back in 2008. If you want to hear him just talking trash over 50 Cent beats, that's the one.
Honestly, Mike Epps’ rap career is a reminder of a time when the lines between Hollywood and Hip-Hop were much blurrier. Everyone wanted to be a multi-hyphenate. While some actors' rap attempts were cringe-worthy (looking at you, Brian Austin Green), Epps leaned into the fun of it.
He knew he was a comedian first. He just happened to have enough rhythm and enough famous friends to make a few bangers along the way. Whether you're listening to "Big Girls" for a laugh or "Ain't Chu You" because the beat actually knocks, you have to respect the hustle.
If you're going to explore his discography, start with the Funny Bidness album to get the full scope of his production value. Then, move to his features on Gucci Mane's projects to see how he influenced the "skit" culture of the 2000s. It’s a trip through a very specific era of entertainment that we probably won't see again.