Errol Eats Everything

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I only debate with my equal. All others I teach.” John Henrik Clarke

I am geeked about our Classic Man this edition. Not only is one of his favourite quotes one of my favourite quotes, but he is also a true breath of fresh air for hip-hop. He’s poised to reignite that golden era feeling, where lyricism wasn’t just clever, but a conduit for knowledge and authentic storytelling.

His music hits you like a blend of Jay Electronica’s intricate wordplay, MF DOOM’s enigmatic aura, Yasiin Bey’s cultural depth, and Killer Mike’s unbridled energy. It’s a potent mix that immediately captivates, drawing in both seasoned hip-hop heads and a new generation hungry for substance.

Beyond the surface, our Classic Man’s work channels the spirit of Marcus Garvey, offering a voice of truth and empowerment in a world desperately needing both. His anthems, ripe with calls to action, feel like the soundtrack to a modern revolution, bridging continents and generations with a powerful, unifying message. His album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement, a testament to dedication, and a clear signal that a new, knowledge-driven era of hip-hop has arrived.

“I create what I want to hear.”

Gifted artist Errol Eats Everything released his new self-titled 17-track debut album that takes a bold, unfiltered dive into a wide of range of subject matter, including: culture wars, knowledge of self, class, race, and everything in between, all the while navigating the highs and lows of everyday life. Delivered with the flair of an MC whose identity resonates within every electric bar he spits, this filler-free album acts as a poignant follow-up to his recent NYAM! EP release, which just charted at #1 on the NACC (North American College and Community) radio charts. Some artists rap. Other artists educate. Errol Eats Everything does both and is not simply here to make another album – but to make history.

“This album is my world. Every track is a piece of my perspective, my humour, my experiences. Some songs will challenge you; some will move you, and still others will just make you wanna vibe out. I wanted to make a record that people can really feel in different ways, whether it’s: knowledge, energy, or just straight-up bars. I’m channeling our ancestors and building on the wisdom of our master teachers to galvanize the diaspora. I am here to change the world. I am unafraid.”

Errol Eats Everything was born in Jamaica and left when he was two years old. He lived in Toronto for a while, played college football in North Dakota, and lived in Las Vegas, and Dallas. New York is where he made his home.

“I am from your traditional Jamaican culture,” EEE tells me. “Both of my parents are Jamaican and that means they were extra strict. It was my father’s record collection that started my musical journey. I would sit in the basement and listen to his music on blast. He never complained about it. They were not very supportive when it came to music lessons; they were two parents who were just trying to make it, and not succeeding would be a slap in the face for them. What I appreciate about my parents is that they offered me opportunities that they did not have.”

“I started writing at 12, 13 years old. I started recording early too. When I saw live recordings, I was like, I need to know how this is done. I don’t have the typical approach as most MC’s. The more I wrote these rhymes, I would perform, and they were not executed the way I wanted them to be. I lost the paper and started to go off the top. I vibe, listen, adjust.”

“I used to be like, ‘I did that on one take!’ Stupid ego things. It is about creating great art. I now have a lot more control of the quality and the output. The music has to move me, it has to move my soul. People ask me for features, and I have to hear it first.”

“You mention channeling your ancestors and building on the wisdom of master teachers. Can you elaborate on specific figures or philosophies that heavily influenced this album’s creation, and how their impact manifests in the music”

“Marcus Garvey for sure. This man galvanized people around the world without social media, or the technological advances we have now. Millions of people were in tune with what he was saying. His entrepreneurial efforts were outstanding. He was the first one to say, ‘Be proud of yourself. We are here, and our ancestors were here.”

“John Henri Clark is someone I mention a lot. History is my religion, something with him resonates with me.”

As I mentioned earlier, his bio draws comparisons to: Jay Electronica, MF DOOM, Yasiin Bey, and Killer Mike. While these are high praises, I wanted to know how he thought his sound was distinct and evolving beyond these influences.

“I didn’t try to emulate them, but I would be a fool to think that there are no pieces of them. I can’t tell you, it’s a feeling. It has to pass my level of quality. My first influence is Chuck D. KRS One is up there.”

“When I let it all go, I found myself. I am the very best Errol Eats Everything on earth. I don’t focus on making music to please, I focus on what moves me. If Marcus Garvey could galvanize one continent at a time, if he could do that, I should be able to do it with the tools we have time.”

EEE shared his aspirations for this album beyond its initial release. “I have two boys, and they have found their own path through music. I tried not to influence my children, because they are a different soul. They would listen to music, and I saw that they were picking great music.”

“As a small business owner, I realized that I have the time to dedicate to my art, because I am autonomous. This album took me about six weeks, and I sat on it for two years.”

“I put it up on my Facebook page, but I was told to take it down so that it could be redistributed. I put together this project with Furious, and we are in such alignment. The expectation was to grow a following. I have the solution for us in the diaspora to get into the alignment, but once the following is there, I can begin.”

“I will galvanize hip hop heads if I give it time, it will get around the world. I am on the path that is going to help ignite the world.”