Did Madlib Part Ways with Longtime Partner Eothen “Egon” Alapatt?

Rumors of Madlib and Egon splitting up began in Spring 2022 when the producer was gearing up to release his collaborative album with Blackstar.

After decades at each other’s side, Madlib and business partner, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt, may have disbanded.

Last week, entertainment lawyer, Stacy Epps, posted a photo of herself with the legendary producer on Instagram (see below.) “Who would have thought we went from Madvillain and working on music to building on the business,” Epps captioned the photo, which seemed harmless enough. However, a closer examination of Epps’ bio reveals the attorney is also now serving as management for the producer, a role at least partially handled by Alapatt up until recently.

In the time since the photo was published, fans have speculated over the cause of the rift between the longtime partners. Many believe it’s rooted in recent accusations from Talib Kweli, who claimed Egon had held on to a lyric book that belonged to MF DOOM, despite his family’s requests for it to be returned.

Other fans have pointed to more subtle clues of growing tension over the last year. Back in Spring of 2022, a Reddit user noted a change in Alapatt’s Instagram bio, which previously read “Adventures with Madlib,” but has been edited to “Adventures with friends.”

Egon and Madlib began formally working together in the early 2010’s, as the producer ramped up solo output under his Madlib Invazion imprint, which was co-run by Alapatt (who also heads the reissue label, Now-Again Records.) Alapatt and the producer were introduced during their tenure at Stones Throw Records, the venerable Los Angeles-based independent hip-hop label founded by DJ and producer, Peanut Butter Wolf.

Epps and Madlib also go back a long way. The singer and attorney was featured on the Madvillainy song, “Eye,” and, after representing DOOM for many years, now handles the affairs of the late rapper’s estate.

Both Alapatt and Epps were contacted for clarification, but neither has offered a comment. This story is still developing. Check back in the days ahead for updates.