From Pain to Purpose: An Inside Look at Michigan’s Rising Artist E-Kaine

Michigan’s hip-hop scene has seen its share of rising stars, but there’s something different about E-Kaine (Elijah Eubanks). Maybe it’s the slight catch in his voice when he talks about his past, or the way he thoughtfully pauses before diving into the heavier parts of his story – whatever it is, his authenticity is undeniable.

“I started writing lyrics at 15,” E-Kaine admits, with a hint of retrospective wisdom in his tone. “But truthfully, my story isn’t a straight path to success. I turned to the streets first. Gangs, drugs – that became my reality for eight grueling years.”

You can hear the nostalgia creep into his voice when he recalls his earliest musical influences. “Tech N9ne was my gateway. I was about 12, and his stories about being an outcast, people treating him differently – man, that hit home. I was the kid in private school whose mom struggled to pay the tuition. That contrast, it does something to you.”

The story behind his stage name comes with an unexpected depth. “E-Kaine has a deeper meaning,” he says, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “The ‘E’ is from my name, but ‘Kaine’ references the biblical figure who killed his brother. For me, it represents killing my old self, letting a new man rise from those ashes.”

Life has a way of forcing change, and for E-Kaine, that moment came unexpectedly. “At 25, I found out I was going to be a father,” he shares, his whole demeanor softening. “That news? It changed everything. I enrolled at LAFS for Music Production, started rebuilding my life. Now I’m a single father of two, and they’re my motivation to keep pushing forward.”

His latest track “Fake Smile,” released November 8, 2024, feels like a diary entry set to music. “This song is a piece of my soul,” he reflects. “The piano intro, the lyrics – it’s all about those moments when you’re hiding pain behind a smile. Every word comes from some of my darkest times.”

These days, he’s pouring his energy into “Tethered to Torment,” a seven-track EP that doesn’t shy away from hard truths. “I’m not here to glorify the struggle,” he insists, his conviction evident. “I’m here to show its reality, to reach those who might be where I was.”

When asked about his hopes for listeners, he takes a long breath before responding. “I want people to feel empowered to face their demons head-on. This music is for the fighters, the dreamers, anyone who’s ever felt trapped or misunderstood. Change is possible – I’m living proof of that.”

Throughout our conversation, E-Kaine keeps coming back to authenticity. His growing catalog, including raw and honest tracks like “Disappear,” “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” “Krown Me King,” and “OnlyThingCertain,” reads like chapters in an ongoing story of redemption.

“Behind every fake smile, there’s a story waiting to be told,” he says finally, his words carrying the weight of experience. “Through my music, I’m telling mine, hoping it helps others find the strength to tell theirs.”

Find E-Kaine’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Follow his journey on Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, and Facebook.