EPMD | ||
| Allmusic Biography : On the surface, the sample-reliant productions and monotone rapping styles of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith had little to recommend them, but the duos recordings as EPMD were among the best in hip-hops underground during the late 80s and early 90s. Over the course of four albums (from the 1988 classic Strictly Business to 1992s Business Never Personal), the group rarely varied from two themes: dissing sucker MCs and recounting sexual exploits. A closer look, however, revealed that the duos rhymes were nothing less than incredible, simply undervalued due to their lack of intonation during delivery. EPMD also had a feel for a good groove, and created numerous hip-hop classics, including "Its My Thing," "You Gots to Chill," "Get the Bozack," "Strictly Business," and "Rampage." Though EPMDs hardcore style influenced the urban-oriented gangsta 90s, Erick Sermon (aka E Double E; b. Nov. 25, 1968) and Parrish Smith (aka Pee MD; b. May 13, 1968) were both raised in the Long Island suburb of Brentwood. They moved into rap separately, with Smith DJing for Rock Squad on a single for the Tommy Boy label. After coming together in 1987 -- at which time they named themselves EPMD, short for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars" -- they recorded their debut, "Its My Thing," in three hours. The single was later licensed to Chrysalis, and EPMD signed to Sleeping Bag/Fresh Records for the debut album Strictly Business. Propelled by several strong singles (including "You Gots to Chill" and the title track), the album eventually went gold, as did 1989s follow-up, Unfinished Business. Signed to Def Jam by the beginning of the 90s, EPMD returned in 1990 with Business as Usual and Business Never Personal two years later. By 1992, they presided over an extended family dubbed the Hit Squad, including Redman, K-Solo, and Das EFX. The duo split later that year, however, prompting solo careers for each member; Sermon debuted in 1993 with No Pressure, and Smith made his statement on 1994s Shade Business. The duo then re-formed EPMD in 1997, recording a strong comeback LP named Back in Business. Out of Business followed in 1999, but the rappers continued pursuing their own projects through the late 90s and early 2000s. Both released solo albums, and Sermon partnered with Redman and Keith Murray as part of the Def Squad supergroup. Nevertheless, they also found time to continue performing together as EPMD, and 2008 saw them returning to the studio for We Mean Business. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 9 Title: Strictly Business Released: 1988-06-07 Tracks: 10 Duration: 44:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Strictly Business (04:45) 2 Im Housin (03:58) 3 Let the Funk Flow (04:14) 4 You Gots to Chill (04:21) 5 It’s My Thang (05:45) 6 Youre a Customer (05:22) 7 The Steve Martin (04:36) 8 Get Off the Bandwagon (04:23) 9 DJ K La Boss (04:31) 10 Jane (02:58) |
| Strictly Business : Allmusic album Review : EPMDs blueprint for East Coast rap wasnt startlingly different from many others in raps golden age, but the results were simply amazing, a killer blend of good groove and laid-back flow, plus a populist sense of sampling that had heads nodding from the first listen (and revealed tastes that, like Prince Pauls, tended toward AOR as much as classic soul and funk). A pair from Long Island, EPMD werent real-life hardcore rappers -- its hard to believe the same voice who talks of spraying a crowd on one track could be name-checking the Hardy Boys later on -- but their no-nonsense, monotoned delivery brooked no arguments. With their album debut, Strictly Business, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith really turned rapping on its head; instead of simple lyrics delivered with a hyped, theatrical tone, they dropped the dopest rhymes as though they spoke them all the time. Their debut single, "You Gots to Chill," was a perfect example of the EPMD revolution; two obvious samples, Zapps "More Bounce to the Ounce" and Kool & the Gangs "Jungle Boogie," doing battle over a high-rolling beat, with the fluid, collaborative raps of Sermon and Smith tying everything together with a mastery that made it all seem deceptively simple. There was really only one theme at work here -- the brilliancy of EPMD, or the worthlessness of sucker MCs -- but every note of Strictly Business proved their claims. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 9 Title: Unfinished Business Released: 1989-07-18 Tracks: 12 Duration: 57:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 So Wat Cha Sayin’ (04:57) 2 Total Kaos (04:33) 3 Get the Bozack (04:11) 4 Jane II (03:33) 5 Please Listen to My Demo (03:01) 6 It’s Time 2 Party (04:36) 7 Who’s Booty (04:17) 8 The Big Payback (04:50) 9 Strictly Snappin’ Necks (04:29) 10 Knick Knack Patty Wack (04:55) 11 You Had Too Much to Drink (07:20) 12 It Wasn’t Me, It Was the Fame (06:20) |
| Unfinished Business : Allmusic album Review : EPMD avoided the dreaded sophomore curse and kept its artistic momentum going on its second album, Unfinished Business. Once again, the duo triumphed by going against the flow -- when MCs ranging from Public Enemy to Sir Mix-A-Lot to N.W.A werent hesitating to be abrasive and hyper, EPMD still had a sound that was decidedly relaxed by rap standards. For the most part, EPMDs lyrics arent exactly profound -- boasting and attacking sucker MCs is still their favorite activity. However, Erick and Parrish do challenge themselves a bit lyrically on "You Had Too Much to Drink" (a warning against drunk driving) and "Please Listen to My Demo," which recalls the days when they were struggling. But regardless of subject matter, they keep things exciting by having such an appealing, captivating sound. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 9 Title: Business As Usual Released: 1990-12-18 Tracks: 15 Duration: 56:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I’m Mad (03:41) 2 Hardcore (04:31) 3 Rampage (03:51) 4 Manslaughter (04:38) 5 Jane 3 (02:36) 6 For My People (03:03) 7 Mr. Bozack (02:45) 8 Gold Digger (05:11) 9 Give the People (03:36) 10 Rap Is Outta Control (03:08) 11 Brothers on My Jock (04:09) 12 Underground (03:20) 13 Hit Squad Heist (02:25) 14 Funky Piano (04:25) 15 Give the People (Jeep mix) (05:07) |
| Business As Usual : Allmusic album Review : Business as Usual is an ironic title for EPMDs third album -- for in terms of production, it was anything but business as usual for the Strong Island rappers. While Strictly Business and Unfinished Business favored a very simple and basic approach to production consisting primarily of samples (many of them clever) and drum machines, the production is busier and more involved this time -- and even suggests Marley Marl. Unfortunately, the sampling isnt as clever as before. What didnt change was EPMDs relatively laid-back approach to rapping and a preoccupation with sucker MCs. Though not as inspired as its two predecessors, the album does have its moments -- including "Rampage" (which unites EPMD with LL Cool J), "Give the People," and "Gold Digger," a candid denunciation of "material girls" who exploit and victimize men financially after a divorce. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 9 Title: Business Never Personal Released: 1992-07-28 Tracks: 11 Duration: 38:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Boon Dox (02:48) 2 Nobody’s Safe Chump (02:12) 3 Can’t Hear Nothing but the Music (03:37) 4 Chill (02:56) 5 Head Banger (04:51) 6 Scratch Bring It Back, Part 2: Mic Doc (03:04) 7 Crossover (03:48) 8 Cummin’ at Cha (04:03) 9 Play the Next Man (03:36) 10 It’s Going Down (04:12) 11 Who Killed Jane (03:46) |
| Business Never Personal : Allmusic album Review : Having recorded two undeniable hip-hop classics right out the box, EPMD met with a modicum of disapproval for the first time ever upon the release of its third album, which was graded down by some fans and critics because it seemed to be, yes, more business as usual rather than any sort of musical maturation or progression. Unbowed, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith returned with what, at the time, was rumored even before it hit shelves to be their final album together. Indeed, the duo broke up not long after Business Never Personal came out. It was a perfect way to go out together. The album proved to be both a commercial and artistic triumph at the time, and with each passing year, it sounds more and more like their finest -- if not their most historically important -- recording. Unapologetically underground throughout its career up to this point, the duo was savvy enough to throw a bone to an ever-growing rap-listening public in a supposed bid for "Crossover" appeal even as it was taking its concluding bow, thereby negating any cries of "sellout" that otherwise might have been tossed at the groups reputation for independence from any commercial concerns. Frankly, though, it would have been a difficult claim to make stick against EPMD anyway. Despite its appealing Zapp sample and hook, "Crossover" is every bit as coated in street soot as the rest of its music. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly the catchiest thing the pair had ever created. The rest of the album is harder hitting but in every respect as captivating, running from the abrasively metallic "Boon Dox" to the crowd-moving Hit Squad posse cut "Head Banger," and returning the group more often than not to the scowling (though often tongue-in-cheek) intensity and minimalistic aesthetic of its first two records. And if Erick and Parrish hadnt yet made the impending end of their partnership explicit enough, they do so on the final track, where they finally, figuratively kill off Jane, the transvestite prostitute who had hawked them through each of their albums. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 9 Title: Back in Business Released: 1997-09-23 Tracks: 16 Duration: 46:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (00:13) 2 Richter Scale (03:16) 3 Da Joint (03:28) 4 Never Seen Before (02:51) 5 Skit (00:24) 6 Intrigued (03:38) 7 Last Man Standing (03:35) 8 Get Wit This (03:42) 9 Do It Again (02:52) 10 Apollo Interlude (01:18) 11 You Gots 2 Chill ’97 (03:26) 12 Put On (03:54) 13 K.I.M. (04:36) 14 Dungeon Master (03:24) 15 Jane 5 (02:41) 16 Never Seen Before (remix) (02:52) |
| Back in Business : Allmusic album Review : EPMDs reunion album Back in Business may not be entirely successful, but its far from being an embarrassment. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith remain strong if unexceptional rappers, but the true news is in the music. Much of Back in Business captures the wild spirit of EPMDs classic late-80s albums, complete with dense layers of sounds, samples, and funky beats. Theres enough skill and invention in the production -- and just enough energy in the rapping -- to make Back in Business a welcome comeback. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 9 Title: Out of Business Released: 1999-07-20 Tracks: 14 Duration: 47:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (02:18) 2 Pioneers (03:14) 3 Right Now (03:51) 4 Check 1, 2 (03:16) 5 Symphony (03:01) 6 Hold Me Down (03:34) 7 Rap Is Still Outta Control (03:33) 8 The Fan (03:03) 9 Draw (03:22) 10 U Got Shot (03:38) 11 House Party (03:52) 12 The Funk (02:08) 13 Symphony 2000 (04:03) 14 Jane 6 (04:22) |
| Out of Business : Allmusic album Review : After the popular, praised 1997 comeback album Back in Business, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith returned with another solid effort that proved they remained one of the best combos in hip-hop, as relevant and tight in 1999 as they were ten years earlier. Most of the tracks are in-house productions (either Sermon or Smith), a true rarity in the 90s hip-hop world, and they lend the album a continuity sorely lacking considering the legion of rap albums that feature a different producer for each track. And as the duo has done for ages, EPMD does more than just trade in familiar riffs to drive the tracks on Out of Business. The only familiar sample is on the "Intro," and even there, Sermon and Smith turn "Fanfare for Rocky" into something over and above the original. The pairs raps have definitely progressed in the past ten years, as "Pioneers," "U Got Shot," "Right Now," and "Hold Me Down" more than prove. One of the album highlights is the anti-crossover diatribe "Rap Is Still Outta Control," featuring Busta Rhymes (another rapper whos been around long enough to know) and including great lines like, "They took our music and our beat and tried to make it street/And then got in the magazine to try to sound all sweet." Still, EPMD occasionally falls prey to current trends, with obligatory string-sample productions on "Symphony" and "Symphony 2000" (the latter with Redman, Method Man, and Lady Luck) that serve only to obscure the great guest raps. Despite the title, in the liner notes EPMD dispels any rumors that this could be the duos last album. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 9 Title: We Mean Business Released: 2008-12-09 Tracks: 14 Duration: 45:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Puttin in Work (02:28) 2 What You Talkin (03:54) 3 Roc-Da-Spot (03:33) 4 Blow (03:32) 5 Run It (03:35) 6 Yo (03:32) 7 Listen Up (03:32) 8 Bac Stabbers (03:06) 9 Never Defeat em (03:38) 10 Jane (01:57) 11 Left 4 Dead (03:12) 12 They Tell Me (02:48) 13 Actin Up (03:02) 14 Run It (Duke Dumont mix) (03:25) |
| We Mean Business : Allmusic album Review : Nine years after they went Out of Business, veteran hip-hop duo EPMD (Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith) return with a new album, and youd think it was only nine months. Save the appearance of young buck Skyzoo plus some street slang thats very 2008, We Mean Business is right in line with the cold, hard, and funky sound of EPMD in the 90s. Considering the time off, the loyal fan base, and the simple addictiveness of the crews music, this is hardly a bad thing and -- just like the fans like it -- almost all the productions come from in-house, with Sermon handling twice the amount of tracks headed by Smith. The few guest producers include 9th Wonder, who contributes to the Skyzoo feature "Left 4 Dead," plus DJ Honda, who puts an infectious spy guitar riff underneath the great "Never Defeat Em" with Method Man. The old vocoder and golden age scratching from DJ 4our 5ive make the crooked "Roc-Da-Spot" the big throwback track but its the following "Blow" that really shines, with its tightly cut loops and classic bravado boasts like "You a queen with drama/Dont make me get mad and Barack O-Bomb-Ya." As far as guest rappers, old friends like Teddy Riley, Keith Murray, Redman, Havoc, plus an especially on fire KRS-One are here, making this album short on new developments but greatly appealing to those who long for the way it used to be. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 9 Title: Icon Released: 2014-06-03 Tracks: 11 Duration: 47:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Strictly Business (04:45) 2 You Gots to Chill (04:16) 3 Im Housin (03:58) 4 So Wat Cha Sayin’ (04:57) 5 The Big Payback (04:50) 6 Gold Digger (05:02) 7 Rampage (03:51) 8 Crossover (03:48) 9 Head Banger (04:51) 10 Da Joint (03:28) 11 Symphony 2000 (04:03) |
| Icon : Allmusic album Review : Arriving in 2014 as one of several releases tied into the 30th anniversary of Def Jam, this 11-track compilation selects highlights from six EPMD albums, three of which -- the Priority-era Strictly Business and Unfinished Business, and Def Jams Business Never Personal -- are indisputable classics. Understandably, the set winds up presenting itself more as a sampler than as a proper anthology. It does contain essential tracks like "You Gots to Chill," "So Wat Cha Sayin," "Crossover," and "Head Banger," but serious rap fans will need to dig deeper for full satisfaction. [This was issued as a digital download as Best of EPMD.] | ||
 | Album: 9 of 9 Title: Live Business Released: 2019-04-05 Tracks: 11 Duration: 40:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Let It Flow Its My Thing (03:55) 2 Golddigger (02:51) 3 Manslaughter (03:23) 4 The Big Payback (02:37) 5 You Gots To Chill (03:44) 6 Rampage (04:00) 7 So What You Saying (05:15) 8 The Crossover (04:16) 9 Please Listen To My Demo (04:16) 10 Strictly Business (01:56) 11 Headbanger (04:27) |