Relax Your Mind
Let Your Conscious Be Free
And Get Down To The Sounds of EPMD
Eris Sermon & Parrish Smith have been making music since 1988, and were one of the pioneers of the heavy sampling used in the 1990’s. For some weird reason, I’ve really been into Hip-Hop lately, and anyone who knows me, knows that’s odd. Because of my recent “fling” with the genre, EPMD is our Artist of the Week. There is nothing to promote, only good music.
This NY based rap duo made their debut with their first album, Strictly Business. Most people recognize this as their best album because of all the hits featured. Recorded in 1987, the album starts off with the title track and a heavy sample of Eric Clapton’s rendition of the Bob Marley hit “I Shot the Sherriff.” This song was later sampled by Long Beach rapper Warren G. “You Gots Ta Chill” is probably the groups most recognizable track. The track samples Zapp’s classic funk track, “More Bounce To The Ounce.” Other stand out tracks include “It’s My Thing” and “You’re A Customer.”
Their sophomore album, released in 1989, was even more impressive than the first and was entitled Unfinished Business. This album was ranked by Source Magazine as one of the Top 100 Rap Albums of All-Time, and by Chris Rock as one of the Top 25 Hip-Hop Albums for Rolling Stone Magazine. Although only one track was released as a single (“So Wat Cha Sayin’”), the album contained some other stand out tracks like: “Knick Knack Patty Wack” and “Strictly Snappin’ Necks.” More importantly, they were about to release their most defining album!
Business As Usual was released in 1991 and is one of my personal all-time favorite rap albums. The Source also included this album as one of the greatest albums of all-time. This album hits hard right from the start with “I’m Mad”; it’s a great way to lead off the album. Songs like “Rampage,” “Gold Digger,” “Underground,” and “Funky Piano” make this an elite album. From start to finish, there is no need for your “skip” button! This album also introduced the rap game to Redman!
In all, the group released four more albums, making it an impressive seven albums. It is not known why all seven of their albums included the word “Business” in their title, or why every album included a track about “Jane.” After their break up, Parrish Smith released one pretty crappy album, but Eric Sermon has become one of the most respected rappers and producers in the rap game. He has released three solo albums and an album with the Def Squad.
EPMD broke up for a minute, but they have recently reunited, and it feels so good! EPMD has left a mark on the Rap game, but truth be told, they rarely get the recognition they deserve. Their first three albums were all named in the Source’s Top 100 Rap Albums, and they have done a lot in the rap game. They finally get their due this week by being named as our Artist of the Week. So get back in business this week and reminisce with EPMD.
Top 5 Songs
Useful Links
Erick Sermon Address Gay Allegations
The Source- 100 Best Rap Albums of All-Time