EPMD

Hailing from the "Boondox" of Brentwood, Long Island in New York, EPMD has the distinction of being one of the few hip-hop groups who have never touched less than gold on each one of their album releases. However, even more astonishing is how they managed to maintain a very consistent sound over the 5 years covering 1987-1992, during one of hip-hop's most progressive eras.

Starting their careers on ex-indie giant Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records, Erick "E-Double" Sermon and Parrish "PMD" Smith had exactly what a specific sector of the hip-hop audience wanted - that is, kids like them from the outer New York metropolitan areas with space to show off their rides and decked-out car stereo systems. With the help of legendary engineer Charlie Marotta, EPMD fine-tuned their self-produced tracks for maximum bass bump, and soon every Jeep around town had "It's My Thing" and "You Gots To Chill" in the deck. When the debut album "Strictly Business" was ready for release, critics wondered if an entire LP of primarily the same Roger & Zapp samples under slurred, unassuming lyrics would be a hit. Over one million buyers to this day would say otherwise.

So how do you follow up a successful debut LP? With more of the exact same thing, of course. Beyond a little more creative sampling and the addition of crossfading wizard DJ Scratch, EPMD rode their "ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality to the sophomore smash "Unfinished Business", led by "So Wat Cha Sayin" and "The Big Payback", which were not only the Jeep anthems as expected, but also heavily in demand on urban dance floors. Perhaps in response to the expanded audience, Fresh Records pushed out a third 12" single with the two weakest cuts on the album, the 80's rock-styled "You Had Too Much To Drink" and the straight-up house jam "It's Time To Party". The actual story behind that release remains a mystery, as Fresh would unexpectedly go out of business shortly after.

Fresh's demise left several prized hip-hop artists available for adoption by the highest bidder. Russell Simmons immediately picked up EPMD and labelmates Nice & Smooth, signing them to his RAL division. Not skipping a beat, the lead single "Gold Digger" would lead the third LP "Business As Usual" to gold status. The higher budget of a major label also enhanced the group's mainstream appeal, illustrated by the best-selling follow-up single "Rampage" featuring LL Cool J. "Business As Usual" also introduced the world to Redman, who appears on "Hardcore" and "Brothers On My Jock". Redman, a live-in disciple of E-Double for several years, would provide the foundation of what became the Hit Squad, along with PMD's own protege K-Solo, plus Das Efx, who both Erick and Parrish helped to sign.

EPMD's fourth album "Business Never Personal" continued the streak of sales above 500,000, but was otherwise a dissappointment. It was led by the mainstream-influenced single "Crossover", which criticized rap music on the pop charts, but ironically landed its own spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles. Production overall was getting a bit too creative for the car speaker crowd, and finally, those all too-often rumors of a split were starting to take shape. Strange should it be that the group's final release "Head Banger", featuring guest verses from K-Solo and Redman, showed the Hit Squad family intact and wrecking shit as usual. It would be the last time EPMD would rhyme together on wax.

After the breakup, both Erick and Parrish found they still had their hands full. Erick produced most of Redman's hit releases and is also doing well with Keith Murray. Parrish assumed the helm for both K-Solo and Das Efx, though unfortunately leading both of their careers downhill. As for their personal projects, Erick netted a little success on his two solo LP's as well as a compilation project on Interscope. PMD also released two solo joints, but of much lower caliber.

After 5 years of remaining apart from each other, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith finally resurrected EPMD again and dropped their 5th LP, "Back In Business". But alas, it really didn't live up to the enormous hype surrounding this re-union. Hip-Hop music had changed A LOT during the break-up and new & old fans were not really impressed with this LP. So as of late, the duo has basically left the spotlight and really haven't been heard from since '97....

Albums

Strictly Business - Fresh/Sleeping Bag 1988	The first album from EPMD was an all-out classic. Their sound was still quite young and unpolished at this point but that didn't seem to bother the religious following that EPMD developed after this release. Tracks like 'Strictly Business', 'You Gots To Chill', and 'Its My Thing' were instant hits that propelled sales of this LP to gold after about a month.	Strictly Business I'm Housin' Let The Funk Flow You Gots To Chill It's My Thing You're A Customer Steve Martin Get Off The Bandwagon D.J. K La Boss Jane
Unfinished Business - Fresh/Sleeping Bag 1989 (92012)	This second LP on Fresh was somewhat more varied than the previous LP. While 'So Wat Cha Sayin' and 'The Big Payback' are easily two of the best tracks EPMD ever created, some of the other tracks on this LP really went flat. Songs like 'You Had Too Much To Drink' and 'Its Time To Party' were considered downright awful by even the biggest fans of EPMD. Regardless, "Unfinished Business" is still held in high esteem after all these years with a handful of its tracks guaranteed to rock any jam.	So Wat Cha Sayin' Total Kaos Get The Bozack Jane II Please Listen To My Demo It's Time To Party Who's Booty The Big Payback Strictly Snappin' Necks Knick Knack Patty Wack You Had Too Much To Drink It Wasn't Me, It Was The Fame
Business As Usual - Def Jam/RAL/Columbia 1990 (47067)	After getting left out in the cold by Fresh (after they closed up shop), their move to Def Jam seemed to inject even more life into the duo. As a result, "Business As Usual" is considered the best EPMD LP by EPMD and hip-hop fans alike. Whether it was the introduction of Redman on 'Hardcore' and 'Brothers On My Jock', or classic party jams like 'Gold Digger' and 'Rampage', fans all over the world were loving this album. Other notable tracks were 'Manslaughter', 'Funky Piano', and of course, 'Give The People'.	I'm Mad Hardcore Rampage Manslaughter Jane 3 For My People Mr. Bozack Gold Digger Give The People Rap Is Outta Control Brothers On My Jock Underground Hit Squad Heist Funky Piano
Business Never Personal - RAL/CHAOS/Columbia 1992 (52848)	After giving fans 3 solid albums in a little under 3 years, EPMD's 4th offering, "Business Never Personal", didn't quite meet expectations. 'Crossover' got some very decent airplay but apart from 'Headbanger' and 'Cummin At Cha', the rest of this LP was largely ignored. Also rumours of a break-up didn't help matters either...	Boon Dox Nobody's Safe Chump Can't Hear Nothing But The Music Chill Head Banger Scratch Bring It Back (Part 2-Mic Doc) Crossover Cummin' At Cha Play The Next Man It's Going Down Who Killed Jane
Back In Business- Def Jam 1997 (314536689)	Well...even though their previous release from 5 years ago was considered somewhat dissapointing, expectations for this re-union LP were astronomical. Sadly, this LP really served to prove that the 1997 audience just isn't down with EPMD's music anymore. Although 'Da Joint' got some decent rotation in the clubs, fans just couldn't help but notice how dated the music sounded on "Back In Business".	Intro Richter Scale Da Joint Never Seen Before Intrigued (featuring Das Efx) Last Man Standing Get Wit This Do It Again You Gots 2 Chill '97 Put On K.I.M. (featuring Keith Murray & Redman) Dungeon Master (featuring Nocturnal) Jane 5 Never Seen Before (Remix)

Singles

It's My Thing - Fresh 1987 (0014)	'Its My Thing' was an instant hit with its trademark funked-out EPMD production and vicious braggadocio rhymes courtesy of E-Double and Parrish Smith. A very solid debut offering for a group that was about to take the hip-hop community by storm.	It's My Thing (Club Version) It's My Thing (Dub Version) You're A Customer (Club Version) You're A Customer (Dub Version)
You Gots To Chill - Fresh 1988 (80118)	"You Gots To Chill" really was the first big hit for EPMD. Featuring more trademark funk samples and that famous "Jungle Boogie" sample, this was a huge hit in both the clubs and in the jeeps. Oh yeah...a lot of folks get a kick out of this 12" cover with those hillarious bearskin hats and tight acid wash jeans.	You Gots To Chill (Club Version) You Gots To Chill (Radio Version) You Gots To Chill (Dub Version) You Gots To Chill (Acapella) You Gots To Chill (Rapapella)
Strictly Business - Fresh 1988 (80123)	EPMD follow up their wicked 1-2 punch with 'Strictly Business'...another fan favorite. The Club Mix is somewhat different to the LP Version as it's somewhat longer and features an additional intro that's not present on the album version. [Big shouts out to Scott Wilson for hooking me up with a scan for this 12"]	Strictly Business (Club Mix) Strictly Business (Radio Mix) Strictly Business (Dub) Strictly Business (Acapella)
I'm Housin'/Get Off The Bandwagon - Fresh 1989 (80127)	Kind of a wierd 12" with two of the weaker tracks off the LP. 'Get Off The Bandwagon' was pretty tight but 'I'm Housin' was a really strange choice to headline a 12".	I'm Housin' (Vocal) I'm Housin' (Instrumental) I'm Housin' (UK Mix) Get Off The Bandwagon (Vocal) Get Off The Bandwagon (Instrumental)
So Wat 'Cha Sayin' - Fresh 1989 (80133)	BOOM!!! That's really the first word that comes to my mind when I hear this track. Really heavy low-end production coupled with some vintage EPMD battle lyrics helped renew everyone's faith in what many thought was a 1-album wonder.	So Wat 'Cha Sayin' (Club) So Wat 'Cha Sayin' (Dub) So Wat 'Cha Sayin' (Radio)
The Big Payback - Fresh 1989 (80135)	Whew...now this is one hell of a 12". Including the already dope LP version, EPMD juice up the track a little on the Club remix and deliver one hell of a jam. A much sought after 12" by both EPMD and hip-hop fans alike. It should be noted that the 7" remixes are basically the same as the Club remix.	The Big Payback (Club Remix) The Big Payback (Instrumental Remix) The Big Payback (LP Version) The Big Payback (7" Remix) The Big Payback (7" Remix Radio Edit)
You Had Too Much To Drink - Fresh 1989 (80138)	Grrrrrrr...the much hated 12" that seems to make its way into damn near every used vinyl joint. A pretty sad offering of tracks that were really uncharacteristic of anything EPMD has done to this point.	You Had Too Much To Drink (LP Version) You Had Too Much To Drink (Radio Version) It's Time To Party (LP Version)
Gold Digger - Def Jam/RAL/Columbia 1990 (73633)	Well, it wasn't long before people's memory of that last 12" was wiped away by this solid release. Although the subject matter on 'Gold Digger' was kinda crossover and played-out, E&P's production and lyrics were totally on point. As a result, sales for this single were very impressive and anticipation for their 3rd LP was extremely high.	Gold Digger (E&P's Remix) Gold Digger (Vocal) Rap Is Outta Control Gold Digger (Instrumental) Gold Digger (E&P's Remix Instrumental)
Rampage - Def Jam/RAL/Columbia 1991 (73705)	Hardly a 12"...this 6-song EP-like release was the fucking bomb. Backed by 2 slammin Pete Rock Rampage remixes, DJs were all over this 12". Although an LL cameo is sure to guarantee more airplay, this was a huge hit on college radio as well with the devastating performances by all 3 MC's. The 'I'm Mad' remixes were pretty decent but the LP version was the clear winner amongst those 3 tracks.	Rampage (Remix - Extended) Rampage (Hardcore To The Head Mix) Rampage (Remix - Radio Edit) Rampage (Remix - Instrumental) Rampage (Hardcore To The Head Mix - Instrumental) I'm Mad (DJ Scratch Jazz Mix) I'm Mad (Red Man Mix) I'm Mad (LP Version) Rampage (LP Version)
Give The People - Def Jam/RAL/Columbia 1991 (73783)	Well, how do you follow up 2 monster 12" releases...with yet another wicked 12" of course. The remix for 'Give The People' really turned things up a notch, giving the laid-back LP version a real boost of energy. In addition to the Erick & Parrish remix, the Jeep remix is essentially the same track but with even more thump to it. Oh yeah, it was also nice to have 'Manslaughter' on the b-side...one of the more solid tracks off the LP.	Give The People (Erick & Parrish Remix) Give The People (Jeep Mix) Give The People (Radio Version) Give The People (Instrumental) Manslaughter (LP Version)
Crossover - RAL/CHAOS/Columbia 1992 (74172)	A little after a year without any releases, EPMD manage to drop yet another hit 12". Ironically, 'Crossover' got some decent airplay and rotation all over the world as fans couldn't get enough of the tracks funked out production. Strangely enough, the b-side, 'Brothers From Brentwood, L.I.', never made it to the LP despite the fact that it was probably one of the stronger tracks to emerge from EPMD in '92.	Crossover (LP Version) Crossover (Instrumental) Brothers From Brentwood, L.I. (LP Version) Crossover (Trunk Mix - CD Only)
Crossover - RAL/CHAOS/Columbia 1992 (4662)	Well...this looks like some kind of a promo and I'm not sure what the deal is with this remix. I'll let you know when I get more info.	Crossover (Trunk Mix) Crossover (Trunk Mix Instrumental)
Head Banger - RAL/CHAOS/Columbia (74700)	Not a bad 12"...in fact...it's pretty damn hype. In terms of overall dopeness, it's pretty much a tie between the LP Version and the Remix. Sadly, this was to be the last time anyone heard from EPMD until '97.	Headbanger (LP Version) Headbanger (Radio Edit) Headbanger (Remix Radio Edit) Scratch Bring It Back (Part 2-Mic Doc)
The Joint- Def Jam 1997 (571679)	Whether it was jacking the same ol' funk samples on 'The Joint' or straight up jacking their own shit on 'You Gots 2 Chill '97', reaction was somewhat lukewarm to this single. But fans weren't giving up yet as anticipation was still high for "Back In Business".	The Joint (Radio Edit) The Joint (LP Version) The Joint (Instrumental) You Gots 2 Chill '97 (Radio Edit)
Richter Scale- Def Jam 1997 (568057)	Even though 'Richter Scale' did manage to resurrect some of the old charm that makes EPMD so special to hip-hop fans, it just wasn't enough to wipe away the harsh criticism they received for this comeback LP.	Richter Scale (LP Version) Richter Scale (Radio Edit) Richter Scale (Instrumental) Intrigued (LP Version) Intrigued (Radio Edit) Intrigued (Instrumental)

Web Sources

Charles Isbell's review of "Strictly Business"