Original Business - EPMD

Advantages: Lots of bangers
Disadvantages: Nothing specific

..."We Mean Business" came towards the end of 2008, and it marked the return of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith as EPMD. The legendary Hip Hop duo return with an album of brand new material to show that they still have what is needed to appeal to today's crowd. It is their seventh effort, and the first since 1999. 1. "Puttin' Work In" To get things off to a big start you have them performing in a collaboration with Wu-Tang's Raekwon. After hearing how the rest of the thing when, I wouldn't have started with this, but I certainly isn't a weak one. I have to say that you need to listen to it more to really feel it, unlike the throwaway sound of many of the other tunes. This one takes you to the early days of East Coast Gangsta Rap. **Four Stars** 2. "What You Talkin'" Although some may say that these references are about... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lots of big tunes
Disadvantages: Not as strong as their debut

...The New York Hip Hop duo EPMD (consisting of members Erick Sermon and PMD) released their second album, "Unfinished Business" in 1989, just a year after debuting and making a heavy impact as a brand new major force in the world of underground East Coast Hip Hop. The pair composed all of the beats (using many samples) and MC together throughout, just as with 1988's classic "Strictly Business". This album also features DJ Scratch essentially doing as his name implies (scratching as the DJ and general over-looker to the album). 1. "So What Cha Sayin'" To get this ting underway, you find that they start it all just as they left off with some music which has them coming with something hard to show that they are essentially here to bring more of what we know and enjoy their music for. It is hardcore, and just the way you like it all to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Bangers throughout
Disadvantages: Nothing specific

..."Strictly Business" came out in 1988 as the debut album from the East Coast Hip Hop duo, EPMD. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars), and saw it dropped around the time that Eric B. & Rakim were blowing up, and in a similar fashion this pair were built on sample-heavy material, and used lots of Funk and Rock in their work. 1. "Strictly Business" For an opener, it is a successful one as they immediately show what they are about with hardcore rhymes on top of some fresh beats from them. They come with straight quality in their lyrics as they go on some late Funk. Although it is what the track is largely built on, I wasn't keen on the "I Shot The Sheriff" sample here, as it seemed a little out of place. **Four Stars** 2. "I'm Housin'" After a track which focused on their beats, this one gives them... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful