EPMD’s 1988 debut album release Strictly Business,immediately ingrained itself in the fabric of urban culture.
The Brentwood, New York duo of (E) Erick Sermon and (PMD) Parrish the Mic Doc delivered an LP that was simultaneously fresh and nostalgic.
The album’s stocked with hard-hitting bass and scratches by DJ K La Boss, both over an all-star mix of funk, soul and rock samples – Zapp & Roger, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Kashif, Steve Miller Band, Kool & The Gang.
Backed by incredible sounds, the pair split mesmerizing run-on verses, bouncing back and forth expelling lines written with depth and cleverness.
With their charisma and writing ability, here EPMD was able forge a connection to the listening public. Quotes from their verses and hooks (“You’re a Customer”, “You Gots to Chill”, “Get Off the Bandwagon”, “It’s My Thing”) became a part of regular, everyday conversation.
They were also heavily recycled in rhymes by their genre peers for decades following. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
