EPMD
Biography
In the pantheon of hip-hop's golden age, few acts embodied the art of understated swagger quite like EPMD. Formed in 1986 in Brentwood, Long Island, by childhood friends Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, the duo's name stood for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars" – a declaration of intent that proved prophetic. Their laid-back delivery and funk-heavy production would help define East Coast rap's sonic landscape during hip-hop's most fertile creative period.
The pair's chemistry was forged in the crucible of Long Island's burgeoning hip-hop scene, where Sermon's production wizardry met Smith's methodical microphone presence. Both possessed an almost telepathic understanding of rhythm and space, crafting tracks that breathed with the kind of unhurried confidence that separated the genuine articles from the pretenders. Their approach was deceptively simple: heavy bass lines, crisp drums, and vocals delivered with the nonchalant authority of seasoned veterans, even when they were anything but.
EPMD's 1988 debut, "Strictly Business," announced their arrival with seismic impact. The title track, built around a hypnotic sample from Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff," became an instant classic, its minimalist groove and call-and-response vocals establishing the template for countless hip-hop tracks to follow. The album's success wasn't merely commercial – though it did achieve gold status – but cultural, introducing a more relaxed, funk-oriented sound that contrasted sharply with the aggressive posturing dominating much of late-80s rap.
Their follow-up, "Unfinished Business" (1989), consolidated their reputation with tracks like "So Wat Cha Sayin'" and "Get the Bozack," while 1990's "Business as Usual" spawned the underground anthem "Rampage," featuring a young Das EFX. This period represented EPMD's creative peak, with Sermon's production becoming increasingly sophisticated while maintaining the duo's signature stripped-down aesthetic. Their ability to make complex arrangements sound effortless became their calling card.
The early 90s saw EPMD expand their influence beyond recording, establishing themselves as talent scouts and mentors. They discovered and nurtured Das EFX, whose debut album they executive produced, and later worked with Redman, Keith Murray, and other members of what became known as the Hit Squad. This entrepreneurial spirit reflected their understanding that longevity in hip-hop required more than just making records – it demanded building an empire.
However, success bred tension. By 1993, creative differences and business disputes led to an acrimonious split that shocked the hip-hop community. Both members pursued solo careers, with Sermon achieving particular success as a producer and solo artist, working with everyone from Mariah Carey to Janet Jackson. Smith, meanwhile, maintained a lower profile while developing his own projects and business ventures.
The reunion in 1997 felt inevitable, driven by both nostalgia and necessity. Their comeback album, "Back in Business," while not matching their earlier commercial heights, demonstrated that their chemistry remained intact. Subsequent releases proved sporadic, with the duo balancing solo pursuits with periodic EPMD projects, including 2008's "We Mean Business."
EPMD's influence extends far beyond their discography. Their production aesthetic – characterized by prominent bass lines, crisp snares, and strategic use of samples – became a blueprint for East Coast hip-hop production. Artists from Nas to Jay-Z have cited their influence, while producers like DJ Premier and Pete Rock have acknowledged their debt to Sermon's innovations. Their business acumen also presaged hip-hop's evolution into a multimedia enterprise, with their Hit Squad collective serving as an early model for rap's entrepreneurial possibilities.
More subtly, EPMD's vocal style – conversational rather than confrontational, confident without being boastful – offered an alternative to hip-hop's more aggressive tendencies. Their approach proved that rap could be both hardcore and laid-back, street-smart and commercially viable. This balance influenced countless artists seeking to navigate hip-hop's often contradictory demands.
Today, EPMD's legacy rests secure in hip-hop's hall of fame. While they may not command the attention of younger audiences, their influence permeates contemporary rap in ways both obvious and subtle. Their best work remains remarkably fresh, a testament to their understanding that great hip-hop transcends trends. In an era when rap often prioritizes flash over substance, EPMD's catalog serves as
