Understanding the Artistry of EPMD

EPMD has been widely hailed as one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time. With their signature sound and pioneering style, they helped to define an era of rap music that still holds up today. Even so, no artist is perfect — there are plenty of criticisms out there about EPMD's lyrics, production techniques, and business practices. In this blog post, I want to both acknowledge some areas in which EPMD could have improved while also giving them credit for what made them great - something only a true fan would know!

For those who appreciate hip hop and its rich history, EPMD is a name that needs no introduction. However, for those who are only just dipping their toes into the genre, it's important to understand exactly why this group is so highly regarded. EPMD, which stands for Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, was formed in 1987 by Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. They were instrumental in shaping the sound of hip hop in the late '80s and early '90s, and their influence can still be heard in many modern tracks. Despite their many successes, however, there are plenty of critiques out there about EPMD's music and practices. In this blog post, we'll take a close look at the good and the bad, so you can really understand what makes this group so special.

Before we dive into the criticisms, let's examine what EPMD did well. First and foremost, their signature sound was truly ahead of its time. Their approach to sampling, which often involved repeating snippets of tracks until they created a completely new beat, was incredibly innovative. Their use of vocal samples was also unique, and it helped to create a sound that was instantly recognizable to fans of the genre. Additionally, their lyrics were clever and often filled with clever wordplay. They had fun with their rhymes and never took themselves too seriously, which made their music enjoyable to listen to.

One criticism of EPMD that is frequently mentioned is their production. Specifically, some fans feel that their beats were too repetitive and that they relied too heavily on sampling. While it's true that some EPMD tracks can become a bit monotonous, it's also important to remember that this was part of the group's signature sound. They were able to take a simple loop and turn it into something complex and interesting, which was no small feat. Additionally, while the use of samples was undoubtedly a big part of their production process, it's worth noting that they also created some original beats that were just as impressive.

Another critique of EPMD is that their lyrics were too focused on materialism and money. While it's true that many of their tracks revolve around wealth and the desire for more, it's important to remember that this was a common theme in hip hop at the time. Additionally, it's worth noting that EPMD's lyrics were never entirely shallow. They often touched on issues like police brutality and the struggles of everyday life. Overall, it's fair to say that their music was a reflection of the times in which it was created.

One thing that cannot be denied about EPMD is that they were shrewd businessmen. They were one of the first hip hop groups to start their own record label, which gave them more control over their music and allowed them to keep a greater share of their profits. Some fans, however, feel that their business practices were too cutthroat. They were known for holding grudges against those who they felt wronged them in the past, and some believe that they took things too far. Still, it's important to remember that EPMD's success was due in part to their business acumen, and it's hard to fault them for wanting to protect their interests.

In conclusion, EPMD was far from a perfect group. They had their flaws and they made mistakes along the way. However, it's important to remember that they were pioneers in the world of hip hop, and their influence can still be heard in many of today's most popular tracks. Their innovative production techniques and clever lyrics helped to define an era of music that is still cherished by fans around the world. In the end, it's their artistry that truly sets them apart, and that's something that all music lovers can appreciate.