Artist: Epmd Album: Business as Usual

Year: 1990
Duration: 51:26

Breaking Down Business as Usual: A Critical Review of EPMD's Album

EPMD, short for Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith Making Dollars, is an iconic hip-hop duo that dominated the genre in the late '80s and early '90s with their boom-bap beats and sharp lyrics. The group's debut album, Strictly Business, was a commercial and critical success, and they followed it up with Unfinished Business. However, it was their third album, Business as Usual, that solidified their position as one of the top acts in hip-hop. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Business as Usual and break down what makes it such an important and influential album in the history of hip-hop.

First, let's talk about the music genre of the album. Business as Usual is a classic boom-bap album that showcases EPMD's signature sound. The beats are hard and funky, with samples taken from old-school funk and soul records. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith trade verses effortlessly, with their unmistakable chemistry and witty wordplay shining through on every track. The album is also notable for its lack of features, with EPMD opting to keep the spotlight entirely on themselves and their skills.

Now, let's move on to the best songs of the album. You Gots to Chill is probably the most well-known track from Business as Usual, and for good reason – the infectious beat and catchy hook make it impossible not to bop your head to. Get the Bozack is another standout, with a hypnotic bassline and Sermon and Smith trading braggadocious verses. So Wat Cha Sayin' is a slower, more laid-back track that showcases the duo's storytelling abilities. Other notable tracks include Nobody's Safe Chump, Can't Hear Nothing But the Music, and It's Time 2 Party.

Moving on, let's talk about the most innovative parts of the album. One of the things that makes Business as Usual stand out is its use of sampling. EPMD were masters of digging through crates and finding obscure and forgotten records to sample and chop up into their beats. They also weren't afraid to sample from other rap songs, which was still a relatively new and controversial practice at the time. Another innovative aspect of the album is the way Sermon and Smith trade verses. They often finish each other's rhymes or complete each other's sentences, creating a seamless flow that's both impressive and entertaining.

Finally, let's get to the critical portion of this review. While Business as Usual is undoubtedly a classic album that helped define the sound of hip-hop in the early '90s, it does have a few flaws. One of the biggest criticisms of the album is its lack of variety. While the beats and rhymes are undeniably dope, there's not a ton of variation in tempo, style, or subject matter. This can make the album feel a bit one-note at times. Additionally, some critics have pointed out that the lyrics on Business as Usual are a bit simplistic compared to some of EPMD's later work. While this might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it's worth considering when evaluating the album as a whole.

In conclusion, Business as Usual is a classic album that showcases EPMD's signature boom-bap sound and undeniable chemistry. While it may not be their most diverse or lyrically complex work, it's a must-listen for any fans of old-school hip-hop and a crucial part of the genre's history. Whether you're a longtime EPMD stan or just discovering their music, Business as Usual is an album that deserves a spot in your playlist.