Artist: Epmd Album: Business Never Personal

Year: 1992
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Business Never Personal by EPMD

Hip hop has been one of the most influential and popular genres since its emergence in the late 1970s. During this time, numerous artists have established themselves in the industry, each with their unique style and flavor. One such group that pioneered the East Coast hip hop scene in the 1980s is EPMD. Business Never Personal, their fourth studio album, has been lauded as one of their best works. In this post, we'll take a deep dive into the album, breaking down its various elements, and providing a critical review of the work.

EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) was formed in 1986 by Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, both hailing from Brentwood, New York. The duo's debut album, Strictly Business, released in 1988, became an instant commercial success. Since then, the group's stature grew, and they have become a household name in the world of hip hop. Business Never Personal, released in 1992, is EPMD’s fourth studio album and follows their successful efforts like Strictly Business and Unfinished Business.

The album's sound is primarily old-school funk and hip hop, with the duo's trademark laid-back delivery style. Although the album departs from traditional sampling methods, it still features the sampling of various iconic sound bites and sounds, creating a distinct sound. The main producer, Erick Sermon, constructs a bass-driven soundscape, complemented by top-quality scratching and beats.

The whole album is packed with bangers, but a few stand out more than others. Crossover is perhaps the most exceptional track, with its groove and lyrics satirizing rappers who strive for crossover appeal. The song relies heavily on EPMD's signature bass and jazzy samples, and it highlights the group's unwavering commitment to real hip hop. Other tracks that stand out include Headbanger and Play the Next Man, both featuring iconic rappers like Redman and K-Solo, and Boon Dox, with powerful lyrical metaphors by Parrish Smith.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the inclusion of NWA's (arguably one of the biggest West-coat hip-hop bands) vocal cuts and the heavy usage of an unusual Floyd Cramer sample for Hit Squad Heist. It’s a bit of a departure from EPMD's standard fare, but the inclusion of this unconventional part is a testament to Erick's innovation and the duo's fearlessness when experimenting with elements in hip hop.

While the Business Never Personal album is a great piece of work, it isn't without its flaws. The lyricism and overall vibe on a few tracks lack the punch and sharpness found in previous EPMD works. The album's sequencing is sometimes disjointed, causing it to drag on some tracks, and Erick's production felt lackluster at times.

All in all, EPMD's Business Never Personal is the epitome of an excellent, true-school hip hop album. Even with a few flaws, the duo continues to pioneer the East Coast hip hop sound. Moreover, with the innovations they introduced on this album, EPMD continues to inspire and influence new rap artists. Business Never Personal remains a must-have for any hip hophead, who appreciates classic sounds and witty lyricism.

All in all, EPMD's Business Never Personal is the epitome of an excellent, true-school hip hop album. Even with a few flaws, the duo continues to pioneer the East Coast hip hop sound. Moreover, with the innovations they introduced on this album, EPMD continues to inspire and influence new rap artists. Business Never Personal remains a must-have for any hip hophead, who appreciates classic sounds and witty lyricism.