Artist: Epmd Album: Out of Business

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Epmd's Out of Business Album: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Hip-hop enthusiasts know the legendary rap duo Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, better known as EPMD, for their smooth flows and distinct style. The group gained notoriety in the early 90s with their uncomplicated but rhythmic beats. And there's no denying that over the years, EPMD has carved a spot for themselves in hip-hop history. Their sixth and final album, Out of Business, was released in 1999, and it was a significant moment for their followers. Though they retired, they came out of retirement with this collaborative album, and as with all music, opinions on it have varied. Today, we will be reviewing this album critically, going over its history, what makes it stand out, and everything in between.

Before we dive into the music, let's get a little bit of backstory on the group. EPMD gained national attention after they were signed to Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records in 1987. Their music focused on instrumental samples and simple drumbeats that complemented the duo's lyrics. They quickly became known for their laid-back and effortless flow, which was different from other hip-hop groups. Their fifth album, Back in Business, was released in 1997, but after this, the group announced they were retiring. However, in 1999 they came out of retirement to release Out of Business, their final album.

The album was on point with what fans of EPMD were expecting. The title track, Out Of Business, was a classic Erick and Parrish-style song, oozing with confidence and swagger. The lyrics are incredibly catchy, with a repetitive chorus that sticks to your head after the first listen. The music video for this song also perfectly captures the vibe of the track, with the two rappers sporting flashy suits and sunglasses while cruising around in a luxury car.

Another standout track from the album is Richter Scale. The song features an excellent sample of a guitar riff from the 1970s and old-school hip-hop drumbeats. The verses are delivered with an uncanny confidence, which makes listening to this track an experience. Never Seen Before is another great song that has a tumultuous beat, and the duo's rapping is sharp as ever.

While there's plenty of great music on the album, there are notable weak spots, such as You Gots 2 Chill '97. The track tries to rehash the classic beat from their popular song You Gots to Chill, but it falls short. It seems like the group was trying to capitalize on their famous chorus from the original song to create something new. Unfortunately, it didn't measure up to its predecessor, and it ended up being a forgettable part of the album.

Innovatively, the Out of Business album sounds similar to their previous albums, and while there's nothing wrong with that, it lacks innovation. The group knew their style worked, and so they stuck with it. Unfortunately, this decision left fans hungry and wanting more from the group creatively.

Overall, Out of Business, while not groundbreaking, definitely sticks to Erick and Parrish's style, and fans will appreciate it. Though the album has some weak spots regarding innovation, the good parts are worth investing your time and money in as an EPMD fan. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith are legends in hip-hop music, and their final album will always be remembered as a classic. Whether you're an avid EPMD follower or a casual hip-hop listener, Out of Business has something to offer, and it's an album worth listening to and dissecting.

Overall, Out of Business, while not groundbreaking, definitely sticks to Erick and Parrish's style, and fans will appreciate it. Though the album has some weak spots regarding innovation, the good parts are worth investing your time and money in as an EPMD fan. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith are legends in hip-hop music, and their final album will always be remembered as a classic. Whether you're an avid EPMD follower or a casual hip-hop listener, Out of Business has something to offer, and it's an album worth listening to and dissecting.