Artist: Epmd Album: Strictly Business

Year: 1988
Duration: 45:10

A Critical Review of the Album: Strictly Business by Epmd

Epmd, an abbreviation for Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, is a Hip-hop duo that debuted in 1989. The duo comprised Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, both from New York City. They are considered one of hip-hop’s most renowned duos, known for their unique style and rap approach. Their debut album, Strictly Business, established their footing in the hip-hop industry. This album was a massive success that helped them cement their position in the music scene and led them to become one of the most recognizable duos in Hip-hop. This article reviews their debut album, Strictly Business.

Strictly Business had a unique approach to rap music, which was completely different from the standard raps that dominated the music industry in the late 80s. Erick and Parrish’s approach was laid-back, and their lyrics had a conversational tone to them. One of the notable factors was the duo’s incorporation of old-school rap with an updated, modern touch. It made the album sound fresh and unique, even by today’s standards.

The album kicks off with the title track, “Strictly Business,” which is undoubtedly among the best songs on the album. The song introduces the duo and sets the tone of the album overall. Another great track on the album is “You Gots to Chill,” which features an infectious bass line that fans have raved about since the album’s release. The song perfectly encapsulates what Epmd was all about- smooth, groovy music mixed with impeccable rap skills.

Arguably the most innovative part of the album is the way the duo approached their rap verses. They used a technique called stop-start rhyming, allowing Erick and Parrish to pause between rhyming words. This technique gave their lyrics more space and allowed them to project their vocals more clearly. This innovative approach was well-received, and Erick and Parrish were praised for their unique rap style.

Though the album was innovative and influential, it did not escape criticism. One issue listeners raised was the length of the album, clocking in at only 37 minutes. Indeed, some saw this as a missed opportunity, as it might have allowed for more experimentation sonically, as the duo exhibited an ability to be forward-thinking while still maintaining their traditional Hip-hop ethos. Regardless of this criticism, Strictly Business remains a Hip-hop classic that helped make Epmd an iconic Hip-hop duo.

Epmd’s debut album, Strictly Business, changed the rap game forever, by challenging the norms that had dominated the industry over the previous decade. While there were some criticisms of the album, its resulting legacy as an innovative, boundary-pushing piece of work, remains untouched. The album’s success gave Erick and Parrish the platform to create and release more iconic music. Whether you are a fan of old-school rap, Hip-hop or simply someone in search of good music, you will undoubtedly enjoy Epmd’s Strictly Business.