Artist: Epmd Album: We Mean Business

Year: 2008
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: We Mean Business by Epmd

Epmd, the hip-hop group founded in 1986 by Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, established themselves as one of the most iconic rap groups during the late 80s and early 90s. Their album We Mean Business, released in 2008, is their seventh and the most recent album until now. In this blog post, we will explore the genre of the album, history of the group, the best songs of the album, and why it is worth listening too. We will also look at the most innovative parts of the album, and the criticisms we have of the album. So, if you're a fan of hip hop music, you should read on!

Epmd has been known for their unique style of East Coast rap, defined by its heavy beats, sampled jazz and funk, and their slow and deliberate flow, which is what sets We Mean Business apart from other albums. The album is pure old-school hip hop with a modern touch, featuring hard-hitting beats, and catchy verses from both Erick and Parrish. The album features a ton of guest appearances, including KRS One, Raekwon, and Method Man. The industry legends bring their lyrical and vocal prowess to the album, adding an additional layer of flavor to the album, showcasing what East Coast rap is all about.

The album starts with the title track, We Mean Business, which sets the tone for the album. It's an aggressive-sounding track, full of energy with Erick and Parrish delivering their usual clever rhymes. Roc-Da-Spot is another standout song from the album. The track embodies the classic East Coast rap feeling with a pulsating beat and a soulful sample. It's a song that showcases their effortless flow through a catchy chorus and has a slick delivery throughout.

Another noteworthy song on the album is Blow, featuring the legendary KRS-One. This track is a fusion of hip hop and rock, with guitar riffs to go with the aggressive rap verses. Both KRS-One and Epmd spit their verses with precision, making it an instant classic that will keep you coming back for more.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the beats and the production that Erick and Parrish did on the album. The beats are catchy and hard-hitting, with the use of old-school samples still being a prominent feature. There is no denying that Erick and Parrish have taken a unique approach to making music, and this album is a gem that shows their artistry.

However, there are some criticisms, too. Although it is impressive that they continue to produce music more than ten years later, the album does sound dated compared to the fresh new sound of hip hop records today. Also, Run it featuring DJ Scratch, is a strange interlude that interrupts the flow of the album.

In conclusion, We Mean Business is another iconic album from EPMD, showing the world why they are legends in the industry. Although it may sound a bit dated, it still embodies the essence of East Coast hip hop. Erick and Parrish took their time crafting the beats and rhymes for every track, making it a must-listen album for any fan of hip-hop music. The classic sound of the instrumentals, added with the flows by Erick and Parrish, created an album that shows why they are considered some of the best in the game.

In conclusion, We Mean Business is another iconic album from EPMD, showing the world why they are legends in the industry. Although it may sound a bit dated, it still embodies the essence of East Coast hip hop. Erick and Parrish took their time crafting the beats and rhymes for every track, making it a must-listen album for any fan of hip-hop music. The classic sound of the instrumentals, added with the flows by Erick and Parrish, created an album that shows why they are considered some of the best in the game.