EPMD, which stands for Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, is an American hip hop duo that formed in Brentwood, New York in 1987. The group consists of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, who met in high school and began collaborating on music. EPMD’s sound is characterized by its heavy use of funk samples, hard-hitting beats, and their laid-back flow. They released their debut album “Strictly Business” in 1988, which is now considered a classic of the genre.
Throughout the 1990s, EPMD continued to release successful albums, including “Unfinished Business” and “Business As Usual”. The group’s success was due in part to their unique sound and the chemistry between Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. They also had a knack for crafting memorable and catchy hooks, which helped them to achieve commercial success while staying true to their roots in hip hop and funk.
EPMD’s influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary hip hop artists, who have sampled their music and cited them as an inspiration. The group’s legacy is cemented as one of the most influential and important acts in the history of hip hop, and their impact on the genre continues to be felt today.
1. “You Gots to Chill”
EPMD’s “You Gots to Chill” is a classic track from the golden era of hip-hop. The song features a laid-back yet funky beat, with smooth samples and scratches that perfectly complement the tight rhymes of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. The duo’s cool, confident flow effortlessly weaves in and out of the beat, delivering clever wordplay and catchy hooks. “You Gots to Chill” has become a staple of hip-hop culture, with its influence felt in subsequent generations of artists. It remains a timeless example of the genre’s ability to combine sharp lyricism with innovative production.
2. “Strictly Business”
“Strictly Business” is the title track of EPMD’s debut album, released in 1988. The song features a heavy bassline, funk samples, and the signature laid-back flow of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. The track’s catchy hook and memorable lyrics celebrate the duo’s success in the music industry, as they proclaim their commitment to making music and making money. “Strictly Business” became an instant classic of the hip hop genre, and it remains one of EPMD’s most beloved and influential songs. Its catchy hook and irresistible groove continue to inspire and entertain fans of hip hop and funk music to this day.
3. “So Wat Cha Sayin'”
“So Wat Cha Sayin'” is a classic hip-hop track by EPMD, released in 1989 as the lead single from their second album, “Unfinished Business”. The song is known for its laid-back, funky groove, with a sample from the legendary jazz musician Donald Byrd’s track “Think Twice”. The lyrics showcase the duo’s braggadocio style and clever wordplay, with references to their success in the music industry and their ability to command attention with their rhymes. The song has become a fan favorite and is considered a cornerstone of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop.
4. “Rampage”
“Rampage” is a classic hip hop track from EPMD’s 1990 album “Business as Usual”. The song features a driving beat, a funky bassline, and the group’s signature laid-back flow. The track’s catchy hook and memorable lyrics celebrate the duo’s success in the music industry, as they proclaim their status as “rap entrepreneurs”. “Rampage” has become one of EPMD’s most popular songs, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. The track’s infectious groove and memorable lyrics continue to inspire and entertain fans of hip hop and funk music around the world.
5. “Head Banger”
“Head Banger” is a classic hip-hop track from EPMD’s 1992 album “Business Never Personal.” The song features a heavy bassline and samples from Parliament-Funkadelic’s “Flash Light.” EPMD’s laid-back flow and clever wordplay are on full display as they trade verses about their skills on the mic and their impact on the rap game. Redman also makes a memorable appearance on the track with a high-energy verse that showcases his distinctive delivery and humor. “Head Banger” remains a fan favorite and a testament to EPMD’s influential and enduring legacy in hip-hop.
6. “Gold Digger”
“Gold Digger” is a classic hip hop track from EPMD’s 1990 album “Business as Usual”. The song features a catchy, looped guitar riff and funky bassline, with Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith trading verses about women who are only interested in their money. The track’s catchy hook and relatable lyrics made it a fan favorite and one of EPMD’s most enduring songs. “Gold Digger” has been sampled by many other artists over the years, and its influence can be heard in contemporary hip hop music. The track’s infectious groove and witty lyrics continue to entertain and inspire fans of hip hop and funk music to this day.
7. “It’s My Thing”
“It’s My Thing” is a classic hip-hop track by the duo EPMD, released in 1987 as a single from their debut album “Strictly Business.” The song is built on a sample of the famous James Brown track “The Payback,” and features the distinctive funky production style that made EPMD stand out in the early years of hip-hop. The lyrics boast about the group’s skills and success in the rap game, with playful references to other hip-hop acts of the time. “It’s My Thing” helped establish EPMD as a force to be reckoned with in the golden age of hip-hop.
8. “Crossover”
“Crossover” is a 1992 hip hop track from EPMD’s album “Business Never Personal”. The song is known for its distinctive sample from David Bowie’s song “Ashes to Ashes”. The track’s lyrics reference the growing popularity of mainstream hip hop and criticize rappers who abandon their roots in pursuit of commercial success. The song’s message struck a chord with fans and helped establish EPMD as a group with artistic integrity and a commitment to their craft. “Crossover” remains a classic of the hip hop genre and continues to inspire and entertain fans of the music to this day.
9. “Da Joint”
Released in 1992, “Da Joint” is one of the most popular songs by hip-hop duo EPMD. The track features a catchy beat and memorable hook that make it a crowd-pleaser to this day. The lyrics focus on the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s art form, while calling out those who try to imitate or copy their style. The track’s message is delivered with the signature smooth flow and laid-back style of EPMD, showcasing their confidence and swagger. “Da Joint” is a classic example of the East Coast hip-hop sound of the early 90s and remains a fan favorite.
10. “Symphony 2000” (featuring Method Man, Redman, Lady Luck and Rockwilder)
“Symphony 2000” is a classic hip hop track from EPMD’s 1999 album “Out of Business”. The song features guest appearances from fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Redman, as well as Lady Luck and Rockwilder. The track’s catchy beat and memorable lyrics celebrate the collaboration between the two groups, as they trade verses and showcase their distinctive flows. “Symphony 2000” has become one of EPMD’s most popular songs, and its influence can be heard in contemporary hip hop music. The track’s infectious groove and impressive roster of guest stars continue to entertain and inspire fans of hip hop music around the world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
