Description
EPMD – Strictly Business – Double Vinyl Record
EPMD’s Strictly Business, released on June 7, 1988, is a groundbreaking debut album that helped define the golden age of hip-hop. The duo, consisting of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, brought a fresh, laid-back style to rap with their signature funk-heavy beats and smooth, conversational delivery. With tracks like You Gots to Chill, Strictly Business, and It’s My Thing, the album introduced a sound that was both innovative and timeless, solidifying EPMD as one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.
In the late 1980s, hip-hop was evolving rapidly, with a focus on intricate production and lyrical dexterity. EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) emerged from Brentwood, Long Island, bringing their own flavor to the genre. Their music was characterized by funky, sample-driven production and a no-frills lyrical approach that combined wit, bravado, and clever wordplay.
Strictly Business was released on Sleeping Bag Records and produced entirely by the duo themselves. Their heavy use of funk samples, particularly from artists like Zapp, Kool & the Gang, and Steve Miller Band, helped them craft a unique sound that was groovy, infectious, and instantly recognizable.
The album’s production is defined by its use of funk and rock samples, with Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith layering beats that were both minimalistic and richly textured. Their lyrical style is conversational and effortless, eschewing complex metaphors in favor of straightforward rhymes that flow naturally over the beats.
Themes on Strictly Business include self-confidence, competition, and the joy of making music. EPMD’s chemistry and knack for balancing humor with swagger set them apart from their peers.
Track Highlights
Strictly Business
The title track is a masterclass in sampling, using Eric Clapton’s I Shot the Sheriff as its backbone. It perfectly captures EPMD’s cool, laid-back style and established their reputation for groove-driven hip-hop.
You Gots to Chill
Built around a sample from Zapp’s More Bounce to the Ounce, this iconic track is one of EPMD’s most recognizable songs. Its funky bassline and chilled-out vibe make it a quintessential hip-hop anthem.
It’s My Thing
A bold, braggadocious track that highlights EPMD’s confidence and charisma, driven by a sample of The Whole Darn Family’s Seven Minutes of Funk.
Let the Funk Flow
As the title suggests, this track leans heavily into funk influences, showcasing the duo’s ability to craft infectious grooves while maintaining lyrical sharpness.
You’re a Customer
Using a clever blend of Steve Miller Band’s Fly Like an Eagle and Kool & the Gang’s Jungle Boogie, this track is a standout for its inventive production and laid-back delivery.
The Steve Martin
A funky, humor-infused track that exemplifies EPMD’s ability to balance lightheartedness with technical skill.
Jane
The first in their series of Jane tracks, this playful storytelling song adds a personal and comedic touch to the album.
EPMD’s use of funk and rock samples was both groundbreaking and influential. Their production style, often driven by Erick Sermon’s ear for groove, became a blueprint for hip-hop’s golden age. The duo’s ability to take familiar tracks and recontextualize them into something fresh and exciting set them apart as producers and innovators.
Their minimalist approach also emphasized the importance of rhythm and groove, creating tracks that were as danceable as they were lyrically engaging.
Strictly Business was met with critical acclaim and is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, a remarkable feat for a debut album. The album’s influence on the genre is immeasurable, with its funk-driven sound becoming a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop.
The duo’s chemistry, production, and ability to craft timeless tracks earned them respect from fans and peers alike. Artists like Nas, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z have all cited EPMD as an influence, and Strictly Business remains a go-to example of how simplicity and groove can create magic.
EPMD’s debut came at a time when hip-hop was transitioning from its early experimental phase into a more polished and defined sound. Strictly Business played a key role in shaping the genre, particularly in its emphasis on funk samples and smooth delivery. The album’s aesthetic, from its sound to its cover art, embodied the essence of late-1980s hip-hop.
The success of Strictly Business also helped cement Def Jam and other independent labels as key players in the rise of hip-hop as a mainstream force.
Strictly Business is a hip-hop classic that captures the essence of the golden age. With its funky beats, sharp rhymes, and undeniable groove, the album remains a blueprint for what hip-hop can achieve. Tracks like You Gots to Chill and Strictly Business are timeless, and the album’s influence continues to resonate across generations. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to EPMD, Strictly Business is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the roots of hip-hop.
2018 Respect the Classics
Priority Records 2xLP
Non-gatefold jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Strictly Business
Because I’m Housin’
So Let The Funk Flow
You Gots To Chill
It’s My Thing
You’re A Customer
The Steve Martin
Get Off The Bandwagon
D.J. K La Boss
Jan
