EPMD: Strictly Business Vinyl 2LP

30 days later: the LP went gold. EPMD’s first album on the Fresh Label. These guys came out throwing Butterbean haymakers with their enhanced booming bass sound, slurred lyrics, witty punchlines, and matching outfits. The sound just can’t be replicated today; it’s so simple and raw with Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith filling in the spaces with bravado alone (pre-swag). This album’s got most of the EPMD classics you’ll need: “Strictly Business,” “You Gots Ta Chill,” “You’re A Customer,” “It’s My Thing,” “Get Off The Band Wagon,” the original “Jane,” and more. Also there’s “The Steve Martin” from back when everybody had a song about a dance named after somebody funny. Official 2018 double vinyl Priority reissue, as part of the Respect The Classics series. Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• music label: Priority Records 2018

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2010