From the opening note of EPMD’s Strictly Business it’s clear what Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith are here to do– deliver memorable hooks over soulful samples with a confident, no-frills approach that captures the spirit of late 80’s hip-hop. The production is crisp and funky. The vocal delivery is smooth and measured. The bass lines and percussion section are dialed. The whole experience has this incredibly human and lively bounce to it that immediately transports you to the streets of New York City on a summer evening, watching as the city lights slowly come to life amidst the orange skyline that stands before you. It’s one of those rare albums that not only sounds excellent, but also has the ability to transport you to a specific time and place, all the while making it impossible to resist the urge to bop your head along with every bar.
Standout Songs: “Strictly Business”, “I’m Housin’”, “You Gots To Chill”
