BUSINESS AS USUAL
EPMD

1990 EPMD Business As Usual
EPMD’s “Business as Usual” is a seminal hip-hop album that holds a special place in my heart. The album was released in 1990, and I first discovered it in my teenage years. From the very first track, “I’m Mad,” I was hooked by the group’s signature sound, which blended heavy beats and funky basslines with clever wordplay and rhymes.
Throughout the album, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith deliver effortless flows and intricate lyrics that highlight their undeniable chemistry as a duo. “Gold Digger” and “Rampage” are standout tracks that have become classic hip-hop anthems, but the album as a whole is a cohesive work that showcases the duo’s exceptional talent.
One of the things I love about “Business as Usual” is its ability to bring together different elements of hip-hop culture. The group’s sampling of funk and soul music pays homage to the roots of hip-hop, while the lyrics touch on a range of themes, including street life, love, and personal struggles. This diversity of sound and subject matter makes the album accessible to a wide range of listeners, while still maintaining a sense of authenticity and rawness.