EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) is an American hip-hop duo formed in 1986 in Brentwood, New York. The group consists of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, who are both MCs and producers.
EPMD’s first album, “Strictly Business,” was released in 1988 and was produced entirely by Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. The album featured the hit singles “You Gots to Chill” and the title track “Strictly Business,” and was a critical and commercial success. The album’s success helped establish EPMD as one of the leading acts in hip-hop at the time.
The group followed up with a string of successful albums throughout the 1990s, including “Unfinished Business” (1989), “Business as Usual” (1990), and “Back in Business” (1997). EPMD’s signature sound, which combined funky beats with samples from classic R&B and soul records, helped to shape the sound of hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition to their successful recording career, EPMD is also known for their business acumen. The group formed their own record label, Def Squad, in the early 1990s, and signed several successful acts, including Redman and Keith Murray. They also started a clothing line, “Def Rags,” and released a video game, “EPMD’s Rap Attack,” in 1990.
However, the group’s success was not without its challenges. In 1992, Erick Sermon was shot in the abdomen and nearly died, which forced the group to take a hiatus from recording. The duo eventually reunited in 1997 and released “Back in Business,” which was well-received by both fans and critics.
Despite several hiatuses and lineup changes over the years, EPMD remains a highly respected and influential group in the world of hip-hop. Their unique sound and business savvy helped to shape the genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and their impact on the genre continues to be felt today.
