Celebrating the Legendary Career of Hip-Hop Icons EPMD
Celebrating the Legendary Career of Hip-Hop Icons EPMD
Introduction
Hip-hop has witnessed the rise and fall of many talented artists, but only a few have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike. EPMD, which stands for "Eric & Paris Making Dollars," is one of those iconic duos whose contributions to the hip-hop world remain timeless. With their real names being Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith, they have cemented their names in hip-hop history through their dope music, swag, ground-breaking albums, and influential style.
The Birth of EPMD
Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith, two talented individuals from Brentwood, New York, joined forces in the late 1980s to create EPMD. The name EPMD not only stands for their initials but also reflects their entrepreneurial spirit in the hip-hop game. With a shared passion for making music and a desire to make a mark, they embarked on a journey that would change the face of hip-hop.
The Impact of Their First Three Albums
EPMD's debut album, "Strictly Business" (1988), hit the hip-hop scene like a thunderbolt. With its funky beats, clever rhymes, and memorable samples, the album became an instant classic. Songs like "You're a Customer" ‘You gots to chill’ and the title track "Strictly Business" showcased their distinctive style. The album's success laid the foundation for their iconic career.
"Unfinished Business" (1989) and "Business as Usual" (1990) followed suit, and the duo continued to drop dope tracks with their signature funk fuelled production. These albums featured hits like "So Wat Cha Sayin'" ‘The Big Payback’ and "Gold Digger," which solidified EPMD's reputation as a hip-hop powerhouse. Their production skills, combined with their laid-back flow, set a new standard in the genre.
The Cool Laid-Back Flow
One of the defining features of EPMD's music was their laid-back flow. Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith delivered their rhymes with a smooth, relaxed style that set them apart from the more aggressive rappers of the era. Their calm demeanour allowed their lyrics to take centre stage, making their storytelling and wordplay shine. Going back-to-back on tracks the duo styles complimented each other perfectly. This unique approach resonated with fans, and EPMD became known for their dope rhymes and coolness.
The Fisherman Hats
In addition to their musical talents, EPMD was also famed for their swag and signature fisherman hats. These hats became an integral part of their style and added to their iconic image. The fisherman hats became a symbol of EPMD's swag and coolness.
Production & Sound
Complimenting EPMD’s dope rhymes was a production style equally unique at the time. Their funk fuelled slower tempo beat where a contrast the more aggressive faster tempo funky drummer beats of the time. With both parts of the duo being dope producers it was Eric Sermon who was the backbone to their unique sound and who would go on to establish himself as one of the game's most prolific producers producing countless hits for a long list of artists.
Introducing Legends: The Hit Squad
EPMD's impact extended beyond their own careers. They played a pivotal role in introducing other hip-hop legends to the world through their collaborative efforts as the Hit Squad. The Hit Squad included artists like Redman, Das Efx, and K-Solo, all of whom went on to achieve remarkable success in the hip-hop industry. The legacy of the Hit Squad continues to be one of hip-hop's hardest collectives.
The Infamous Break and Reunion
After releasing several successful albums, EPMD faced an infamous break-up in 1993. A break-up that also saw the all-star Hit Squad split. Money was the basic reason for the split with rumours of Eric setting Paris up to get robbed after discovering Paris taking a bigger piece of the collective pie. This hiatus left fans wondering if they would ever see the duo together again. However, the hip-hop world breathed a sigh of relief when Eric and Parrish reunited in 1997, releasing "Back in Business." The reunion album reaffirmed their status as legends and proved that their chemistry and talent were as potent as ever.
Conclusion
EPMD are undoubted legends of the game whose list of achievements are rivalled by only a few. Everything from the duo's cold flows, dope production, and swag, are legendary in the world of hip hop. Their contributions to the game make the dynamic duo an important piece of the culture, for their own musical output and for introducing the world to legends such as Redman and Das Ex during hip hop’s golden era. EPMD’s contributions play a vital part in the boom of hip hop during the late 80s and the golden era of the 90s, a dynamic duo who are genuine legends of the culture.
EPMD we salute you.