EPMD We Mean Business CD

Often cited as the greatest one-two combo in hip-hop history, EPMD have been lacing speakers with their unique funk-heavy, low-drum sounds for over 20 years. On their seventh LP together (the first in nine years and first ever away from Def Jam), Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith return with their tried-and-true formula--updated though it may be--reworking many of their most memorable lines and production tendencies into new but familiar incarnations. The computerized funk track of "Roc da Spot" sounds like an interpolation of their classic "You Gots to Chill." Still, the EPMD one-liners are infectious as ever and numerous heavyweight guests (only four cuts are strictly Erick and Parrish) make WE MEAN BUSINESS a 14-track lyrical slugfest. Raekwon, Havoc of Mobb Deep, KRS-One, Teddy Riley, Keith Murray, and Redman are featured.

Recording information: Adidas Studios; Hit Squad Studio; Lite Studio; Music Factory Recording.

Photographer: Teddy Lee.XXL (Magazine) (p.106) - "EPMD manage to keep it funky with their dusty beats and fresh rhymes on WE MEAN BUSINESS. It's apparent that, even after two decades, the rap veterans still have something left to offer."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.109) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]hey still have a winning way with their slouching, filthy funk..."
Clash (magazine) (p.108) - "They have been through a lot in their career but have proved they are as relevant and vital as on their debut. The title says it all."