Erick Sermon, Parrish Smith
Though EPMD's hardcore style influenced the urban-oriented gangsta '90s, Erick Sermon (aka E Double E; b. November 25, 1968) and Parrish Smith (aka Pee MD; b. May 13, 1968) were both raised in the Long Island suburb of Brentwood. They moved into rap separately, with Smith DJing for Rock Squad on a single for Tommy Boy. After coming together in 1987 (naming themselves EPMD, short for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars") the duo recorded their debut "It's My Thing" in three hours. The single was later licensed to Chrysalis, and EPMD signed to Sleeping Bag/Fresh Records for debut album Strictly Business. Propelled by several strong singles ("You Gots to Chill," the title track), the album eventually went gold, as did 1989's follow-up, Unfinished Business. Signed to Def Jam by the beginning of the '90s, EPMD returned in 1990 with Business As Usual and Business Never Personal two years later. By 1992, they presided over an extended family dubbed the Hit Squad, including Redman, K-Solo, and Das EFX. The duo split later that year, however, prompting solo careers for each; Sermon debuted in 1993 with No Pressure, and Smith made his statement on 1994's Shade Business. The duo re-formed EPMD in 1997, recording a strong comeback LP, Back in Business. Out of Business followed in 1999. After the release of that album though, a long hiatus would follow - even longer than the hiatus during their split between 1992-97. In late 2008, they finally re-united and released We Mean Business.
Sound Files (MP3)
You Gots To Chill - from the album Strictly Business
