BLACKOUT THROWBACK: EPMD’S ‘Business as Usual’ – 35 years of consistency

Author: Rasha Sensei

It has been exactly 35 years since Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith – better known as EPMD – delivered their third LP, “Business as Usual.” This album remains a cornerstone of the genre, setting a mandatory lesson in funk and flow. Blackout Hip Hop celebrates the anniversary of this classic, released on December 18, 1990.

By the time this record landed, EPMD had firmly established themselves in the heavyweight league. “Business as Usual” was the project that proved they were ready to secure their legacy. The album featured that classic, unmistakable Green-Eyed Bandit sound: Erick and P flowing effortlessly over the fattest, rawest samples the ’90s could offer. This is pure, unadulterated boom-bap that commands attention.

The album kicked off strong. “Rampage,” featuring LL Cool J, was a powerful statement—a collaboration between established leaders, uniting on a single track that exploded with energy. The entire LP is stacked with high-quality tracks, from “Gold Digger“, which provided a definitive narrative on complex relationships, to “Brothers on My Jock,” a strong piece about loyalty and partnership.

EPMD successfully bridged the gap between a rugged, street-level sound and commercial achievement without compromising their artistic integrity. The beats were heavy, the basslines were dirty, and there was no excess drama or gimmick—just pure, funky Hip Hop excellence.

“Business as Usual” is an essential piece of the Hip Hop encyclopedia. Thirty-five years later, it remains a testament to the power of consistency and authentic sound. Press ‘play’ and witness what it was like when the business was thriving.