On at the present time in Hip Hop historical past, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, higher often called EPMD, launched their groundbreaking debut album Strictly Enterprise by means of Sleeping Bag Information in 1988. The album marked the arrival of one in all rap’s most dynamic duos, combining funk-laced beats with laid-back but hard-hitting lyricism that will change into a blueprint for East Coast Hip Hop.
Strictly Enterprise was constructed on simplicity and groove, providing a refreshing break from the extra politically charged or fast-paced rap kinds that dominated the period. Fueled by the success of its title monitor, the album peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 and No. 22 on the High R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, stable achievements for a debut from two MCs out of Lengthy Island.
The LP’s standout tracks embody “You Gots to Chill,” “I’m Housin,” “Let the Funk Move,” and naturally the title monitor “Strictly Enterprise.” The album was a sonic playground of expertly flipped samples, from Zapp’s “Extra Bounce to the Ounce” to Eric Clapton’s rendition of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” EPMD’s sound was each rugged and funky, pioneering a lane that closely influenced the boom-bap period that adopted.
Critics initially gave Strictly Enterprise blended opinions, however over time, it’s earned basic standing. The duo’s intelligent wordplay, comedic allure, and simple chemistry helped them carve out a singular area in Hip Hop. The album went on to be licensed Gold by the RIAA inside months of its launch and has since been hailed as one of many best Hip Hop debuts of all time.
Greater than three a long time later, Strictly Enterprise stays a foundational piece of Hip Hop historical past—important listening for followers of the style’s golden period. Salute to EPMD for dropping the enterprise information and funk in equal measure.