Release Date: 1988
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: EPMD. Erick and Parrish Making Dollars. These guys were popular when I was in high school. Well-liked, but always seems to be overshadowed by some other act (LL, The Beasties, NWA, Run DMC.) Let’s put it on… The opening track “Strictly Business” samples “I Shot The Sheriff” and, not surprisingly, these guys get down to business. These guys come across as no frills, workmanlike, solid, but that’s probably because they rap in such a low-key style, like they were just talking to you on the phone or something. Not to mention, NO GUEST STARS OR SKITS. NONE. Sure, there’s lots of now-overused 1988-trendy samples like Zapp’s “More Bounce to the Ounce” and Kool & The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie,” but, these two they really are about how well both voices work well together: Erick with his marble-mouth style, Parrish with his dry almost Slick Rick-esque delivery. They allow themself one sex goof track “Jane” and a weird track about a new dance “The Steve Martin” but most of the album, it’s Strictly Business about how awesome they are as MCs. This narrow focus works in their favor, as this album has aged surprisingly well for a ’80s hip-hop album and is still a solid listen from end-to-end.

Starred Songs: “Let The Funk Flow” “You Gots To Chill”
Sneaky Track: “It’s My Thing”
Should this album be on the list? Yes.

Will you listen to this again? Sure.
Verdict: Late ’80s, no-nonsense hip-hop from two guys who pioneered an easygoing, listenable delivery-style.
Rating:  ★★★ 3/4