The point is, I respect the funky diabetic so much, that I bought the group's debut album. I realize you didn't ask how I came to buy this album, but what the hell, this is an intro and I can do whatever the fuck I want. Time for the track by track review of, Strictly Business. (applause)
1.Strictly Business
This album jumps off to a quick start (unlike most rap albums) and the instrumental and Bob Marley sample get you off your feet immediately. The two mcs go back and fourth over this dope instrumental, which by the way sounds nothing like a traditional 80's beat, but actually something that could get rotation. You can spot PMD as the mc who flows more easily,and has a deeper voice, but both rappers are up to par in this opening banger
2. I'm Housin'
Here we have another funky beat, with both rappers flowing over it very easily. One thing to point out about this album is that all production was handled by EPMD, as well as the rapping, which is an impressive feat. What really stands out to me on this track is PMD's rhyming, which is excellent to say the least. And just like that we have two incredibly dope tracks to start off this classic.
3.Let the Funk Flow
Now this song could not be more aptly titled, because this shit is funky as fuck. You can obviously heae the jazz and funk influences in the beat, and it makes for one dope sound. You really get mesmerized by this track, and kind of just fall into the song forgetting all the worries that life has brought to you. The two rappers have such a smooth melodic style to their rhymes, and you might end up listening to this song thirty times on a loop without noticing any time has elapsed.
4. You Gots to Chill
Once again we have a sick, funky beat, with a nice Jungle Boogie sample that sounds dope. The contrast of Erick and Parrish is what makes the rhyming so special. This is the type of music you ride to, and makes for a really good listen. Any one not familiar with EPMD should listen to this song as a good sample of the great music this duo puts out.
5. It's My Thing
This beat is a slightly slower tempo than the others, which is no problem, because it still sounds amazing. I hate repeating myself, but once again both rappers fucking kill the track, and ride it with ease that I have never heard from another artist. Believe me all five tracks have been classics.
6. You're a Customer
This song has a similar style to all of the other tracks, funky beat, smooth combination of rhymes from Erick and Parrish, but the thing is, this is such a unique sound that it is fresh enough not to grow old. I hate to be a broken record, but this is fucking awesome.
7. The Steve Martin
I don't know why they call this dance the Steve Martin, but it is hilarious. The dad from Cheaper by the Dozen gets a shout out from a classic hip hop duo. Aside from the hilarity I find in that, the instrumental on this track could make a paralyzed man get up and dance. The rhyming isn't as prevalent on this track, but the beat is worth replaying this song a hundred times.
8. Get Off the Bandwagon
This beat isn't as easy going and chill as the rest, but rather in the faces of all those bitches who are on the bandwagon. From a rhyming standpoint you can tell that EPMD is ready to go at any bitch ass rapper, and it is awesome. I may have said this earlier in the album, but this is my favorite track on the album. If you are a fan of in your face lyricism then this is your track.
9. D.J. K La Boss
This may be the only track on the album that you won't want to hear time and time again. That being said it is only a DJ cut, but a dope one at that. This has very high replay value for what it is, but if you aren't huge on instrumentals, this won't be your cup of tea.
10. Jane
I wonder if in 1988 EPMD knew what they had started with this track. For the pure novelty this track is a must listen. For those who don't know, every album of theirs has a song that includes Jane in the title. This is a really cool way to end the album, and history aside this is a great track.
Rating: 5/5
This is the first solo review I have done that has recieved five stars, but there isn't a more deserving album in hip-hop. I love every song on this album and recommend a buy at all costs. Do whatever it takes to get your hands on a copy of this album. Betray your friends and family, push an old lady down a flight of escalators, hell, steal from your mothers purse if you need to. Buy 4 copies, one for yourself, one for each parent, and one for someone you truly love. This is a downright classic that you won't regret listening to.