15. Give The People (1990)

“As airwaves collapse rap shows at a standstill / Some racial circuits the frequencies can’t handle / The funk tracks produced by EPMD / But it’s a fat jam, that will never win a grammy / Unless we sellout and kill the black movement dead / Which means swallow our pride and become flunkies instead…” 

“Give The People” reflects EPMD at a moment when their sound was fully dialed in—unbothered, assured, and tuned into the pulse of early ‘90s Hip Hop. Off Business As Usual, the track rides a thick groove with slow-burn funk, giving Erick and Parrish the space to weigh in on the industry’s growing compromises. Their verses push back against commercial pressure without coming off preachy, and the tone stays cool-headed throughout. The chemistry is sharp, the beat knocks without overreaching, and the message lands with clarity. It’s the kind of track that speaks plainly, and that’s exactly why it hits.

14. Never Seen Before (1997)

“OK f*** it, enough with the tight sh**, grab the mic quick / Hollywood n****s, put it down spit some hype sh** / EPMD Erick and Parrish, Makin Dollars / With the rap scholars keep the show packed like funeral parlors…” 

“Never Seen Before” finds EPMD reentering the game in 1997 with the confidence of vets who never lost a step. Off Back in Business, their reunion project, the track thrives on sparse, rugged production built around a hypnotic loop and hard drums that leave plenty of room for Erick and Parrish to trade off slick, unfazed verses. There’s no reinventing the wheel here—just two seasoned MCs reasserting their presence with grit and precision. It’s the kind of track that thrives on its simplicity: sharp bars, a no-frills beat, and a mood that lets you know EPMD never really left.

13. Let The Funk Flow (1988)

“Relax while I tax, or you can just max / It really doesn’t matter, just stay the hell back / Poppin much junk, now the time has arose-n / I pick your card and your name has been chosen…” 

EPMD’s “Let The Funk Flow,” from their classic 1988 debut Strictly Business, unleashes a raw, funky groove that became a blueprint for Hip Hop. The production’s tight drums and buoyant bass create an irresistible vibe, letting their lyrical chemistry shine. This track, a defining piece of EPMD’s discography, captures their ability to craft infectious, no-frills bangers that shine with street savvy and finesse. Its enduring influence underscores the duo’s pivotal role in shaping Hip Hop’s early sound, delivering pure funk-driven excellence.

12. Gold Digger (1990)

“That’s why men in the ’90s must watch themselves / Cause ladies of the ’80s got hip and went for self…”

With “Gold Digger,” EPMD crafted a witty cautionary narrative about materialistic women, one of Hip Hop’s earliest dives into the theme. Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon trade verses that cut deep, blending sharp lyricism with their Long Island cool to expose greed with a knowing smirk. The beat, a slick fusion of funky bass and tight drums, hooks you fast, its groove carrying the duo’s clever storytelling without overpowering it.

EPMD’s chemistry sparks here, their back-and-forth flows weaving a tale that’s street-smart and universally relatable. The production’s clean, sample-heavy vibe lets their rhymes breathe, creating a track that resonates in their discography. By tackling relationships with incisive humor, “Gold Digger” captures the duo’s flair for blending social insight with infectious beats, making it a resonant piece of their legacy that still bangs.

11. Richter Scale (1997)

 “Rap terror terror, EPMD, a new era / Off the Richter scale, blowin hotter than ever…” 

“Richter Scale,” a single from Back In Business, ignites with a fierce, funky energy that marks the duo’s triumphant return. The production, driven by heavy bass and sharp snares, crafts a relentless beat that grabs listeners instantly. The duo spit incisive verses, their flows brimming with renewed hunger and tight chemistry, delivering clever rhymes. The track’s raw, infectious groove captures EPMD’s ability to evolve while staying true to their funk-rooted sound.

“Richter Scale” remains a highlight in EPMD’s discography, reflecting their skill in crafting high-energy cuts that hit hard. This song channels the duo’s enduring creativity, blending street-wise lyricism with a head-nodding rhythm that electrifies, making it a dope addition to their legacy.

10. You’re A Customer (1988)

“I have the capability to rap and chill / Cold wax and tax MC’s who tend to act ill…” 

“You’re A Customer” delivers the duo’s signature flair with a sample-driven, funky beat that hooks from the start. Anchored by crisp drums and a buoyant bassline, the production creates an infectious groove that perfectly frames Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon’s lyrical prowess. Their verses flow with effortless swagger, weaving clever wordplay that captures EPMD’s laid-back yet commanding presence. The track’s energy reflects their Long Island roots, blending street savvy with a polished edge.

The song’s sample-heavy sound, a hallmark of EPMD’s early work, elevates its catchy rhythm, allowing the duo’s dynamic interplay to shine. Without relying on gimmicks, “You’re A Customer” embodies the duo’s ability to craft tracks that resonate with finesse. This cut thrives in EPMD’s discography, a strong example of their skill in merging funky production with dope rhymes, delivering pure Hip Hop excellence that continues to captivate.

9. Strictly Snappin' Necks (1989)

“Hurry hurry and step right up / The best show on earth, EPMD yea word up”

“Strictly Snappin’ Necks” hits with that heavy-footed swing EPMD perfected in the late ’80s—rugged drums, thick basslines, and a stripped-down funk loop that doesn’t overcomplicate the formula. The duo leans into their signature style: calm, almost conversational delivery that still carries weight. There’s an ease in how they trade verses, but nothing about the performance feels relaxed. It’s that low-effort cool, where their confidence rides above the beat without needing to shout or posture.

The track’s appeal lies in its economy—every bar, every loop, every snare lands with purpose. No filler. No gloss. Just two emcees in full control of their sound, locking into a groove that feels lived-in. It’s hard, without relying on theatrics. “Strictly Snappin’ Necks” doesn’t overreach—it stomps forward with purpose, reflecting the sound of two artists who knew exactly how to command attention while keeping things stripped to the essentials. A no-frills banger that still hits hard.

8. Crossover (1992)

“Let’s get up, let’s get down / Roll with the hardcore funk, the hardcore sound / Let’s get wit this, mackadocious funk material / So simple, when I rock wit the instrumental…” 

“Crossover,” the lead single Business Never Personal, lands a fierce jab at pop rappers and sell-outs. Anchored by a sleek, funk-infused beat, the track blends tight drums with a fluid bassline, crafting a groove that grabs instantly. The duo spit biting verses, their flows dripping with contempt for mainstream chasers.

The production’s crisp yet gritty edge lifts the duo’s intense delivery, creating a powerful cut that resonates in their discography. “Crossover” channels EPMD’s resistance to industry fads, delivering a banger that thrives on its clever wordplay and relentless energy. Ironically, this anti-pop anthem became one of EPMD’s biggest commercial hits.

7. Get Off The Bandwagon (1988)

 “MC’s, get off the bandwagon / I’m not bragging, but tagging / And snagging the biter that tries to imitate / Time to go on strike and demonstrate…” 

“Get Off The Bandwagon,” from Strictly Business, radiates raw, old-school swagger with a bass-heavy groove that grabs you instantly. The production, a lean, funky creation, blends booming lows with sharp snares, crafting an infectious, no-frills beat that embodies early Hip Hop’s grit.

With its stripped-down sound, the song channels EPMD’s Long Island roots, carving out their unique space in a crowded rap landscape. The production’s emphasis on bass over flash lets the duo’s lyrical chemistry shine, creating a timeless anthem that feels as fresh today as it did in ‘88. “Get Off The Bandwagon” is a powerful cut in EPMD’s catalog, embodying their ability to craft enduring, head-nodding bangers with attitude and authentic street flavor.

6. Headbanger ft Redman & K-Solo (1992)

“Ka-rank the boombox as my sound knock from blocks / As I chill, and bust grills you take snapshots…”

“Headbanger,” featuring Redman and K-Solo, from Business Never Personal, surges with ferocious energy, amplifying the duo’s Hit Squad legacy. The menacing beat blends thumping drums with a gritty, funk-drenched bassline that drives the track’s intensity. Parrish Smith and Sermon spit tight, authoritative verses, their interplay razor-sharp, but Redman’s guest verse—self-ranked among his top 20—ignites the song with scorching lines. K-Solo’s raw, forceful bars add further heat, creating a high-octane collab.

Sermon’s lean production amplifies the track’s relentless momentum, allowing each MC’s personality to shine. The song captures EPMD’s knack for elevating emerging talent while staying true to their funky, street-savvy roots. Redman’s electrifying performance, paired with the duo’s commanding presence, makes “Headbanger” a standout, embodying the chaotic, creative spirit of the Hit Squad. It’s a thrilling high point in their catalog, driven by its fierce bars and infectious, head-nodding groove.

5. Rampage ft LL Cool J (1990)

“So pick up a pen, cop a squat, and take note / A rapper suffered from bleedin’, sprains and slit throats / Cause my style, deadly psychopath schizophrenic / A rapper choke like a carburetor, freeze up and panic…”

“Rampage,” featuring LL Cool J, from Business As Usual, pulses with an infectious energy that highlights the duo’s knack for star-studded collaborations. Erick Sermon’s production crafts a vibrant, sample-driven beat, blending funky guitar riffs and thumping drums that create a lively backdrop. Parrish Smith and Sermon deliver sharp, confident verses, their interplay crisp and commanding, but LL Cool J steals the spotlight with a blistering guest verse—arguably his finest as a feature.

“Rampage” thrives on its high-octane synergy, merging EPMD’s laid-back style with LL’s explosive charisma. The track’s dynamic flow and catchy rhythm make it a standout, capturing the duo’s ability to elevate their sound through bold partnerships. This collaboration underscores EPMD’s influence in bridging golden-era grit with mainstream appeal, delivering a track that remains a highlight in their catalog for its fiery bars and undeniable groove.

4. The Big Payback (1989)

“Open Sesame, and let down the main gate / Before you scream EPMD, you should wait / I roll with a posse, can you try to stop me / Also yo, your brothers tried to pop me / On the sneak tip, without me knowin / So I keep goin, and my rhymes keep flowin / On and on, and I don’t quit / I get pushed to the limit, and yo that’s it…”

“The Big Payback,” a standout from Unfinished Business, electrifies with its masterful use of a James Brown loop, embodying the duo’s knack for crafting funk-infused bangers. Erick Sermon’s production transforms the gritty, soulful sample into a driving beat, with booming bass and crisp drums that demand attention. Parrish Smith and Sermon trade verses with a relaxed menace, their flows weaving sharp wordplay and sly bravado, as lines like “I’m paid in full, never been a slacker” flex their lyrical muscle. The track’s raw energy and seamless chemistry make it a high point of EPMD’s sophomore effort.

Sermon’s minimalist approach lets the funk loop breathe, amplifying the song’s infectious groove. This track exemplifies EPMD’s ability to elevate classic samples into fresh, timeless cuts. “The Big Payback” captures the essence of Unfinished Business’s fearless creativity, earning its spot among our top EPMD tracks for its dynamic, soulful punch.

3. Strictly Business (1988)

“At my point of attack I soar at you like an eagle / I’m the sheriff and bitin is illegal / So when I’m in town, I highly recommend this / You gots to chill, because I’m Strictly Business…” 

“Strictly Business,” the title track from EPMD’s 1988 debut album, ignites the duo’s legacy with a magnetic opener that defines their funk-driven sound. Erick Sermon’s production genius shines, flipping Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” into a booming, instantly recognizable hook that pulses with gritty energy. Layered with a thumping bassline and sharp snares, the beat creates an irresistible groove, perfectly framing Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith’s laid-back but commanding flows. Their back-and-forth rhymes, delivered with cool confidence, set the tone for the album’s bold, unapologetic vibe.

This track captures EPMD’s knack for transforming classic samples into fresh Hip Hop anthems, a skill that made their debut a landmark. Sermon’s sparse, funky production leaves room for Parrish’s authoritative bars to hit hard, their chemistry elevating the song into a timeless banger.

A standout in EPMD’s catalog, “Strictly Business” remains a defining moment of their debut, embodying the album’s innovative spirit. Its infectious hook and effortless swagger sparked the duo’s influence on the golden era. This track is a masterclass in opening strong, earning its place among our top EPMD picks for its bold introduction to a game-changing group and album.

2. So Whatcha Sayin' (1989)

“The employees of the year, yeah we’re back to work / I took time off, while other rappers got jerked / Due to the fact they wack and their track / Have to go back and stack cause they lack / The ingredients EPMD and scratch for that…” 

“So Whatcha Sayin’,” the electrifying opener from Unfinished Business, sets an impeccable vibe for the duo’s funk-fueled journey. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith nail the art of picking an album’s lead track, delivering a high-energy banger that primes listeners for the album’s relentless groove. Sermon’s production pulses with a gritty, sample-driven beat, weaving James Brown’s “Funky President” into a head-bobbing rhythm that crackles with raw intensity. The duo’s signature interplay shines, their relaxed but sharp rhymes bouncing effortlessly over the track’s infectious bounce.

Parrish’s commanding bars, paired with Erick’s sly delivery, radiate confidence. The song’s dynamic flow and tight chemistry capture EPMD at their peak, building on the groundwork laid by Strictly Business while pushing their sound forward.

Compared to the foundational cool of other EPMD tracks, “So Whatcha Sayin’” thrives on its bold, in-your-face attitude, making it a standout for its role in defining Unfinished Business’s swagger. Sermon’s knack for flipping obscure funk into gold, combined with the duo’s lyrical precision, creates a timeless EPMD joint. A monument in their catalog, this song underscores their mastery of crafting openers that grab you and don’t let go, earning its spot among our top picks for its electrifying kickoff to a classic album.

1. You Gots To Chill (1988)

“Relax your mind, let your conscience be free / And get down to the sounds of EPMD…” 

“You Gots To Chill,” from EPMD’s 1988 debut Strictly Business, is the definitive anthem that launched Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith into Hip Hop’s stratosphere. This track encapsulates their signature vibe: a seamless blend of laid-back rhymes and funk-soaked production that feels as fresh today as it did over three decades ago. Sermon’s beat, built on a hypnotic sample from Zapp’s “More Bounce to the Ounce” and Kool & the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie,” pulses with a head-nodding groove, its rubbery bassline and crisp snares setting a perfect canvas for the duo’s effortless chemistry.

Erick and Parrish trade verses with a cool, conversational flow, their back-and-forth delivery exuding confidence without aggression. Lines like “Relax your mind, let your conscience be free” capture their chill ethos, urging listeners to vibe out while subtly flexing their lyrical prowess. The track’s simplicity is its strength—Sermon’s production avoids clutter, letting the funk breathe, while Smith’s commanding tone anchors the song’s swagger.

“You Gots To Chill” provided a blueprint for EPMD’s sound, influencing countless producers and MCs who chased its funky minimalism. Compared to later hits, it’s rawer, more foundational, embodying the duo’s Long Island roots and their knack for turning obscure samples into timeless bangers. This track is an important piece of Hip Hop’s golden era, a reminder of EPMD’s role as pioneers who made laid-back cool a genre-defining trait. It’s a must-play for any crate-digger or fan, and our top pick here for its enduring, effortless brilliance.