What makes Business as Usual by EPMD notable?

The album peaked at number 43 on the Billboard 200 and has been praised for its influence on the hip-hop genre, particularly for its production techniques. It received critical acclaim from various outlets, solidifying EPMD's status as pioneers in the East Coast hip-hop scene during a transformative era. Released on December 18, 1990, 'Business as Usual' is EPMD's third album, following their successful sophomore effort 'Unfinished Business'. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their reputation in hip-hop, balancing commercial success with their signature style of clever wordplay and storytelling.

Who is Business as Usual for?

Business as Usual works well if you're into steady flow with lyrical confidence, engaging rhythms for active listening and party-ready tracks for group vibes.

How many songs are on Business as Usual?

Business as Usual has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Business as Usual

EPMD · 1990

51 min · 14 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

A confident blend of sharp lyricism and smooth funk-infused beats that define East Coast hip-hop's golden age.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hardcore — This track exemplifies EPMD's distinctive sound, combining hard-hitting beats with assertive lyrics that capture the essence of urban life and street culture.
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Gold Digger — With its unforgettable chorus and infectious groove, this track discusses themes of relationships and materialism while showcasing EPMD's playful yet incisive lyrical style.
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Rap Is Outta Control — This song serves as a manifesto for the group's approach to hip-hop, addressing authenticity and artistic integrity while highlighting their unique sound and delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and lyrical interplay, characteristic of its era in East Coast hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of funk samples layered with crisp drum patterns, creating a groove that drives each track.
The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the latter half introduces more reflective themes and varied tempos.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow with lyrical confidence
engaging rhythms for active listening
party-ready tracks for group vibes
smooth beats for background enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification tracks
dislike consistent pacing and flow

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on December 18, 1990, 'Business as Usual' is EPMD's third album, following their successful sophomore effort 'Unfinished Business'. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their reputation in hip-hop, balancing commercial success with their signature style of clever wordplay and storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: Eric B. & Rakim· Gang Starr· A Tribe Called Quest

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I’m Mad 3:41
2 Hardcore 4:31
3 Rampage 3:51
4 Manslaughter 4:38
5 Jane 3 2:36
6 For My People 3:03
7 Mr. Bozack 2:45
8 Gold Digger 5:11
9 Give the People 3:36
10 Rap Is Outta Control 3:08
11 Brothers on My Jock 4:09
12 Underground 3:20
13 Hit Squad Heist 2:25
14 Funky Piano 4:25

What to play next

Listen next

Business Never Personal

1992

Go back to

Unfinished Business

1989

Full EPMD discography Artists like EPMD

East Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata