Strictly Business
EPMD · 1988
45 min · 10 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
A vibrant mix of funk-infused beats and sharp lyricism that laid the groundwork for East Coast hip-hop's evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Gots to Chill — This track showcases EPMD's signature blend of catchy hooks and clever wordplay, making it one of their most recognizable songs. Its infectious groove reflects the duo's ability to fuse funk rhythms with rap seamlessly.
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Jane — A standout cut that humorously narrates a series of romantic escapades while employing a playful tone, representing the lighter side of their lyricism. The storytelling aspect resonates well with listeners, displaying their unique charm.
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Let the Funk Flow — This track exemplifies the album's funk influences through its lively beat and engaging flow, showcasing EPMD's mastery of rhythm. Its carefree vibe encourages listeners to embrace the danceable aspects of hip-hop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong sampling and lyrical interplay, establishing a distinctive sound for East Coast hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of funk samples, particularly in the bass lines and drum patterns, creating a groove that drives each track.
- Each song typically includes call-and-response structures between the two MCs, enhancing the dynamic interplay of their verses.
- Several tracks incorporate skits or interludes that provide context or humor, breaking up the flow while maintaining thematic coherence.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 grooves for socializing
- vibrant beats for energetic vibes
- head-nodding flow throughout
- sharp lyricism with playful wit
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, introspective tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1988, Strictly Business was EPMD's debut album, marking their entrance into the hip-hop scene after forming a partnership in 1987. The album came at a time when the duo was establishing their distinctive sound characterized by playful yet incisive lyrics over infectious grooves.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Eric B. & Rakim· Gang Starr· A Tribe Called Quest
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Gots to Chill
The moment shifts from playful banter to a confident assertion about their skills, emphasizing their command over both lyrics and flow.
This transition not only reinforces their self-assuredness but also establishes a rhythmic complexity that elevates the overall energy of the track.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Strictly Business 4:47
- 2 I’m Housin’ 4:01
- 3 Let the Funk Flow 4:16
- 4 You Gots to Chill 4:26
- 5 It’s My Thang 5:45
- 6 You’re a Customer 5:28
- 7 The Steve Martin 4:44
- 8 Get Off the Bandwagon 4:25
- 9 D.J. K la Boss 4:31
- 10 Jane 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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