Unfinished Business
EPMD · 1989
57 min · 12 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
Dynamic beats and sharp lyrical exchanges create an infectious energy that defines classic East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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So Wat Cha Sayin’ — The album opener showcases EPMD's signature call-and-response style, setting a confident tone with its catchy hook and playful lyricism.
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Get the Bozack — This track features clever wordplay and an infectious beat, exemplifying EPMD's ability to blend humor with hard-hitting rap.
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It Wasn’t Me, It Was the Fame — Closing out the album, this track reflects on the pitfalls of fame while maintaining a laid-back groove that contrasts with its serious theme.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dynamic beats and sharp lyrical exchanges create a classic East Coast hip-hop sound that remains engaging.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of dynamic beats that shift between tracks, creating a varied yet cohesive sound throughout.
- Lyrical exchanges between the two main vocalists are sharp and often involve call-and-response patterns, enhancing the energy of the tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from funk and soul music, which are layered under the rapping to create a rich sonic texture.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 mid-tempo party vibe
- infectious energy for gatherings
- sharp lyrical exchanges to engage
- for nostalgic listening
- consistent flow throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Unfinished Business is EPMD's second album, coming just a year after their successful debut, Strictly Business. This release solidified their presence in the hip-hop scene and showcased their evolving sound and lyrical prowess during a pivotal time in their career.
- 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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Please Listen to My Demo
The bridge directly addresses the industry gatekeepers, pushing for recognition while cleverly critiquing the music business.
By breaking the fourth wall, the track not only personalizes their struggle but also highlights the disconnect between artists and industry executives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 So Wat Cha Sayin’ 4:57
- 2 Total Kaos 4:33
- 3 Get the Bozack 4:11
- 4 Jane II 3:33
- 5 Please Listen to My Demo 3:01
- 6 It’s Time 2 Party 4:36
- 7 Who’s Booty 4:17
- 8 The Big Payback 4:50
- 9 Strictly Snappin’ Necks 4:29
- 10 Knick Knack Patty Wack 4:55
- 11 You Had Too Much to Drink 7:20
- 12 It Wasn’t Me, It Was the Fame 6:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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