Few groups arrive as fully formed as EPMD did. This dropped as the third single from the album of the same name, and further cemented their distinctive aesthetic: Slow rhyming, trading lines rather than the rappers being confined to their own verses, and backings that were ruthlessly funky and simple at the same time.They'd go on to be labelmates with Public Enemy when Def Jam picked up their contract in 1990, and to compare and contrast the two is illuminating. While PE at that time were making waves with the Bomb Squad's breathless, kitchen sink approach to production, EPMD were equally adored for taking the opposite approach. Here, there's a sprinkle of drums from Kool & The Gang's oft-sampled 'Jungle Boogie', paired with a very recognisable portion of Eric Clapton's 'I Shot the Sheriff'. And that's pretty much it - the two samples are linked, looped and left to their own devices. Such was Erick and Parrish's confidence in their own rhyming ability and strong voices, no further embellishment was needed. That confidence extends to the subject matter. While their debut album and later projects were heavy with concepts - the 'Jane' series - and notable guest verses, this was the third straight single of pure brag rap. Two MC's, one beat, a whole heap of lyrics about how good they were. It's something you can't do unless you truly are special, and this duo most certainly were.Paired with the classic instrumental version, which didn't make it to the US 7" releases - it's only on a hard-to-track-down French 7" pressing from 1989 - this this is a timely reminder of how breathtakingly perfect hip-hop can be.
Release date:
January 21, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Yusuf/Cat Stevens Mona Bone Jakon
A&M
July 11, 2025 -
Simple Minds Once Upon A Time
A&M
October 17, 2025 -
Marissa Nadler New Radiations
Sacred Bones
August 15, 2025 -
Dropkick Murphys For the People [2xLP]
Play It Again Sam
October 10, 2025 -
Black Honey Cult Black Honey Cult
Heavy Psych Sounds
July 4, 2025 -
The Wildmans Longetime Friend (Coke Bottle Clear)
New West Records
July 11, 2025 -
Rage A New World Rising [25xLP]
Steamhammer
September 26, 2025 -
GoGo Penguin Necessary Fictions [2xLP]
Masterworks
July 11, 2025 -
Manslaughter 777 God's World
Thrill Jockey
July 25, 2025 -
Penny & the Pits Liquid Compactor
Forward Music Group
July 4, 2025 -
Seedbed Stalemate (Topaz Smoke)
Tiny Engines
July 25, 2025 -
Kingfishr Halcyon
Atlantic
August 22, 2025 -
Ruston Kelly Pale, Through the Window (Deco Green; Signed Insert)
Rounder
September 12, 2025 -
Waylon Jennings Songbird
Son of Jessi
October 3, 2025