Out Of Business

07/20/1999 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
Jon Wallace

They have been in the business for over 10 years and have an impressive string of hits that has brought them worldwide acclaim and fame. Now Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith have released their sixth album that may very well be their last album together.

If this is to be EPMD's swan song (and we really hope it's not) this is a bad way to leave us. Sermon and Smith are in rare form as they present everything fans expect the brothers from Brentwood, Long Island to deliver: deep Zapp & Roger-type funk and addicting, underground lyrics. Check out cuts like "Check 1,2" and "Pioneers" for proof. Sermon and Smith trade flows as effortlessly and beautifully as ever and show that they haven't lost it over the years. With most of the production by the Sermon the "Green-Eyed Bandit" himself, speakers will be working overtime.

The album's hottest song is "Symphony 2000" with Method Man, Redman, and newcomer Lady Luck, who holds her own in the company of these all-stars. And if that isn't enough, they even brought back their comedic tales of the super-groupie Jane. This sixth album keeps their record intact.