Additional personnel: Redman, Das EFX, Keith Murray, Nocturnal, Darryl Trotter (vocals); D.J. Scratch (DJ).
Producers: Erick Sermon, Parrish Smith, D. J. Scratch.
Engineers: Ivan Rodriguez, Tommy Uzzo, Tom Ciante.
Recorded at Mirror Image, Long Island, New York and Soundtrack Recording Studios, New York, New York.
BACK IN BUSINESS reunites rap superstars Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, better known as EPMD (Erick & Parrish Makin' Dollars). After delivering mediocre solo projects and hearing many critics and fans beg for their reunion, the two MCs have put aside their differences and realized that their contribution to hip hop is better served as a duo. Now veterans, EPMD return to a much-changed hip-hop scene and prove that they are still one of the best hard-core rap acts around.
Like most other EPMD albums, their fifth takes care of business as usual. The beat are supplied by Erick & Parrish themselves, and there are visits from both Hit Squad (Das EFX) and Def Squad (Keith Murray, Redman) members. For old school fans, "Jane 5" continues the "Jane" series of songs, and "You Gots To Chill '97" is the old EPMD favorite with new lyrics, and new cuts like "Never Seen Before" and "Richter Scale" also have that classic EPMD feel.
Professional Reviews
Vibe (11/97, p.148) - "...BACK IN BUSINESS, the twosome's highly anticipated reunion album, should be irresistible to nostalgic hip hoppers pst the double-decade mark....EPMD have always been about Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, and...should get the checks flowing again."
The Source (10/97, p.173) - 4 Mics (out of 5) - "...EPMD is back in the house....BACK IN BUSINESS, the long-awaited return of these two rap legends trying to compete in this current chaotic rap scene....EPMD have proven that their music can still harmoniously exist in today's cash-still-rules-everything-around-me rap era..."
Rap Pages (11/97, p.109) - "...There's something mystical and extremely unique about Erick and Parrish's chemistry....BACK IN BUSINESS...is a solidly tight album..."
