Strictly Business

by EPMD

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$10 USD or more
VIP membership

Join now to receive all the new music Def Squad releases, including 27 back-catalog items, delivered instantly to you via the Bandcamp app for iOS and Android. You’ll also get access to supporter-only exclusives. Learn more.

Join Now $25 USD/month or more

1.	Strictly Business 04:47	lyrics	buy track

2.	I'm Housin' 04:01	lyrics	buy track

3.	Let the Funk Flow 04:16	lyrics	buy track

4.	You Gots to Chill 04:26	lyrics	buy track

5.	It's My Thang 05:45	lyrics	buy track

6.	You're a Customer 05:28	lyrics	buy track

7.	The Steve Martin 04:44	lyrics	buy track

8.	Get off the Bandwagon 04:25	lyrics	buy track

9.	D.J. K la Boss 04:31		buy track
10.	Jane 02:59	lyrics	buy track

credits

released June 7, 1988

license

about

EPMD New York

shows

Apr 03

Exil

Zürich, Switzerland
Apr 04

O2 Forum Kentish Town

London, UK
Jun 06

Behind Kennedy Plaza Stage

Wichita, KS
Sep 16

Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld (CBE)

Cologne, Germany

contact / help

Contact EPMD

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

Track Name: Strictly Business: [Intro]
I shot the sheriff

("Don't get too close because you might get shot")

I shot the sheriff

[Verse 1: Erick Sermon]
Try to answer to the master or the MC rap God is no joke
On the lyric - it's hard to be modest
I knew I was the man with the master plan
To make you wiggle and jiggle, like gelatin
Just think while I sink, into the brain structure
(Don't sleep on the E) You see, somethin' might rupture
It don't take time for me to blow your mind
Take a second to wreck it because you're dumb and blind
So just lounge.. cause you're a MC clown
Go join the circus.. EPMD's in town

[Parrish Smith]
Total chaos -- no mass confusion
Rhymes so hypnotizin' known to cause an illusion
Like a magician.. who pulls a rabbit out a hat, son
I pull them all like a .44 Magnum
MC freeze stop look and listen, and try to imagine
It's travellin' the speed of light, but everything's motion
Is frightening.. plus the thought you alone
You now enter dimension, called the Twilight Zone
You're terrified.. plus you can't bear the thought
You and I one-on-one, in the Land of the Lost
You start to shiver.. but then you scream, my friend
Yo, wake up Muttley, because you're dreamin' again
But next time I'm on the scene, do not try to diss us
Keep your mouth shut sucker duck, because I'm Strictly Business

[Hook]
I shot the sheriff

[Erick Sermon]
This is the rap season.. where the E starts pleasin'
Girls around the world no need to be skeezin'
When I roll I stroll, cool always pack a tool
Just in case.. a brother acts a fool
I've got the energy, to put the girls in the frenzy
Put it in shock when I rock, give it up I'm not stingy
Make sure I don't bore when I'm on the dance floor..
(Get busy, boy) Like you never saw before
Rhyme flow.. good to go.. after the show.. I'll pull your ho, boy
Rhyme flow.. good to go.. after the show.. I'll pull your ho, boy
Rhyme flow.. good to go.. after the show.. I'll pull your ho, boy
Rhyme flow.. good to go.. after the show.. I'll pull your ho, boy
(Yo, you sniff blow?) .. Hell no!
I got my whole life ahead of me, no time to be sniffin'
And my parents find out, then they start riffin'
So I stay, a-okay, cause I'm the E.. the R-I-C-K

[Parrish Smith]
MC's look me in my face, then their eyes get weak
Pulse rate descends.. heart rate increases
It's like beam me up, Scotty, I control your body
I'm as deadly as AIDS when it's time to rock a party
And all due respect, when I say mic check
Let a sucker slide once -- then I break his neck
So when I say jump, you reply, "How high?"
Because I'm takin' no prisoners, so don't play hero and die
Cause you're a soldier.. and I'm a Green Beret
I do not think twice about the MC's I slay
So if you want to battle, I highly recommend this:
Bring your dog, mom, and dad.. because I'm Strictly Business

[Hook]
I shot the sheriff

[Erick Sermon]
Yo yo, you're still pickin' on that four-leaf clover?
Bring in the Sandman, sucker.. because it's over
My name is Erick Sermon and I'm back again
I see the heads still turnin' and my so-called friends
They smile in my face -- behind my back they talk trash
Mad and stuff -- because they don't have cash
Like the E-Double.. or the PMD
He drives a Corvette, I drive a Samurai Suzuki
I'm a locksmith.. with the key to fame
Never high on myself -- always stay the same
Play a lot because I'm hot, like a horse I trot
Around the track and back -- fatigued? No, I'm not

[Parrish Smith]
Well I'm the mellow, the fellow, the one who likes to say hello
To a fly girl that is good to go
With the slow tempo, and the off-beat rhyme flow
Cause when I am in action, there is no time for maxin'
Or relaxin' -- just subtractin' and reactin'
On a sucker MC who mouth keeps on yappin' and flappin'
I lose my cool, then I'll start slappin' and smackin'
You wanna roll? Then Albee start jackin' and cappin'
No time to lounge, I'm packin' and strappin'
At my point of attack I soar at you like an eagle
I'm the sheriff, and bitin' is illegal
So when I'm in town, I highly recommend this
You gots to chill, because I'm Strictly Business
Track Name: I'm Housin': [Parrish Smith]
Coolin' on the scene like a horse in a stable
A brother got ill and tried to snatch a fat cable
I stepped back, like it wasn't no thing
Punched him in the jaw with the fat gold ring
I had an ace in the hole when it came to that
(Yo P you was packin'?) You know I'm strapped
Posse kept rollin' it was hard to get with 'em
So I stepped back, and unbuttoned my Lee denim
They kept coming, just like I figured
So I stepped back, and started sprayin' niggas

[Erick Sermon]
What a way to go out, out like a sucker
But I'm on track, like a Long Island train conductor
That can head on a mission, suckers who be dissing
Always on my jock like a snake always hissing
Grabbing and tapping me like Luther Vandross
Take me to the bar for the drink and make a toast
Givin' best wishes to the best MC
The E the D-O-U-B-L-E
Because I'm housin'

[Parrish Smith]
Coolin at a party, no better yet disco
Head feelin mellow from a bottle of Cisco
Move
To crush and fry a sucker MC like crisco
Every chance I get, I try to kill
That's one less sucker new jack, who tried to act ill
I keep the place jumpin' 'til the party's through
Whether it's disco, hardcore, or rhythm and blues
Take off your coat, won't you stay a while
Check out the voice that is smooth and mild
It's like Wheel of Fortune, go on for big money
Come cold rock the party, and leave with your honey

[Erick Sermon]
Gimme the cue, check one two
Don't try to come off on me, because you doo-doo
Treatin me the E Doubl-E, like a stepchild
Well let me tell you homeboy you're livin' foul
MCs, you know who you are
(On the bandwagon) Why P? (Cause you a star)
This is the year that when the joker's are wild
When a fag can't hack it and try to bite the style
I get hip to the scheme, before it happens
If it gets wild, then I start cappin'
But for now, since everything's calm
Relate to the matter as I drop the bomb
As I proceed to rock, the girls are clockin'
Some brothers act hard but the rest are jockin'
Because I'm housin'

[Parrish Smith]
I come on strong, like a bodybuilder
Cast a spell upon a sucker, like witch Matilda
Deliver a rhyme like Federal Express
My intention's not to dis, but impress
For ladies and gents, who money was spent
To see the E-P-Double-E-M-D (yes the main event)
In concert... not worried bout oohs and boos (because we do work)
To make your body jerk
(To make your girl want to leave her man and start to flirt
With the P) Double-E MD Double E'n
I'm not skeezing, but pleasing
All party goers, also behind show-ers
Who like the not, fast slow flow of rhymes that form in my dome
Out the mouth, to the microphone
Because I'm housin'
Track Name: Let the Funk Flow: [Parrish Smith]
Relax while I tax, or you can just max
It really doesn't matter, just stay the hell back
Poppin much junk, now the time has arose-n
I pick your card and your name has been chosen
Not all about ?line-opin? or the stick up scene
"Let it flow!", you know what I mean
I'm the PMD, in the place to be
Clock rhymin and I lock ya, around the tick-tocker
Suckers steady clockin at the same time jockin
So a brother like MD takes a chill and lay low
Hypnotize your girl, while the funk flow

[Erick Sermon]
I got my girls to keep me pumpin, just like Getty
Use the same fuel as Mario Andretti
Kickin butt in the beginning all the way to the end
He drives, I rhyme no matter what we win
I come fully equipped, with the mic on my hip
So if you real, it's no time to slip
Cause when it's time for some action, check on the Mic-hael Jackson
Do a spin grab my nuts, and start taxin
Let the MC's know that I shock like lightning
They mess with the E-Double-E, I sounds frightening

[Parrish] So let the funk flow
"Let it flow!"

[Erick Sermon]
Blastoff, and off you go
We usually take off fast, but now we take up slow
I would say Bon Voyage, but I'm not leavin
I don't wanna go, but the girlies keep screamin
So I will stay, if that's fine wit you
But I won't leave, until the party is through
So while I'm here, let me get funky
Fiendin for the rhyme (like a four-deuce junkie)
Put the pep in your step, the stride in your glide
EPMD them goin nationwide

[Parrish Smith]
While the bass is steady pumpin and the beat be like thumpin
You lose your cool, then you start jumpin
You're out of control, and I'm right on track
In seconds later I work the bone out your back
To mess with the two is to mess with hot water
We like to hang, torture then slaughter
All sucker MC's, who proceed to intrude
E said (let em slide), say what but I'm in the mood
For dishin and dismissin, all those who don't listen
Reel the ones whose in, as if we was fishin
So in eighty-eight, no wait I think it's too late
Cause in eighty-seven, you bit on the old bait

[Erick] So let the funk flow
"Let it flow!"

[Parrish Smith]
Lounge homeboy you in the danger zone
When the brother PMD is on the microphone
The slow momentum of my rhymes are divine and combined
To go off beat, and come back on time
To maintain and explain, but never sound the same
And when it comes to do this, very few remain
People on my jock for the rhymes I invent
Dip in a phone booth just like Clark Kent
Step out dressed to impress, with no intention to fess
Chillin HARD, with the P on my chest
Rhymin on the mic, while the beat rocks steady
Throw a funky fresh rhyme and MC's fetch it like Freddy

[Erick Sermon]
Listen to heavy metal, hardcore rock n roll
Drink a six-pack, maybe Miller or Stroh
That's not the move, it's about hip-hop
The loud guitar playing and screaming has to stop
Let's get it straight for nineteen eighty-eight
For it can sound fine for nineteen eighty-nine
I hear the girls out there sayin E is hot

That only shows you what juice I got
And if you don't like me, and you yellin boo
There's nothin wrong wit me, it's somethin wrong with you
So let the funk flow
"Let it flow!"

[Parrish] So let the funk flow
"Let it flow!"

[Parrish] Yo, this beat is sort of funky
[Sermon] Man, I ain't worried about it, I know it's funky
"Let it flow!"
Track Name: You Gots to Chill: [Intro: Parrish Smith + sample]
You gots to chill
DJ K La Boss cuts "Jungle boogie"

[Verse 1: Erick Sermon]
Relax your mind, let your conscience be free
And get down to the sounds of EPMD
Well you should keep quiet while the MC rap
But if you tired, then go take a nap!
Or stay awake and watch the show I take
Because right now - I'm 'bout to shake and bake
The E-R-I-C-K is my name, I spell
Thanks to the clientele, yo I rock well
I'm not an MC who talkin' all that junk
About who can beat who, soundin' like a punk
I just get down and I go for mine
Say "check one-two" and run down the line

[Verse 2: Parrish Smith]
To the average MC I'm known as The Terminator
Funky beat maker, new jack exterminator
Destroying a ploy, when your rhymes are not void
Never sweatin' your girl (Why P?) 'Cause she's a skeezoid
When I'm on the scene I always rock the spot
I grab the steel with the crown on top
In the beginnin', I like to let my rhymes flow
And at twelve I press cruise control
Sit back and relax, let my rhymes tax
Maintain MC's while the Double E macks
Always calm under pressure, no need to act ill
Listen when I tell you boy

[Chorus: Parrish Smith]
You gots to chill
DJ K La Boss cuts "Jungle boogie"

[Verse 3: Erick Sermon]
I be the personal computer information on rap
Like the B-I-Z Markie says, I'll make your toes tap
I format the rhymes, step by step
Make em sound def to maintain my rep
Prepared to come off, in case of a diss
Not worried about a thing, 'cause we can do this
I can turn the party out just by standin' still
Make the ladies scream and shout while the brothers act ill
Take total control of your body and soul
Pack a nine in my pants for when it's time to roll

[Verse 4: Parrish Smith]
I'm the P double-E M-D-E-E
And one thing I hate, is a bitin' MC
When I enter the party suckers always form a line
Then they ease their way up, and try to bite my lines
I did thousands of shows, dissed many faces
And deal with new jacks on a one-to-one basis
But every now and then a sucker MC gets courageous
And like an epidemic it becomes contagious
But never the least they all R.I.P
For all those unaware it means Rest In Peace
'Cause M.D. -- stands for Microphone Doctor
And the capital P (capital P) capital M (capital M)
Capital D-E-E's no doubt the chief rocker
Don't like to get ill, but if I have to I kill
So believe me boy

[Chorus: Parrish Smith]
You gots to chill
DJ K La Boss cuts "Jungle boogie!"

[Verse 3: Erick Sermon]
Catch every word I'm sayin', no there's no delayin'
Don't hesitate to motivate the crowd I'm not playin'
Seein' is believin', you catch my drift?
Don't try to adapt because I'm just too swift
(How swift?) I'm so swift and that's an actual fact
I'm like Zorro, I mark a E on your back
I don't swing on no ropes or no iron cords
The only weapon is my rappin' sword

[Verse 4: Parrish Smith]
Intimidate MCs with the tone of my vocal throne
When I'm pushin' on the microphone
'Cause I'm the funky rhyme maker, MC undertaker
The one who likes to max and relax
And when it's time, issue dig-em-smacks
I keep their hands clappin', fingers snappin', feet tappin'
When it's time to roll Uzi patrol is packin'
The PMD, the mic's my only friend
And through the course of the party, I kill again and again
So if you're thinkin' bout battlin' you better come prepared
Come with your shield and your armor geared

[Chorus: All]
You gots to chill
DJ K La Boss cuts "Jungle boogie!"

[Outro: Erick Sermon, Parrish Smith]
DJ La Boss, takes no shorts
Track Name: It's My Thang: [PMD]
Yeah time to put it down E
Time to put it down E
EPMD Millineum Ducats, DefCon 9, 2 G's
Uh-huh, yeah

Yeah it's like this y'all, it's like that y'all
It's like this y'all, it's like that y'all
It's like this y'all, it's like that y'all
Ay E-Dub check it out

MCs out there, you better stand clear
EPMD is a world premier
From New York straight talk, America's best
Cold wild Long Island, is where we rest

[Erick Sermon]
Style of the rap, makes your hands clap
Take care of myself because the lines are strapped
Day mean business, no time for play
If you bite a line, we'll roll your way
The more you bite, your body gets hot
Don't get too close, because you might get shot
Gnawin' at my rhyme like a poisonous rat
Don't play dumb, boy, you're smarter than that

[PMD]
It's my thing

[PMD]
The rhythmatic style, keeps the rhyme flowin'
Good friends already bitin', without you knowin'
Can't understand, why your body's gettin' weaker
Then you realize it's the voice from the speaker
The mind become delirious, situation serious
Don't get ill, go and get curious

[Erick Sermon]
'Nuff about that, let's get on to somethin' better
And if gets warm, take off the hot sweater
And if you want some water, I'll get you a cup
And if you don't want it then burn the hell up
I'm tellin' you now boy you ain't jack
Talkin' much junk like Mr. T has your back
But he's not, so don't act cute
'Cause if you do you in hot pursuits

[PMD]
It's my thing

[PMD]
As the song goes on you will notice a change
The way I throw down, the way I say my name
The mic that I'm packin' is flame resistant
So MC be cool, and keep your distance
When I walk into the party girls are screamin' at me
I park my mic in my holst', and then I yell freeze...
Music please

[Erick Sermon]
Ah, where was I? Oh yes
Say a def rhyme then I plumb the rest
Everytime I rock a rhyme I can tell that you like it
Emotion is strong like the mind of a psychic
The mind is weary, floatin' like a dove
Sweatin' a thing like if you was makin' love
Control the crowd, so they can accept it
Total concentration is the perfect method

[PMD]
It's my thing

[PMD]
The wack I subtract, the strong I attack
The ones who grab the mic and freeze, I throw it back
I perfect and eject, make MCs sweat
Take 'em off on the mic then I tell 'em step
Not waiting or debating, 'cause MCs keep hating
Play me too close like two dogs mating

[Erick Sermon]
Now let's get on with the rest of the lesson
Don't really like it when suckers start messin'
Tryin' to make a scene, talkin' very loud
Talkin' much junk to attract a crowd
You say you wanna battle, your first mistake
You get quiet and stuff like you was at a wake
In the beginnin', you knew you wasn't winnin'
Now you feel ashamed, your head starts bendin'
Kinda upset boy -- I understand
You lost again -- I won, god damn

[PMD]
It's my thing

[PMD]
My funky fresh lyrics put you in the spirit
I speak a little louder for you suckers can't hear it
The rhymes I designed are right on time
And at the crowd on my mic flash a danger sign
'Cause I'm the Thriller of Manila, MC cold killer
Drink Budweiser, cannot stand Miller
MCs cold clockin' 'til the party's through
Then they tap me on my shoulder and say "This Bud's for you"

[Erick Sermon]
To be a real MC you can't be obedient
To be smooth is the main ingredient
You have to be silky like a Milky Way
To be able to make it work you rest and play
I control the pace of the rate the rhymes goin'
Hydraulically jacked is the way they're flowin'
Slow yes, just like they're awed
The comparison is wave like the motion of water, smooth

[PMD]
While the record is spinnin', got your fly girlie grinnin'
MD is on the mic, you know I'm only beginnin'
Rhymes fresher than fresh, never heard me fess
Scored 110 on my MC test
My rhymes are strong than Tyson, hold a MC license
When I grab the mic MCs get frightened

[Erick Sermon]
I'm dangerous, I need a cross and bones
Lounge homeboy you in the danger zone
What I mean by lounge I don't mean bitin', huh
You mess around, and we'll be fightin'
It's alright if you bite, but don't recite
Because the rhymes are mine, and that ain't right
But until just chill to the next episode
Donald J, yo, release the code

[PMD]
It's my thing

[PMD]
Erick and Parrish Millenium Ducats
All the way live, 2 Gs, 2 Gs, 5 Gs
New legacy
Track Name: You're a Customer: [Erick Sermon]
Knick knack patty whack give a dog a bone
Yo, don't give him nothing but a microphone
Don't stop, I'm not finished yet
You said I'm not the E, you wanna make a bet?
Remember this: Lounge, you in the danger zone
I figured you would, now leave me alone
You pick and you wish on a four-leaf clover
To be the E double E over and over
You're intrigued by the way I do my thing
(Do what?) Pick up the mic high and make it swing

[PMD]
I have the capability to rap and chill
Cold wax and tax MCs who tend to act ill
It's like a Dig'em smack
You smack me and I'll smack you back
I get goosebumps when the bassline thumps
A sucker MC arrives, now it's time for lunch
When I'm cooling on the scene, I notice one thing
I'm not Bounce, so sucker MCs cling
I consider myself better than average
Yo, I rock the mic like a wild beast savage

[Erick Sermon]
I'm in the bottling state, I can't concentrate
I make a move like chess, then I yell "checkmate"
You know why I get zanier and zanier?
Because of EPMD mania
When I walk through the crowd I can see heads turning
I hear voices saying "That's Erick Sermon"
Not only from the women, but from the men
You know what? It feels good, my friend

[PMD]
I'm the P double E, the Thrilla of Manila
Better known as the MC cold killer
PMD's goal is to keep the place jumping
And if not we feel we owe you something
It's like lotto, you have to be in it to win it
But if the beat is fresh then Diamond J will spin it
If J spin it, then it has to be def
To make you dance until there's no one left

'Cause you a customer

[Erick Sermon]
Praying like a prey when the fox in action
I smell blood, no time for maxin'
Camouflage in the green, my back is arced
Plus you in trouble 'cause it's after dark
My eyes close like Steve Austin, I got you in the square
I would let you run, nah, that ain't fair
So I clear my visions so I can spot him
Snatch him by the neck and say "Hmmm I got him"

[PMD]
My neighbor MCs, you're in over your head
My rhymes are hungry plus they haven't been fed
The process of elimination is quite simple
Let you grow like a blackhead and pop you like a pimple
Slice you like lettuce, toss you like a salad
Revoke your MC license if your rhyme's invalid
As we go on, sucker MCs sound wacker
Like a parrot says "Polly want a cracker"

[Erick Sermon]
Well it was a regular test, nothing we can't handle
At our house they have the mics on the mantel
Looked at the DJ and said "May I?"
Lit it up like the Fourth of July
Because I float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
No, I'm the E of EPMD
I have a strong point of view on the way things run
Just shut up and listen and learn my son

[PMD]
Absorb that ass like Bounty, the quicker picker upper
To tell you up front, you're nothing but a sucker
The style we're using, no doubt copastetic
You try to bite and yet sound pathetic
'Cause I'mma rhyme like a tailor, flow like a sailor
As the beat gets stronger, MCs get staler
Not bragging or protagging, surely not fagging
MCs surrender, raise the flags and
Give up the titles 'cause the signs are vital
I keep a voice tuned at a slow and swift idle

And you a customer

[Erick Sermon]
I need a man meal sandwich, yes I need Manwich
I feel good, now it's time to do damage
I feel like battling, you know what I mean?
When I rhyme one time to release the steam
When I grab the mic I get dramatic like an actor
You know why I get over? I'm the master
I do a show, pack it in 'til it's clamming up
Look for the microphone then I jam it up

[PMD]
You said you see me jamming at New York Tech
You got one right fella, you deserve a check
How did you know? You must have been jocking
How would you know the places I be rocking?
Don't follow me fella, every move that I make
I'm hostile now so I'll give you a break
Research upon me but don't go past the limit
Here's my card and on the back is my fan club digits

[Erick Sermon]
There's two things to check out in the words that I'm saying
Plus listen to the guitar playing
The bro is bad, the strings he's plucking
Fire rhyme after rhyme, watch MCs duckin'

[PMD]
MCs, it's the final countdown
You look tired, can you go the round?
If you can, I'll slap your hand and give you credit
And if not, I'll turn around and say "Forget it"

[Erick Sermon]
People, they say that I'm a party pooper
That’s not true, I’m a Long Island trooper

You a customer
Track Name: The Steve Martin: [Parrish Smith]
Sick em champ...

Well I have a new dance, that you all must learn
You may have seen the Pee-Wee Herman but it's had it's turn
Now this brand new dance, I know you not with it
You might break your neck, to really try to get it
If you seen the clumsy movie it was called The Jerk
You had to check out Steve Martin as he started to work
He was doin freaky moves with his feet and head
With his blue farmer suit and his big Pro-Keds
Now if you wanna learn it, it really takes time
That's why I'm here now tellin you this rhyme
And if you never seen it, then I'll be startin
My brand new funky dance, called the Steve Martin
Like this... get em Steve, get em
Get em Steve, get em Steve, get em
Get em...

Like this...

[Erick Sermon]
Well the dance is def, and it's gonna last
I don't really think any other dance will pass
All the dancers out there tryin to freak on the floor
When they see me do the Martin they try to ignore
When they see my dance, they came to a surprise
I caught the suckers ducks speakin eye to eye
While they bitin my stuff, like I wasn't there
But they didn't have the right so, I didn't care
Sway your arms around your back, then across your chest
Do the crazy leg sweep from right to left
It's the Steve...

[Parrish Smith]
Like this...
Get em Steve, get em Steve, get em...
Get em Steve, get em Steve, get em...
Get em...

Well it's back to the man on the mic you see
Because I'm stuck to my dance like a dog on a flea
Now I know my dance is the funky dance comin
Pee-Wee Herman (BizMarkie) was pumpin (but mines is jumpin)
It's the Steve...

Like this, sick em champ
(Steve Martin's in full effect!)
Sick em champ
(Yo Steve's a weasel! Show em how your Steve Martin go)
Get em Steve, get em Steve, get em (repeat 4X)
(Ahh yeah, Steve Martin in full effect)
EPMD, strikin once again, funky fresh in the flesh
(True, yo, PMD! Oww, yeah...)
I be the P double E-M-D in the place
(Yeah check this out P, I think this is the last record of the album...
Awww we made it!)
Yo yo what time is it?

[Erick Sermon]
Nineteen eighty-eight is so great, and eighty-nine even better
And don't forget, to take off that hot sweater...
Yeah check this out y'all!
We got this funky track, ahh, yo yo yo
Check this out homeboys
Because we dope, the dope-di-dope-di-dope-di-dope
The dope-di-dope-nope-we-ain't-no-joke
No-joke-no-joke, so PMD!! Yo!!
We ain't no joke, no-joke-no-joke-no-joke-the-dope
(On the Columbo tip!)
I'm the real deal homeboy, for real
(On the strength!)
Because we in there, yes we in there
And we're outta here, like last year
(We lost the bandwagon, because I'm housin...)
We goin straight for the kill because you're loungin
(I'm Strictly Business!)
Track Name: Get off the Bandwagon: [PMD]
Ayo, what's up E Double?

[Erick Sermon]
Yo, whole thing man, got a lot of customers out there man, trying
To get paid off what we made

[PMD]
Ayo, rapping ain't your field, you took the wrong trade. So you'd
Better get a grip on them lips, and get off the...

[P] Ayo yo yo, I be the P twice E M D
[E] I be the E double E in the place to be
[P] Ayo what up E man, we in there man?
[E] You know we in there, trying to get paid, know what I'm saying?
[P] Yo, we gotta step out hard this year
[E] Pee check this out, this is how it's going down

[Erick Sermon]
There was a Hardy Boy mystery you were trying to solve
Can't understand why you got involved
Here's a clue, try the ghetto master blaster
Now think who causes disaster
Clue number two, you give up?
I figured, it was K La Boss on the cut
He had help, sucker duck, now that's clue number three
You wrong, cause it was EPMD

[PMD]
MC's, get off the bandwagon
I'm not bragging, but tagging
And snagging the biter that tries to imitate
Time to go on strike and demonstrate
On the fo, that does not N-O
That if he pulls my card, I'm good to flow
Toe to toe, blow to blow, without H2O
Ayo, you want to battle? I'm good to G-O

Get off the bandwagon (Repeat 2x)

[Erick Sermon]
This ain't a blast from the past, it's a boomer from the future
Feel free to scream "Ho" or "Yo" if it suits you
While the bass is booming and your face is glooming
Saying the E double E is def, you're not assuming
They're only one of many that think a jealous fellow
Say "yep" then step cause I'm cooler

[PMD]
Say "Hmmm" now you're through, you're how not who
Before I'm gluing that butt like Krazy Glue
I roll into the party as if I was Five-O
Book investigation biters like Columbo
Pushing rap for some info in exchange for a jumbo
And when I find a sucker it's time to play Rambo
Or play Commando, you know?
I knew it was the sucker with the new Jackson 5 afro
We rock rhymes then we we run em a while
Sucker MC's catch on, then they bite our style
They're confused, dazed, and amused
Sweating and thing because their rhymes are used
Seen us in the crowd then they own their cost
They run around like a chicken with their heads cut off

Get off the bandwagon (Repeat 2x)

[Erick Sermon]
While my volume was swaying, you were saying
"Who was that brother?" while the record was playing
I felt kinda happy like an ego trip
I had to laugh cause my energy's tip
My tradition is dissing in this position
And right about now I'm in perfect condition
And don't get mad, and don't stop hissing
Don't say nothing homeboy just listen

[PMD]
No talk or playing, sucker MC's I be slaying
Get off the bandwagon, you know what I'm saying?
I devastate the hip-hop scene
Keep the feet moving like a dancing machine
E got my back (yeah) K La Boss on the scratch
You wild on the groove with the beat on wax
I'm in my own world, no room for distraction
Controlling MC's while La Boss keeps scratching

Get off the bandwagon (Repeat 2x)
Track Name: Jane: *DJ K La Boss scratching in "Jane" vocals*

[Erick Sermon and PMD]
Yo, what's up PMD?
Ayo coolin man, done with this album, about to take it up to Leon Wills, see what they say
Hold up man, we ain't bringing nothing up until I diss this girl, man
Aw, you ain't going to go into that Jane thing again?
You know I had to diss her! I told her don't mess with me, you know?
But why you gotta be bothering with that skeezer? That was way back in 1986!
Let me tell you how it went anyway

Hanging out late drinking a couple of brews
Turn on the radio put the shit on snooze
So when it's time to get up, the radio comes on
Blasting in my ear with the hip-hop song
Five minutes later I hear someone knocking
Yo outside yo, my stereo's rocking
Saying in my mind "Who can it be?"
It was me, the P double E M D
I said yo
I said yo
What's up trooper? I have a girl and she wants me to duke her
Why didn't you?
I woulda have been, only thing she brung along a friend
So PMD (Yo?) Why don't you do me a favor?
Chill with the bitch and I'll hook you up later
She's fly, haircut like Anita Baker
Looked up and down and said "Hmm, I'll take her"
She came in, I said "Hi my name is P"
She said "Hello my name is J-A-N-E"
I said "Jane, oh, what a nice name"
It reminds me of a high school flame
She came behind me and then she rubbed my back
She started moaning and said "Yo, let's hit the sack"
Went to my room because she was kinda bossy
Girl broke buckwild
And started playing horsey
She showed pain but inside she felt joy
Ayo she broke wild and said "Ride em cowboy!"
Three o'clock on the dot
Tired of busting her
Woke up in the morning to my record "You're a Customer"
She left me a note, she called me the master
Said next time you have to be better
Bigger
Stronger and much faster
And you don't quit, EPMD rock double
With the funky shit!

If you like EPMD, you may also like:

Still Hungry
by DJ Format & Abdominal

supported by 6 fans who also own “Strictly Business”

Not the sort of stuff I listen to, but it's good, damnit. Not much else to say besides the fact that it's just good, from-the-heart rap Monkeyfish
go to album
Dreams & Vibrations
by Damu The Fudgemunk & Flex Mathews

supported by 6 fans who also own “Strictly Business”

Damu has mastered the Sp1200, and Flex comes off strong with a nice, laidback flow that makes this AMAZING. G
go to album
Humble Pi
by Homeboy Sandman & Edan

supported by 5 fans who also own “Strictly Business”

Man, I remember when Chrome Bills first played “The Gut”on their pod and whooo, I immediately looked this album up and has been played many of times. Word up for this magic duo happening, I remember first getting “Primitive Plus” on wax back then & later “Beauty & The Beat”, and word to Sandman being my new favorite rapper. Peace to the DMV Area and Hip hop ~ Always <3 Sebastian.j
go to album
Dusty
by Homeboy Sandman

featured on Bandcamp Weekly Oct 22, 2019
go to album
Black Ego
by Lando Chill

The latest from Lando Chill pushes his forward-thinking hip-hop even further, branching out into trippy, psych-soul arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 14, 2018
go to album
Marlowe
by Marlowe (L'Orange & Solemn Brigham)

featured on Bandcamp Weekly Jul 10, 2018
go to album
No Question
by Apollo Brown & Locksmith

Gritty hip-hop full of introspective lyrics and dirt-encrusted beats. Bandcamp New & Notable May 8, 2018
go to album