We Mean Business

Now, after more than 20 years in the game, EPMD returns with We Mean Business, their first album on their own EP Records and their seventh overall. The new collection is a testament to their Business plan.

"All of our albums have Business in the title," Smith explains. "Now that we're in a new era and the game is changed, we realize that it's different from when we handed in a CD to our first label to being at Def Jam. Erick and I created our own vehicle to be able to drop this album. That's how we came with the title We Mean Business, because we do."

EPMD updates its classic sound and sentiment on "Listen Up," a funk-drenched song complete with a talk box and featuring the one and only Mr. Teddy Riley. Recognizing EPMD's status as pioneers, Sermon acknowledges how important his lyrics are: "Can't talk ignorant/I got some intelligent folks that's digging it."

Those same folks will be digging We Mean Business song "Roc Da Spot," a throwback of sorts to "You Gots To Chill," one of 1988's most acclaimed rap singles. "The beat had that EPMD sound, as far as the claps," Sermon says. "It had a familiarity to it because of the sound and, 20 years later, we've still got that funk coming."

"It's very important for us to stay us," Smith adds. "People want to hear and see EPMD." That's because We Mean Business isn't just an album title for EPMD. It's a mindstate.