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Out of Business
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 20, 1999 (1999-07-20)
Recorded1998–1999
Studio
GenreHip hop
Length47:15
LabelDef Jam
Producer
EPMD chronology
Back in Business
(1997)
Out of Business
(1999)
We Mean Business
(2008)
Singles from Out of Business
  1. "Right Now"
    Released: June 8, 1999
  2. "Symphony 2000"
    Released: June 29, 1999
  3. "Pioneers"
    Released: August 24, 1999
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[1]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[2]
NME3/10[3]
RapReviews3.5/10[4]
The New Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStar[5]
The SourceStarStarStarStar[6]

Out of Business is the sixth studio album by American hip hop duo EPMD.[7][8] The album was originally scheduled for a December 1998 release under Def Jam Recordings, but had been delayed numerous times as a result of a merger between Seagram's PolyGram (Def Jam's parent company) and Universal Music Group's MCA Records,[9][10] combining Def Jam and Island Records' operations together under the Island Def Jam Music Group. Ultimately, the album was released on July 20, 1999.[11] It is the first official Def Jam album released under the newly-formed Island Def Jam Music Group and the group's last album released under the label as they left the imprint a year later before going inactive for the second time.

The recording sessions took place at Mirror Image Studio East in Dix Hills, Mirror Image Recorders and Northshore Soundworks in New York and Ian London Studios in Long Island. The album was produced by members Erick Sermon and PMD, as well as DJ Scratch, with 8-Off Agallah serving as co-producer. It features guest appearances from 215, 8-Off Agallah, Busta Rhymes, Lady Luck, Method Man, M.O.P., and Redman. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States, with 73,000 units sold in its first week.[12] Its only single, "Symphony 2000", reached only No. 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, No. 28 on the Hot Rap Songs and No. 58 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay in the US.

The duo changed its initialism for the release from 'Erick & Parrish Making Dollars' to 'Erick & Parrish Millennium Ducats'.[13] A limited-edition issue of the album was released with a bonus greatest hits album.[11]

Track listing

[edit]
Out Of Business
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"DJ Scratch2:18
2."Pioneers"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
Erick Sermon3:14
3."Right Now"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
Erick Sermon3:51
4."Check 1, 2"
3:16
5."Symphony" (featuring M.O.P.)Erick Sermon3:01
6."Hold Me Down"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
Erick Sermon3:34
7."Rap Is Still Outta Control" (featuring Busta Rhymes)
  • PMD
  • Erick Sermon (co.)
3:33
8."The Fan"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
Erick Sermon3:03
9."Draw"
Erick Sermon3:22
10."U Got Shot" (featuring 215 and 8-Off Agallah)
Erick Sermon3:38
11."House Party"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
PMD3:52
12."The Funk"
PMD2:08
13."Symphony 2000" (featuring Redman, Method Man and Lady Luck)Erick Sermon4:03
14."Jane 6"
PMD4:22
Total length:47:15
Sample credits

Personnel

[edit]
  • Erick Sermon — vocals, producer (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8–10, 13), co-producer (track 7), mixing (tracks: 2, 5–14), executive producer, sleeve notes
  • Parrish "PMD" Smith — vocals, producer (tracks: 4, 7, 11, 12, 14), mixing (tracks: 2, 5–8, 10), executive producer, sleeve notes
  • Eric "Billy Danze" Murray — vocals (track 5)
  • Jamal "Lil' Fame" Grinnage — vocals (track 5)
  • Trevor "Busta Rhymes" Smith — vocals (track 7)
  • Alec "215" Nathaniel — vocals (track 10)
  • Angel "8-Off Agallah" Aguilar — vocals (track 10)
  • Reginald "Redman" Noble — vocals (track 13)
  • Clifford "Method Man" Smith — vocals (track 13)
  • Chanelle "Lady Luck" Jones — vocals (track 13)
  • George "DJ Scratch" Spivey — producer (track 1)
  • Marc Berto — recording (tracks: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12), mix engineer assistant (track 5), recording engineer assistant (tracks: 7, 9–11, 13, 14)
  • Charlie Marotta — recording & mixing (track 3)
  • John Decatur — recording (tracks: 5, 7)
  • Tommy Uzzo — recording (tracks: 9–11, 13, 14), mixing (tracks: 2, 4–14)
  • Richard A. LaSalvia — recording engineer assistant
  • Camilio Rodriguez — recording engineer assistant
  • Dave O'Donnell — recording engineer assistant
  • Tony Dawsey — mastering
  • Kevin Liles — executive producer
  • The Drawing Board — art direction, design
  • Wayne Van Acker — design
  • Danny Clinch — photography
  • Gerard Gaskin — photography
  • Richard Iohr — photography
  • Alvin Toney — sleeve notes

Greatest Hits bonus disc

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[14]
The New Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar[5]
Greatest Hits
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."It's My Thang"EPMD5:37
2."You Gots 2 Chill"
EPMD3:27
3."Strictly Business"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
EPMD4:39
4."So What Cha Sayin'"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
  • Allen Williams
EPMD4:28
5."Big Payback"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
EPMD4:04
6."Get the Bozack"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
EPMD4:33
7."Please Listen to My Demo"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
EPMD2:49
8."Gold Digger"
  • EPMD
  • Mr. Bozack (co.)
5:02
9."Rampage"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
  • EPMD
  • Mr. Bozack (co.)
3:49
10."Crossover"
EPMD3:48
11."Headbanger"
  • Sermon
  • P. Smith
  • Clinton
  • Ed Greene
  • EPMD
  • Mr. Bozack (co.)
4:51
12."Never Seen Before"Erick Sermon2:50
13."Da Joint"
3:26
Total length:1:40:38
Notes
  • Track 1 is a re-recording of "It's My Thing" from 1988 Strictly Business.
  • Track 2 is a re-recording of "You Gots to Chill" from 1988 Strictly Business, which previously appeared in 1997 Back in Business as "You Gots 2 Chill '97".
  • Track 3 is a re-recording of the song of the same from 1988 Strictly Business.
  • Track 4 is a re-recording of "So Wat Cha Sayin'" from 1989 Unfinished Business.
  • Track 5 is a re-recording of "The Big Payback" from 1989 Unfinished Business.
  • Tracks 6 and 7 are re-recordings of the songs of the same names from 1989 Unfinished Business.
  • Tracks 8 and 9 are taken from 1990 Business as Usual.
  • Tracks 10 and 11 are taken from 1992 Business Never Personal.
  • Tracks 12 and 13 are taken from 1997 Back in Business.

Personnel

[edit]
  • Erick Sermon — vocals, producer
  • Parrish "PMD" Smith — vocals, producer (tracks: 1–11)
  • Mr. Bozack — co-producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11)
  • Charlie Marotta — mixing (tracks: 1, 3–7)
  • Tommy Uzzo — mixing (tracks: 2, 10, 12, 13)
  • Ivan 'Doc' Rodriguez — mixing (tracks: 8, 9, 11, 13)
  • Dave Greenberg — mixing (track 11)

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1999) Peak
position
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[15] 18
US Billboard 200[16] 13
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[17] 2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Out of Business is the sixth studio album by American hip hop duo EPMD, consisting of rappers Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, released on July 20, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings. The project marks the group's final release under the Def Jam label and features production from Sermon, DJ Scratch, and Rockwilder, among others, blending their signature hardcore hip hop sound with guest appearances from artists like M.O.P., Busta Rhymes, and Redman. Issued as a double-disc set, the first disc contains 14 new tracks spanning 47 minutes, while the second compiles selected earlier hits from the duo's catalog, though not as an official greatest hits collection. Upon release, Out of Business peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 73,000 copies in its first week. Notable singles included "Symphony" featuring M.O.P., praised for its gritty energy and raw lyricism, and "Right Now" with Redman and Lady Luck, which highlighted EPMD's collaborative style. Critics offered mixed reviews, commending the album's consistent beats and veteran flows but noting it felt somewhat dated amid the evolving late-1990s hip hop landscape, with some pointing to internal tensions between Sermon and Smith that foreshadowed their subsequent breakup. Despite this, the album solidified EPMD's legacy as pioneers of East Coast rap, influencing subsequent acts with its boom-bap production and no-nonsense lyricism. The tracklist emphasizes themes of perseverance in the rap game, street life, and industry survival, reflected in titles like "Pioneers," "Hold Me Down," and the title track itself. Standout cuts such as "Check 1,2" featuring Agallah showcase sharp wordplay, while underscoring EPMD's roots in golden-era hip hop. In retrospect, Out of Business is viewed as a transitional work, capturing the duo at a crossroads before their 2000 split, yet it remains a fan favorite for its unpretentious authenticity and star-powered features.

Background

Development

Following their breakup in 1993, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith of EPMD reunited in 1997 after a four-year hiatus, releasing the comeback album Back in Business on Def Jam Recordings. This reunion revitalized the duo's career, setting the stage for subsequent projects amid evolving hip-hop landscapes. For their sixth studio album, Out of Business, EPMD rebranded their initialism from "Erick & Parrish Making Dollars" to "Erick & Parrish Millennium Ducats," a nod to the approaching new millennium and their enduring commercial success in the genre. Planning for the album commenced in 1998, with Sermon and Smith focusing on modernizing their signature production style to incorporate contemporary late-90s hip-hop elements, such as denser beats and broader sonic palettes, while maintaining their foundational funk-sampling approach. The project faced significant external hurdles when the planned December 1998 release was postponed due to the corporate merger between Seagram's PolyGram (Def Jam's distributor) and Universal Music Group, which restructured operations into the Island Def Jam Music Group and disrupted label schedules. This delay pushed the album's launch to July 1999, allowing additional time for refinement. During initial discussions, Sermon and Smith emphasized the inclusion of high-profile guest features to expand the album's appeal and inject fresh energy, collaborating with artists like Redman, Method Man, Lady Luck, Busta Rhymes, and M.O.P. to bridge their classic sound with rising stars in the East Coast scene. These strategic choices reflected the duo's intent to adapt group dynamics to industry shifts while leveraging their established Hit Squad network.

Recording

The recording sessions for Out of Business spanned 1998 to 1999, following EPMD's reunion and the release of their previous album Back in Business in 1997. These sessions commenced shortly after the duo's 1997 reunion efforts gained momentum, allowing and Parrish Smith to collaborate intensively on new material. The album was tracked across multiple studios on and in , leveraging facilities familiar to the duo from prior projects. Primary locations included Mirror Image Recordings East in ; Mirror Image Recorders in ; Northshore Soundworks in New York; and Ian London Studios in . Assistant engineers at Mirror Image Studios, such as Camilio Rodriguez, Dave O'Donnell, and Rich LaSalvia, supported the core team led by engineers like Marc Berto and John Decatur on various tracks. Key collaborators joined during the tracking phase to add verses and features, enhancing the album's East Coast hip-hop vibe. Notable guests included on "Rap Is Still Outta Control," and Redman on "Symphony 2000," on "Symphony," Lady Luck on "Symphony 2000," 215 and 8-Off Agallah on "U Got Shot," and on "K.I.M.," reflecting EPMD's network of and New York affiliates. These contributions were captured live in the studios, emphasizing raw energy and group chemistry without extensive alterations at that stage.

Composition

Musical style

Out of Business exemplifies East Coast hip hop rooted in hardcore rap aesthetics, characterized by dense, rhythmic flows over gritty beats that clock in at a total runtime of 47:21. The album revives EPMD's signature sound, blending old-school sampling techniques with production values to create a fusion of boom-bap rhythms and layered instrumentation. Key influences draw from 's foundational style, incorporating and samples to craft mellow yet hard-hitting grooves that update their classic East Coast vibe for a late-'90s audience. Tracks build progressively with intricate sonic textures, as seen in "Symphony 2000," a featuring layered rhymes from alongside Redman, , and Lady Luck, emphasizing collaborative energy and rhythmic interplay. In contrast to their earlier solo-duo efforts, Out of Business amplifies guest collaborations—such as with on "Rap Is Still Outta Control" and on multiple cuts—infusing fresh dynamics into their gritty, sample-driven framework while maintaining the duo's core boom-bap essence.

Production

The production of Out of Business was primarily led by duo members and PMD (Parrish Smith), who handled the majority of the beats, alongside and , among others. 8-Off Agallah contributed as co-producer on select tracks, including "Check 1,2." These producers crafted the album's sound through a reliance on sampling from classic sources, such as the intro track—produced by —which incorporates Bill Conti's "Going the Distance" from the Rocky soundtrack to set a thematic tone. Beat construction emphasized layered loops and rhythmic foundations drawn from funk and soul records, enhanced by vinyl scratches that added texture and energy, particularly in Scratch's contributions like the opening sequence. Mixing duties were shared among Sermon, PMD, and engineer Tommy Uzzo, who refined the tracks at studios including Mirror Image in New York to balance the dense sampling and vocal elements. Following initial recording sessions, the underwent polishing at to prepare it for commercial release, ensuring cohesive sound quality amid label transitions. This finalization process addressed track sequencing and mastering, resulting in the July 20, 1999, launch under the Def Jam imprint.

Release and promotion

Singles

The from Out of Business, "Right Now", was released in 1999 as a promotional track to build anticipation for the , available in 12-inch vinyl and CD formats featuring radio edits, LP versions, and instrumentals. A accompanied the single, emphasizing EPMD's signature laid-back flow over samples, while it received radio airplay including on 1's Rap Show in October 1999. "Symphony 2000", the follow-up single released on June 29, 1999, featured guest appearances by , and Lady Luck, blending posse-cut energy with EPMD's production style across vinyl, CD maxi-single, and promotional copies that included remixes and instrumentals. The track peaked at No. 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking EPMD's final charting single. Released on August 24, 1999, "Pioneers" appeared in 12-inch vinyl and CD promotional formats with radio edits, full versions, and instrumentals of its B-side "Rap Is Still Outta Control". The song's lyrics include nods to hip-hop history, such as a hook homage to early pioneers Funky 4 + 1.

Commercial release

Out of Business was released on July 20, 1999, through Def Jam Recordings. The album's rollout was influenced by the recent merger between Island Records and Def Jam, which formed the Island Def Jam Music Group and led to delays in its original December 1998 schedule, ultimately impacting the marketing and distribution strategy. The standard edition was issued on and vinyl formats, featuring artwork that incorporated urban motifs reflective of the duo's New York hip-hop roots. A limited-edition version included a bonus disc compiling EPMD's greatest hits from 1987 to 1997, enhancing the package for collectors. In its first week, the album sold 73,000 units in the United States, marking a solid debut amid the transitional period at the label.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release in 1999, EPMD's Out of Business received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated the duo's reunion and chemistry but often questioned its freshness amid the evolving hip-hop scene. awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as a return to form highlighted by strong, bass-heavy beats and the duo's charismatic interplay, though noting it fell short of their earlier peaks. In contrast, criticized the album for its lack of innovation and autopilot approach, arguing that the duo's reliance on familiar formulas felt creatively stagnant compared to their late-1980s breakthroughs. RapReviews rated it 3.5 out of 10, commending the solid production on standout tracks like "" while acknowledging that some elements sounded dated in the context of late-1990s hip-hop's rapid shifts toward more experimental sounds. Overall, the consensus was mixed, with reviewers valuing the reunion's nostalgic pull and EPMD's technical proficiency but debating the album's relevance against contemporaries pushing boundaries. In retrospect, as of 2024, the album has been reevaluated more positively in features and fan discussions. Albumism described it as a "transitional work" that captures EPMD's authenticity and influence on East Coast rap, solidifying their legacy despite internal tensions. A 2024 Reddit discussion on r/hiphopheads highlighted it as a fan favorite for its unpretentious style and features, 25 years after release.

Chart performance

Out of Business entered the US at number 13 upon its release in July 1999, marking one of EPMD's stronger showings on the all-genre albums chart compared to prior efforts like Back in Business (peaking at number 16) and Business Never Personal (number 14). The album maintained a presence on the chart for several weeks, reflecting steady but not blockbuster longevity akin to the duo's mid-1990s releases, which typically lingered in the top 50 for 10-20 weeks before fading. On the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, Out of Business performed even more robustly, debuting and peaking at number 2, underscoring its appeal within the genre despite a first-week sales figure of 73,000 units. Overall US sales reached 247,000 copies, falling short of gold certification but aligning with EPMD's established commercial trajectory in hip-hop markets. Internationally, the album saw limited chart traction, with no significant entries on major all-genre lists but minor visibility on urban and R&B-specific charts in regions like the UK and Canada. This muted global performance contrasted with the duo's stronger domestic foothold, consistent with their catalog's primarily US-centric success.

Track listing and personnel

Track listing

Out of Business is a double-disc album. Disc 1 features 14 new original tracks, while Disc 2 is the Greatest Hits bonus disc included with the limited edition, a compilation of 13 tracks drawn from EPMD's earlier studio albums, spanning Strictly Business (1988) to Back in Business (1997). These selections were remastered specifically for the 1999 release, featuring clean versions with re-recorded vocals on several tracks but no original new material.

Disc 1

No.TitleDuration
1Intro2:18
2Pioneers3:14
3Right Now3:51
4Check 1, 23:16
5Symphony3:01
6Hold Me Down3:34
7Rap Is Still Outta Control3:33
8The Fan3:03
9Draw3:22
10U Got Shot3:38
11House Party3:52
12The Funk2:08
13Symphony 20004:03
14Jane 64:22

Disc 2: Greatest Hits

No.TitleDurationOriginal release
1It's My Thang5:37Strictly Business (1988)
2You Gots 2 Chill3:27Strictly Business (1988)
3Strictly Business4:39Strictly Business (1988)
4So Whatcha Sayin'4:28Unfinished Business (1989)
5Big Payback4:04Business as Usual (1990)
6Get the Bozack4:33Unfinished Business (1989)
7Please Listen to My Demo2:49Business Never Personal (1992)
85:02Business as Usual (1990)
9Rampage (featuring )3:49Business Never Personal (1992)
10Crossover3:48Business as Usual (1990)
11Headbanger (featuring K-Solo and Redman)4:51Business Never Personal (1992)
12Never Seen Before2:50Back in Business (1997)
13Da Joint3:26Back in Business (1997)

Personnel

The album was primarily produced by , , and , with additional contributions from 8-Off, Mr. Bozack, and others. Engineering was handled by Marc Berto and John Decatur, with mixing by Parrish Smith and . Assistant recording engineers included Camilio Rodriguez, Dave O'Donnell, and Rich Lasalvia at Studios, and final mastering was performed at Masterdisk in . Artwork and design were credited to The Drawing Board and Wayne Van Acker. The Greatest Hits bonus disc was compiled under the oversight of members and PMD, who selected tracks from the duo's catalog spanning their career up to 1997. Audio updates for the bonus disc were handled by engineers at , including assistant recording engineers Camilio Rodriguez, Dave O'Donnell, and Rich Lasalvia at Mirror Image Studios, with final mastering performed at Masterdisk in . Original producers for the individual tracks, such as themselves, , and Mr. Bozack on select cuts, are referenced from their initial releases but not re-credited specifically for this compilation. No new guest artists appear on the bonus disc, which instead draws from past collaborators including Redman, , , and K-Solo across the re-recorded and original selections. The artwork for the bonus disc integrates seamlessly with the main album's design, credited to artistic director and designer The Drawing Board alongside designer Wayne Van Acker. Personnel overlaps exist with the main album's production team, particularly in engineering roles.

Greatest Hits bonus disc

Track listing

The Greatest Hits bonus disc included with the limited edition of Out of Business is a compilation of 13 tracks drawn from EPMD's earlier , spanning Strictly Business (1988) to Back in Business (1997). These selections were remastered specifically for the 1999 release, with re-recorded vocals on tracks 1 and 3–7 using the original backing tracks but no original new material.
No.TitleDurationOriginal release
1It's My Thang5:37Strictly Business (1988)
2You Gots 2 Chill3:27Back in Business (1997)
3Strictly Business4:39Strictly Business (1988)
4So Whatcha Sayin'4:28Unfinished Business (1989)
5Big Payback4:04Business as Usual (1990)
6Get the Bozack4:33Unfinished Business (1989)
7Please Listen to My Demo2:49Business Never Personal (1992)
85:02Business Never Personal (1992)
9Rampage (featuring )3:49Business Never Personal (1992)
10Crossover3:48Business as Usual (1990)
11Headbanger (featuring K-Solo and Redman)4:51Business Never Personal (1992)
12Never Seen Before2:50Back in Business (1997)
13Da Joint3:26Back in Business (1997)

Personnel

Audio updates for the bonus disc were handled by engineers at , including assistant recording engineers Camilio Rodriguez, Dave O'Donnell, and Rich Lasalvia at Studios, with final mastering performed at Masterdisk in . Original producers for the individual tracks, such as themselves, , and Mr. Bozack on select cuts, are referenced from their initial releases but not re-credited specifically for this compilation. No new guest artists appear on the bonus disc, which instead draws from past EPMD collaborators including Redman, , and K-Solo across the re-recorded and original selections. The artwork for the bonus disc integrates seamlessly with the main album's design. Personnel overlaps exist with the main album's , particularly in engineering roles.

References

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