6 Things Worth Knowing About Parrish Smith EPMD
The Parrish Smith EPMD collaboration represents more than just a producer-rapper duo; it’s a case study in how chemistry between artists can shape an entire genre. Their work wasn’t just influential—it was revolutionary. What follows are six key insights into how Smith’s production and Sermon’s lyrics created something timeless.1. The Birth of a Signature Sound
Parrish Smith’s production style was immediately recognizable. He didn’t just chop samples; he reconstructed them, often slowing down funk breaks to create a hypnotic, off-kilter groove. This approach was radical in 1986, when most hip-hop relied on straightforward breakbeats. Smith’s method—layering multiple samples, adding synth stabs, and using drum machines like the Roland TR-808—gave EPMD’s music a depth that few could match. The result was a sound that was both retro and ahead of its time, a quality that would define their entire catalog. What’s often overlooked is how Smith’s production served Sermon’s lyrics. Erick’s rapid-fire delivery and wordplay needed beats that could keep up, and Smith delivered. Tracks like "It’s My Thing" from Strictly Business showcase this perfectly: the beat’s complexity mirrors the intricacy of Sermon’s rhymes, creating a symbiotic relationship that became a blueprint for future collaborations.2. The Underground Roots of a Mainstream Empire
Before EPMD became a household name, they were a fixture in New York’s underground scene. Their early mixtapes and appearances on compilations like Rappin’ Under Influence (1985) caught the attention of industry insiders, but it was their debut album that solidified their place in hip-hop history. Strictly Business wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment. Smith’s production, combined with Sermon’s sharp lyrics, made it clear that hip-hop could be both artistic and commercially viable. The album’s success wasn’t accidental. Smith’s meticulous approach to beat selection—often digging through crates for obscure soul and funk records—gave EPMD an authenticity that resonated with fans. Tracks like "Schoolboy" and "Believe" weren’t just bangers; they were statements. This underground-to-mainstream trajectory would later inspire countless artists, from Nas to Kanye West, who would cite EPMD as a major influence.3. The Art of Sampling Before It Was an Industry
Parrish Smith’s sampling techniques were ahead of their time. While artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash had already pioneered the use of breaks, Smith took it further by manipulating tempo and pitch to create entirely new textures. His use of the Akai MPC60—a tool that would become synonymous with hip-hop production—allowed him to chop, slice, and rearrange samples with surgical precision. What set Smith apart was his ability to make samples feel organic, not like they were stolen. He didn’t just take a breakbeat and slap it under a rap; he rebuilt it, adding his own rhythmic and melodic elements. This philosophy would later influence a generation of producers, from J Dilla to Madlib, who would carry on Smith’s legacy of sample-based innovation.4. The Impact of Business Never Personal (1988)
If Strictly Business was EPMD’s introduction to the world, Business Never Personal was their magnum opus. The album’s title alone set the tone: this was hip-hop as a business, but also as an art form. Smith’s production on tracks like "You’re Gonna Work" and "Shorty (Ain’t No Love)" pushed the boundaries of what a hip-hop album could sound like. The use of live instrumentation, particularly the saxophone on "Shorty," added a jazz element that was rare in rap at the time. The album’s success—peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200—proved that hip-hop could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Smith’s ability to balance funk, jazz, and electronic elements made Business Never Personal a template for future albums. It wasn’t just a hit; it was a blueprint for how hip-hop could evolve beyond its party roots.5. The Influence on a Generation of Producers
Parrish Smith’s work with EPMD didn’t just influence rappers—it shaped an entire generation of producers. Artists like Dr. Dre, who later worked with Smith on tracks for Deep Cover (1990), cited EPMD as a major inspiration. Dre’s use of live instrumentation and sample manipulation on The Chronic (1992) bears the unmistakable fingerprints of Smith’s approach. Similarly, J Dilla’s lo-fi, sample-heavy production style owes a debt to Smith’s early work with the MPC. Smith’s legacy isn’t just in the beats he made; it’s in how he taught others to think about production. His willingness to experiment with tempo, pitch, and instrumentation created a template that producers still follow today. Even in the digital age, where sampling is more accessible than ever, Smith’s approach remains a benchmark for creativity.6. The Legacy Beyond EPMD
While EPMD’s partnership is their most famous collaboration, Parrish Smith’s career extended far beyond. He worked with artists like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli), further cementing his reputation as a producer who could elevate any project. His work on 3 Feet High and Rising (1989) by De La Soul, for instance, showcased his ability to blend jazz, funk, and hip-hop into something entirely new. Smith’s influence isn’t confined to the ’80s and ’90s either. Modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West have referenced EPMD’s impact on their own work. Smith’s ability to merge old-school soul with futuristic production techniques remains a touchstone for anyone looking to push the boundaries of hip-hop.
How These Facts Connect
Parrish Smith’s production philosophy was built on three pillars: innovation, authenticity, and collaboration. His early work with EPMD wasn’t just about making hits; it was about redefining what hip-hop could sound like. By blending jazz, funk, and electronic elements, Smith created a template that artists still follow today. His use of sampling wasn’t just a tool—it was an art form, one that required deep knowledge of music history and a willingness to experiment. What makes Smith’s work so enduring is how it bridges the gap between the past and the future. His ability to take obscure soul records and transform them into hip-hop anthems wasn’t just clever—it was revolutionary. This approach didn’t just influence EPMD; it shaped an entire genre. The Parrish Smith EPMD partnership proved that hip-hop could be both cerebral and groove-driven, a balance that would define the golden age. | Fact | Key Detail | Impact | Legacy | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Signature Sound | Layered samples, jazz/funk fusion | Redefined hip-hop production | Template for modern beatmaking | | Underground Roots | Early mixtapes, Strictly Business | Proved hip-hop could be artistic and commercial | Inspired DIY ethos in rap | | Sampling Techniques | MPC60 manipulation, tempo/pitch shifts | Elevated sampling to an art form | Influenced Dre, Dilla, and beyond | | Business Never Personal | Jazz instrumentation, complex rhythms | First hip-hop album to blend genres seamlessly | Blueprint for concept albums | | Producer Influence | Worked with Dre, De La Soul, Tribe | Shaped a generation of producers | Direct lineage to modern hip-hop | | Beyond EPMD | Collaborations with Black Star, Lamar | Proved versatility across eras | Enduring relevance in contemporary rap |
Conclusion
Parrish Smith’s contributions to hip-hop are vast, but his partnership with Erick Sermon as EPMD remains his most iconic legacy. Their work wasn’t just about making music; it was about pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. Smith’s production techniques, his willingness to experiment, and his deep respect for music history created a sound that continues to resonate today. What’s most remarkable about Smith’s career is how it transcends time. In an era where hip-hop is often defined by trends and fads, his work remains a constant—proof that great music is timeless. Whether through his early beats with EPMD or his later collaborations, Parrish Smith’s influence is everywhere, a reminder that the best producers don’t just make beats; they shape the future of music itself.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: What was Parrish Smith’s biggest influence on hip-hop production?
Smith’s biggest influence was his ability to blend jazz, funk, and electronic elements into hip-hop, creating a sound that was both nostalgic and futuristic. His use of the MPC60 to manipulate samples set a new standard for production, influencing artists like Dr. Dre, J Dilla, and Kanye West. His work with EPMD proved that hip-hop could be both groove-driven and intellectually complex.
Q: How did Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon meet?
Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon met in the early 1980s in New York City, where they were both involved in the burgeoning hip-hop scene. Smith was already gaining recognition as a producer, while Sermon was a rising MC. Their shared love for music and innovation led to their collaboration as EPMD, which would go on to define an era.
Q: What was the most innovative aspect of EPMD’s production?
The most innovative aspect was Parrish Smith’s use of tempo and pitch manipulation to reconstruct samples. Instead of simply chopping breaks, he would slow them down, add layers, and integrate live instrumentation—like the saxophone on "Shorty (Ain’t No Love)"—creating a sound that was fresh yet rooted in soul and funk.
Q: Did Parrish Smith work with other artists besides EPMD?
Yes, Smith had a prolific career beyond EPMD. He worked with artists like De La Soul (3 Feet High and Rising), A Tribe Called Quest, Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli), and even collaborated with Dr. Dre on tracks for Deep Cover. His versatility made him one of the most sought-after producers of his time.
Q: How did EPMD’s music evolve over time?
EPMD’s music evolved from the funk-driven beats of Strictly Business to more experimental sounds on later albums like Business As Usual (1990) and Business Never Personal II (1998). Smith’s production became more intricate, incorporating live bands and even orchestral elements, while Sermon’s lyrics grew more introspective. Their ability to adapt kept their sound relevant across decades.
Q: What is Parrish Smith’s legacy in hip-hop today?
Smith’s legacy is that of a pioneer who helped shape modern hip-hop production. His techniques—sampling, live instrumentation, and rhythmic complexity—are still studied and emulated. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West have cited EPMD as a major influence, proving that Smith’s impact extends far beyond the ’80s and ’90s.
Q: Are there any unreleased Parrish Smith EPMD tracks or projects?
While there haven’t been any official announcements of unreleased EPMD material, rumors and leaks over the years have suggested the existence of unreleased tracks and even potential unreleased albums. Fans continue to speculate about lost collaborations, but as of now, nothing has been confirmed by Smith or Sermon.
