Strictly Business

Recorded in 1987 for EPMDs debut album, the track was recorded and mixed at North Shore Soundworks and Island Media Studios in West Babylon New York. Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith wrote and produced the record for Fresh and Sleeping Bag. Released as a 1988 single, Strictly Business became EPMDs second charting single and reached the US R and B chart. Its relaxed delivery and sample based production helped establish the duo beyond Long Island and made the album title track a statement of intent. The track remains one of EPMDs defining records and a cornerstone of their debut album. Its use of Eric Clapton and its blunt business minded hook helped shape the duos long running identity and later hip hop production style.