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<\/figure>\n37 years ago, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith proved that their groundbreaking debut was no fluke when EPMD released their sophomore masterpiece,\u00a0Unfinished Business<\/em>, one of the defining albums of Hip Hop\u2019s Golden Era.<\/p>\n Released on July 25, 1989, through Fresh Records, the album built upon the foundation established by\u00a0Strictly Business<\/em>while further cementing EPMD\u2019s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential duos in rap history. Produced primarily by Erick Sermon alongside DJ Scratch, the project seamlessly blended funk-driven production, hard-hitting drum patterns and effortless lyrical chemistry that became the group\u2019s trademark.<\/p>\n Commercially,\u00a0Unfinished Business<\/em>\u00a0was another major success, earning Gold certification from the RIAA while climbing to No. 1 on Billboard\u2019s Top R&B\/Hip Hop Albums chart. More importantly, it confirmed that EPMD had staying power during one of Hip Hop\u2019s most competitive eras.<\/p>\n At a time when New York rap was dominated by politically conscious lyricism and socially charged records from artists like Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions and X-Clan, EPMD carved out a lane of their own. Erick Sermon and PMD balanced street wisdom, confidence, humor and slick braggadocio over funk-infused production that felt both rugged and accessible. That formula would later influence countless New York artists, from Jay-Z and The LOX to The Diplomats and even Harlem\u2019s A$AP Mob, all of whom adopted elements of EPMD\u2019s effortless cool and conversational delivery.<\/p>\n The album\u2019s lead single, \u201cSo Wat Cha Sayin\u2019,\u201d became one of the duo\u2019s signature records, peaking at No. 23 on Billboard\u2019s Hot R&B\/Hip Hop Singles chart and No. 5 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. Alongside classics such as \u201cThe Big Payback,\u201d \u201cPlease Listen to My Demo\u201d and \u201cJane II,\u201d the album showcased EPMD\u2019s remarkable ability to create records that resonated equally with hardcore Hip Hop heads and mainstream audiences.<\/p>\n Looking back 37 years later,\u00a0Unfinished Business<\/em>\u00a0stands as far more than a successful follow-up. It solidified EPMD as one of rap\u2019s premier duos, expanded the sonic possibilities of East Coast Hip Hop and helped shape the sound of an entire generation that followed.<\/p>\n Salute to Erick Sermon, PMD and the legendary DJ Scratch for delivering another timeless chapter in Hip Hop history. Even after nearly four decades,\u00a0Unfinished Business<\/em>\u00a0remains exactly what its title suggests\u2014a classic that left an everlasting mark on the culture.<\/p>\n \n