EPMD's reunion album
Back in Business may not be entirely successful, but it's far from being an embarrassment.
Erick Sermon and
Parrish Smith remain strong if unexceptional rappers, but the true news is in the music. Much of
Back in Business captures the wild spirit of
EPMD's classic late-'80s albums, complete with dense layers of sounds, samples, and funky beats. There's enough skill and invention in the production -- and just enough energy in the rapping -- to make
Back in Business a welcome comeback. ~ Leo Stanley