Business as Usual is an ironic title for
EPMD's third album -- for in terms of production, it was anything but business as usual for the Strong Island rappers. While
Strictly Business and
Unfinished Business favored a very simple and basic approach to production consisting primarily of samples (many of them clever) and drum machines, the production is busier and more involved this time -- and even suggests
Marley Marl. Unfortunately, the sampling isn't as clever as before. What didn't change was
EPMD's relatively laid-back approach to rapping and a preoccupation with sucker MCs. Though not as inspired as its two predecessors, the album does have its moments -- including "Rampage" (which unites
EPMD with
LL Cool J), "Give the People," and "Gold Digger," a candid denunciation of "material girls" who exploit and victimize men financially after a divorce. ~ Alex Henderson