In 1987, EPMD dropped their groundbreaking record, “It’s My Thing/You’re A Customer” on Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records. Although the song was overlooked when it was released, it did make an impact the following summer when both songs made it on the ten-track, Strictly Business.

The heavily sampled album featured a loop of The Whole Darn Family’s “Seven Minutes Of Funk,” the infamous “Long Red” drums and vocal samples from Marva Whitney’s “It’s My Thing,” to name a few. Although PMD & Erick Sermon’s verses sound dated compared to new rappers, the production, usage of samples and song construction of both “It’s My Thing” and “You’re A Customer” showcase why these were two of the best songs of 1987.

At the time, albums like Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper, Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, Big Daddy Kane’s Long Live The Kane, Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader and N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton were all popular across America’s inner cities. Even with these albums, Strictly Business made its way into the mainstream.

If you’re a hip hop fan you should listen to Strictly Business to know what rappers and producers aspire to do to this day. Strictly Business is timeless art and its impact can still be felt today.

Listen to “Strictly Business” below: