Strictly Business (EPMD song)

"Strictly Business" is a seminal hip-hop track by the duo EPMD, released in 1988 as the lead single and title track from their debut album Strictly Business. The song is renowned for its innovative use of sampling, most notably incorporating elements from Eric Clapton's guitar riff from "I Shot the Sheriff" (Bob Marley cover) and Steve Miller Band's "Take the Money and Run." This heavy reliance on recognizable rock samples helped to broaden the appeal of hip-hop to a wider audience.

The lyrics, delivered by emcees Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith (PMD), focus on the duo's business-oriented approach to the music industry and their commitment to producing high-quality, uncompromised hip-hop. The song established EPMD's signature style: a laid-back, funky groove combined with clever wordplay and themes of entrepreneurialism.

"Strictly Business" achieved significant commercial success, reaching the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and solidifying EPMD's position as a leading force in the late 1980s hip-hop scene. Its influence can be heard in subsequent hip-hop production, which further normalized the use of sampling from diverse musical genres. The song is often cited as a classic example of golden age hip-hop and remains a popular and influential track.