WorldWide Entertainment TV Media exclusive from Russell Peters’ Old School Mixtape Live event with Flavor Flav and EPMD.

What’s better than a classic hip hop and dance music party? A free one that’s jam-packed with stars! Join Toronto’s very own Russell Peters and the legendary DJ Starting From Scratch as they host an unforgettable outdoor show that’s sure to be the ultimate throwback party to squeeze that last bit of summer in. With very special musical guests Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Flavor Flav, Nice & Smooth, Crystal Waters and Renée Neufville from Zhané.

HISTORY OF EPMD

EPMD is an iconic American hip-hop duo that originated from Brentwood, Long Island, New York. The group consists of Erick Sermon (“E” or “The Green-Eyed Bandit”) and Parrish Smith (“PMD” or “Parrish Mic Doc”). The name EPMD stands for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars,” reflecting their business-minded approach to the rap game.

Formed in 1987, EPMD is known for their funky, laid-back sound that incorporates heavy sampling from funk and rock records, particularly from artists like Zapp, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Roger Troutman. They are pioneers of the East Coast rap sound and played a significant role in the evolution of the golden age of hip-hop.

EPMD released their debut album *Strictly Business* in 1988, which was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The album featured the hit single “You Gots to Chill” and established their signature style of smooth, no-nonsense rhymes over funk-infused beats. They continued to drop classic albums such as *Unfinished Business* (1989), *Business As Usual* (1990), and *Business Never Personal* (1992).

Despite their success, EPMD experienced internal tensions, leading to a brief split in the early 1990s. However, they later reunited and released more albums, including *Back in Business* (1997) and *Out of Business* (1999).

EPMD’s influence on hip-hop is significant, inspiring many artists with their combination of lyrical skill and funky production. They are often credited for their contributions to the boom-bap era and their role in helping shape the careers of other artists, including Redman and Das EFX, both of whom were part of their larger collective, the “Hit Squad.”

Their music remains an essential part of hip-hop’s history, and their style is still celebrated by fans of old-school rap.