By Odeisel
The first album I ever bought with my own money was EPMD’s Strictly Business back in ’88. It was a grey cassette with black letters and full of funky samples, snapping necks and cashing checks, the latter two given homage as recently as Will Farrell’s Stepbrothers movie. The fisherman hates, the hardcore aesthetic and the slow flow had me hooked and I’ve bought just about everything related to them except PMD’s solo album. Anyway, with all the old school rap groups coming back, it’s only right that Erick and Parish get there shot. Their first salvo “Don’t Get Clapped.”
The track is more melodic than funky and much less “dirty” than what we’re used to from post-classic EPMD. A classic break beat foundation is bracketed by laser atmospherics and snares. You almost expect the duo to drop a routine like the Cold Crush. There’s a tip of the cap to Biggie’s “Party And Bullshit” on the hook and an overall smooth rhythm that makes the song very listenable.
Erick was always the more hype less skilled member and this track continues that trend. He brings life to the hook and drops a couple of solid verses that are more fun that force. PMD takes it in a difference direction, peeping game with how situations escalate from seemingly nothing and ends up with someone getting clapped:
I see it happen all the time start over money or a rhyme, a jewelry trick or fronting or chirpin to One Time; last mistake, next come the First 48 it’s not till the slug hit you, you realize the checkmate
It’s good EPMD trading verses, alternating energy over a good beat. It’s not going to change the world or turn back the clock but it’s a solid piece of Hip-Hop that doesn’t sound dated and doesn’t require you to do drugs to bump. You can clap for this track and keep your heat holstered.
EPMD – “Don’t Get Clapped”
Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill
Follow Odeisel on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/odeisel
Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion
Follow us on Networked Blogs
