Business Never Personal (1992)

Fourth time's a charm? Well, maybe. EPMD's fourth and latest release, Business Never Personal, continues their rough and rugged course. Over stripped-down fat beats — which border on the slushy and unwieldy — Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith's, trade lines celebrating their own musical and lyrical skills in their signature lisps. Sure, it's the same meat-and-potatoes recipe that has earned them three gold records, but you won't find a more compelling lesson in relentless, basic funk. B+