EPMD disbanded due to personal differences and financial issues but later reunited.
EPMD, the influential hip-hop duo consisting of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, first split in 1993 after releasing four successful albums. The breakup was acrimonious, stemming from a combination of personal differences and financial disputes. It was rumored that Sermon had discovered that Smith was embezzling money from the group, which led to trust issues and their eventual disbandment.
Despite the split, both members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success. Erick Sermon released several albums and became a well-known producer, working with various artists across the hip-hop community. Parrish Smith also released solo work but did not achieve the same level of success as Sermon.
The duo’s impact on hip-hop, particularly with their funk-infused beats and laid-back rhyming style, was significant, and fans clamored for a reunion. In 1997, EPMD answered those calls and reunited to release “Back in Business,” their fifth album. The reunion was well-received, and they went on to release more albums, including “Out of Business” in 1999 and “We Mean Business” in 2008.
Throughout the years, EPMD has continued to perform together, solidifying their legacy as one of the pioneering groups in hip-hop. Their influence can be seen in the work of many artists who have sampled their music or cited them as an inspiration. Despite the challenges they faced, EPMD’s reunion and continued collaboration demonstrate their resilience and enduring appeal in the hip-hop community.