AKA: Bu$ine$$ I$ Bu$ine$$

Business Is Business 1996 Album

Parrish Smith

This lacks the funky A-tier production Erick Sermon was known for, but the boom bap beats are still solid. After the intro and a brief Scarface soundbite ("Fuck the fucking Diaz brothers!"), the title track comes in banging. 'Leave Your Style Cramped' is fairly average, but 'Rugged-N-Raw' gets things back on track with a hard-hitting beat and hook built around a Rare Earth sample of 'Eleanor Rigby'. 'Never Watered Down' carries a gritty, enjoyable darkness, while 'Kool Kat' offers some welcome funk and a catchy chorus. M.O.P. bring raw energy to 'It's the One', and the Biggie sample from 'Warning' is a nice addition 'It's the Pee' has an unfortunate name. Surely, if you were PMD and anyone in the studio with him you'd suggest to a least remove the e's. In a time with so much amazing boom bap and so many unique rappers, this isn't an compulsory listen but if you're curious what PMD could do as a solo artist it's worth checking out. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Rugged-N-Raw, Never Watered Down, It's the Ones, Rugged-N-Raw (Remix)