by Alex Henderson
Business as Usual is an ironic title for EPMD's third album -- for in terms of production, it was anything but business as usual for the Strong Island rappers. While Strictly Business and Unfinished Business favored a very simple and basic approach to production consisting primarily of samples (many of them clever) and drum machines, the production is busier and more involved this time -- and even suggests Marley Marl. Unfortunately, the sampling isn't as clever as before. What didn't change was EPMD's relatively laid-back approach to rapping and a preoccupation with sucker MCs. Though not as inspired as its two predecessors, the album does have its moments -- including &Rampage& (which unites EPMD with LL Cool J), &Give the People,& and &Gold Digger,& a candid denunciation of &material girls& who exploit and victimize men financially after a divorce.