(SLIDE)

Strictly Business, Business As Usual, Business Never Personal, Back In Business and now Out of Business. I was somewhat sad to see this album, as one way or another it marks the end of an era. There are rumours that this will be EPMD's last album, and other rumours that this is just their last album with a Business title.

The last EPMD album, Back In Business, seemed thrown together, lacking the chemistry that marked the group. This is understandable after their acrimonious breakup. For those who haven't heard yet, after the Business Never Personal tour, Parrish had Erick arrested for allegedly breaking into his house and roughing up Erick's cousin. Out of Business returns somewhat to the chemistry they showed on earlier albums, when they were so close, they wore matching outfits for their shows and on their album covers.

Lyrically, neither Erick or Parrish is the most gifted brother to ever touch the mic, but for some reason, when they are together, the synergy makes you want to move. Their mic passes this time around are much crisper and sound like they wrote songs together rather than just writing separate verses and throwing them together. Back in Business sounded like they were simply doing it for the music, but this time around they seem to be regaining some of their closeness.

Production on this burner mostly by Erick and Parrish themselves, although Mr. Bozack (the two of them together) is conspicuously absent. As a matter of fact, the only song not produced by one of the two is the intro produced by DJ Scratch.

Tracks to check for: "Pioneers," "Right Now," "Symphony," "The Fan," and "Symphony 2000" I was somewhat upset that "Symphony" and "Symphony 2000" used the same beats, and the same verses from E Double and PMD, but it'll make a good tune for the DJs to juggle up. Bringing MOP, Red and Meth together at last.

The final verdict: This is really a very good album, although not really a classic in the vein of previous EPMD efforts. It's definitely something you want to add to your collection. One other point, pick up the Double Limited Edition so you get the Greatest Hits too.

***

JT Money

Pimpin On Wax

Virgin/Capitol/Priority

By: Rip

***

(CRAWL)

Some people should just have a lifetime ban enforced on them from touching microphones. After listening to this album, I've got to add JT Money to that list. This album may have a couple of songs that get lots of play in clubs, like "Who Dat" (which all of you have probably heard a million times by now).

Most of the beats on this album would be somewhat tolerable, if repetetive without the impotent efforts at lyricism displayed by JT Money on this album. Ironically, the interior of the CD Cover displays a boxing style championship belt proclaiming him "World Lyrical Champion."

Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. The lyrics on this album are trite, cliche, and repetitive. Take "Dank" for example. "What you smoking nigga? Dank digga dank d-dank d-dank digga digga" I don't think so.

Even the guest lyricists can't save this album. Sole appeards on "Who Dat," but fails to impress. Big Gipp of Goodie Mob makes a better appearance on "Alright," but it falls well beneath the standard we are used to from Dungeon Family collaborations. Evil is slightly better on "Too Real," but slightly better than the worst ever is still pretty bad. As for Trick Daddy, well, he ain't Nann.

Tracks to check for: "Kite 2 Da Boyz" is somewhat better than most of the substandard fare on this album, but as a letter from jail, "One Love" by Nas is well superior. Too $hort fans may enjoy "Somethin 'Bout Pimpin', with it's singin-ass R&B style chorus, and more pimp talk. Personally, I've had more than enough.

The final verdict: Another pass. Money is right, as that seems to be the only aim on this album. Save yours, and pick up something else later.

***