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Legendary rappers Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, better known as EPMD, have come back together to work on their 7th studio album, "We Mean Business" due for release in early 2008.  What is more interesting than the group's first studio album in 10 years is the fact that EPMD is attempting to go back to their roots, and have inked a deal with Unique Distribution to market and distribute 12 inch vinyl singles for the Def Squad/Hit Squad label.

In a recent interview with Allhiphop.com, Erick Sermon explained why DJ Premier was a factor in the decision to go vinyl, and why rappers should think about releasing their own 12 inch vinyl singles:  "DJ Premier said 'its cool to do the cds and all that, but you gotta respect the vinyl' and Unique Distribution stepped their game up.  I encourage a lot of rappers to release their own vinyl independent of the label situation, because you know who how labels do, if the first single aint poppin' off right away, then bam it’s a wrap for you."

Parrish Smith also explained that throughout the years, EPMD has collectively maintained a certain level of creativity, a process which has allowed the group not to rush into making music:  "We have a good group of soldiers around us.  It’s a combined effort, we’re not rushing making music, we’re going back through and listening to EPMD albums that keep that same element.  You gotta listen to your corner, its just like in boxing, you're only as good as your corner.  That’s the difference between winning or getting knocked out."

With regards to the vinyl distribution deal and ol' school hiphop in general, Parrish Smith went on to explain that real hiphop fans should support the venture:  "There are millions of people that still love underground Hip-Hop.  It's not being embraced.  If you want the Hip-Hop you love back, then support it. Overseas is how it still should be.  MC’s like Jeru the Damaja , DeLa Soul, they are loved as much as the mainstream over here, they still love to hear that snare and kick, that sample, those lyrics.  Big up to Kayne, Common, Mos Def, and dudes like that, who are releasing that type of music, regardless of what's popular."

EPMD first broke onto the scene in 1988 with the critically acclaimed debut album "Strictly Business," and continued to be prominent in the mainstream throughout the late 80's and 90's with such hits as "You Gots To Chill" and 1992's "Crossover."  Although the group split in 1993 under questionable circumstances with both Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith pursuing solo careers thereafter, collectively both men were responsible for introducing such legendary artists to the game as Redman, Keith Murray, Das EFX, and others.