EPMD
by Nas (featuring Eminem)

Album: King's Disease II (2021)
Charted: 79
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Songfacts®:

  • EPMD is a New York hip-hop duo comprising emcees Erick Sermon ("E") and Parrish Smith ("PMD" aka Parrish Mic Doc). Here, Nas pays tribute to the group's legacy by calling back their 1997 album, while rapping about their love of eating at expensive restaurants.

    EPMD, we back in business
    I visualize what it is, not what is isn't
    We at the mafia table next to the kitchen
    Eatin' Michelin Stars, countin' a million
  • The song is a sequel to "E.P.M.D," from the soundtrack album for the 2021 movie Judas and the Black Messiah. Nas re-recorded it for King's Disease II with new verses by EPMD themselves and Eminem.
  • During Eminem's verse, he pays tribute to some of the rap legends who have passed away:

    R.I.P. out to DMX, Stezo, E and Nipsey
    Ecstasy and Prince Markie Dee, MF DOOM, I hit 50 via text
    Told him that I love him 'cause I don't even know when I'ma see him next
    Tomorrow could be your death


    He concludes by giving a "shout to the golden age of hip-hop."
  • This marks the first time Nas and Eminem have rapped together, although Marshall Mathers previously co-wrote and produced Nas' 2002 cut "The Cross." Also, a sample of Nas' voice appeared on the Detroit rapper's 2020 Music to Be Murdered By – Side B track, "Book of Rhymes," courtesy of DJ Premier.
  • This song features production from Chauncey "Hit-Boy" Hollis, Jr. The Californian beatmaker's other credits include Lil Wayne and Eminem's 2010 single "Drop The World," Jay-Z and Kanye West's 2011 Watch the Throne track "Niggas in Paris," and Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode." Hit-Boy also produced the original version of "E.P.M.D."

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