Who would have ever thought we would hear EPMD and Eminem on the same track? I know, everyone is raving about the rap fraternizing between Nas and the real Slim Shady himself, Eminem. “EPMD 2” is somewhat of a wild card match-up of the greats. However, there is a lot going on in this track.
On Friday (August 6), Nas dropped his thirteenth studio album, King’s Disease II, the sequel to his Grammy award-winning album King’s Disease. The album has a fair share of guest features alongside highly notable contributions including Ms. Lauryn Hill, EPMD, and Charlie Wilson. It was executively produced by the prismatic Hit-Boy of Roc Nation, with whom the Queensbridge native has developed a sturdy duo-like musical bond. King’s Disease II is Nas’ way of proving why he is one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.
“EPMD 2” is the sequel of the track “EPMD” featured on King’s Disease. Both tracks are Nas’ way of paying homage to the iconic golden era duo and the era itself. In “EPMD,” he enforced his status as a GOAT with the likeness of EPMD alongside Hit-Boy. In part two, Queens camaraderie is on perfect display, as Erick Sermon and Parish Smith step onto the track with a lucent golden era flow that is laced with an appropriate sense of anachronism. Nas turned it up a notch by featuring the bars of the real EPMD on “EPMD 2,” ultimately putting a massive spotlight on one of hip-hop’s most beloved eras in 2021.
EPMD on “EPMD 2”
In a recent interview with Hip-Hop DX, PMD, Parish Making Dollars shared his reaction to the King’s Disease moment of homage:
“This was Hip Hop doing a full 360 and heading back to the golden era,” Parish told DX. “With Nas, the connection with my grandfather being from Queens and Nas being from Queens, I used to be — and still am — a big fan of Main Source…”
Parish recognized the opportunity to hop on the track due to the success of “EPMD,” he continued:
“When Nas paid homage to EPMD on the first ‘EPMD,’ it was only right for Erick and I to get on the track and show love as well. Once Nas dropped the song, it got so big that it created a vibe that cut through everything, like, ‘Yeah, you know, I can hear EPMD doing the song with Nas.’ Then through the communication between both camps, we were able to get it done.”
Parish Smith to Hip-Hop DX
Parish also revealed to DX that he did not know about the track’s most anticipated guest feature being on the record until one week prior to the album’s release. Eminem’s coming on the revolutionary modernized boom-bap track had the four emcees “tight-lipped,” according to DX.
Eminem: The Surprise of “EPMD 2”
Throughout his career, Eminem has recognized EPMD as being among his top influences when it comes to his artistry. In the 2020 song, “Higher,” as he reminisces on his hip-hop infancy, Eminem credits EPMD for schooling him on how to write rhymes.
All I ever wanted was to be an emcee
Eminem “Higher” (2020)
Tediously I wrote obediently, believing in me
EPMD must’ve had teachin’ degrees
Learned to defeat enemies with the ink, thinkin’ of these rhymes
Honoring the evolution of hip-hop, the Detriot emcee encountered the track with bars that acknowledged the essence of hip-hop culture along with his position in the culture with momentous bars where he enlists the greats, including himself.
I just pray for the day when I’m able to say that I’m placed with the greats
Eminem on “EPMD 2” (2021)
And my name’s with the Kane’s and the Wayne’s, and the Jay’s and the Dre’s
And the Ye’s, and the Drake’s and the J Dilla’s, Jada’s, Cool J’s
And the Ra’s and amazin’ as Nas is, and praise to the Gods of this
Shout to the golden age of Hip-Hop and the name of this song is
Alluding to his habit of paying respect, Eminem eugloized some of hip-hop’s most notable acts who have passed away including DMX, MF DOOM, Ecstasy of Whodini, and Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys. He even went on to rap about a text he sent to 50 Cent.
R.I.P. out to DMX, Stezo E and Nipsey
Eminem on “EPMD 2” (2021)
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
Nas Drives Us Crazy
Of course, we didn’t forget about Nas’ verse. We just had to go over those incredible features first. Yeah, over a smooth boom-bappy strapped beat, Mr. Jones was not playing with us. The Queensbridge icon declared the restruction of hip-hop as he took listeners on a fiery ride through his journey.
EPMD, we back in business
Nas on “EPMD 2” (2021)
I visualize what it is, not what it isn’t
We at the mafia table next to the kitchen
Eatin’ Michelin Stars, countin’ a million
Recanting his infamous phrase and once, message, also the title of his eight studio album, Hip Hop Is Dead, Nas admits that hip-hop faked its death.
She gettin’ scary, blood on my hands like Carrie
Nas on “EPMD 2” (2021)
Might walk through a cemetery to see where hip-hop is buried
I said it was dead, but it faked its death like Machiavelli
You see letters in red splatter, look like sauce and spaghetti
Nas’ ability to adapt throughout multi eras in hip-hop is one that will play a grand role in the longevity of the culture. Many critics and ethusiasts highlight the lack of appreciation that is santionced among younger generations. However, in recent times, there has been a slight shift as those in the likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Drake, and Nas are now the inspirations of mainstream hip-hop’s megastar acts. Nas’ rank as the greatest emcee of all time is one that is cemented into blueprint of hip-hop culture, as we know it to be. Thanks to Illmatic. However, with King’s Disease II, Nas continue to contribute to hip-hop’s integrity and perhaps, produce an era of the hip-hop appreciation we all yearn for.
