EPMD is an influential American hip-hop duo, composed of rappers Erick Sermon ("E" a.k.a. E Double) and Parrish Smith ("PMD" a.k.a. Parrish Mic Doc). Active since 1987, the group is known for their distinctive "funky" sound, characterized by heavy sampling of funk and rock music, and their "back-and-forth" lyrical style. They have significantly impacted the East Coast hip-hop scene, with their debut album "Strictly Business" considered a classic of the genre. EPMD's influence extends to many artists and their sound has played a key role in shaping the direction of hip-hop music.