EPMD

The Long Island duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith built a funk-sampling, laid-back sound that became a golden-age staple.

Albums "Strictly Business" and "Unfinished Business" went gold, and the crew spawned Redman and Keith Murray's Def Squad.

They charted multiple gold albums and helped define funk-based East Coast production.

EPMD's funky, understated style influenced generations of rappers and producers.