Epmd | ICON (EX) | CD

Arriving in 2014 as one of several releases tied into the 30th anniversary of Def Jam, this 11-track compilation selects highlights from six EPMD albums, three of which -- the Priority-era Strictly Business and Unfinished Business, and Def Jam's Business Never Personal -- are indisputable classics. Understandably, the set winds up presenting itself more as a sampler than as a proper anthology. It does contain essential tracks like "You Gots to Chill," "So Wat Cha Sayin'," "Crossover," and "Head Banger," but serious rap fans will need to dig deeper for full satisfaction. [This was issued as a digital download as Best of EPMD.] ~ Andy Kellman

• Format: CD
• Released: 05/04/2015
• Released: 5/04/2015