Today, we celebrate the birth day of a true Hip-Hop pioneer—Parrish Smith, better known to the world as PMD, one-half of the legendary duo EPMD.
Hailing from Brentwood, Long Island, PMD helped form one of the most influential groups in Hip Hop history. Alongside Erick Sermon, he created EPMD, short for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars.” The duo emerged in the late 1980s with their classic debut Strictly Business and quickly became known for their funky, sample-heavy production, slick lyricism, and laid-back delivery. With a run of timeless albums including Unfinished Business, Business as Usual, and Business Never Personal, EPMD helped define the sound of golden era Hip Hop and laid the foundation for what would become East Coast rap’s signature style.
Beyond their music, EPMD’s impact extended through their Hit Squad collective, where PMD played a key role in mentoring and launching the careers of future stars like Das EFX, Redman, and K-Solo. Even after the group’s well-publicized breakup in the mid-1990s, PMD never stopped working behind the scenes. He continued to push the culture forward, championing new talent and maintaining the essence of what made their music resonate with fans across generations.
Eventually, PMD and Erick Sermon reconnected and returned to the studio, proving that real artistry stands the test of time. Their reunion projects reminded fans of the powerful chemistry that made them legends in the first place.
Today, Parrish Smith remains an active presence in the Hip-Hop community—an elder statesman of the culture who commands respect not just for his contributions on the mic but also for his eye for talent, business acumen, and commitment to the art form.
As we mark his birthday, we salute PMD for his music, dedication, resilience, and the blueprint he helped lay down for countless artists who followed.
Happy Birthday to a true Hip Hop architect—Parrish “PMD” Smith. May your day be filled with love, respect, and appreciation for all that you’ve given to the game. Here’s to many more!