PMD, real name [[artist:Parrish Smith]], was born on May 13, 1968, in Brentwood, Long Island, New York, and is based in Smithtown, Long Island. He is an East Coast rapper best known as one half of the influential hip-hop duo [[artist:EPMD]], alongside [[artist:Erick Sermon]]. Active since the late 1980s, PMD played a central role in shaping the sound of hardcore and funk-influenced rap. In addition to his work with EPMD, he has released solo projects and collaborated with artists within the [[artist:Hit Squad (2)]] collective, which he helped form.