Sermon is best known as one half of the late-1980s/1990s hip-hop group EPMD. He began recording solo albums for Def Jam in 1993.
In 1997, he rejoined EPMD. The following year, Sermon, Keith Murray and Redman recorded a cover version of "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, the first hit hip-hop record. EPMD disbanded a second time in 1998. In 2000, Sermon moved over to J Records, and released the album Music the following year. The title track (a Top 40 pop hit that also made it to #2 on the R&B music charts), featured guest vocals from late soul music legend Marvin Gaye, culled from unreleased recordings which Sermon reportedly found in a small record shop in London. React was released in 2002.
In 2003, J Records dropped Erick Sermon due to poor record sales. However, he still went on to establish his Def Squad imprint with Motown Records. At this time, he recorded an album, Chilltown, N.Y., which was released a year later in 2004. The album was powered by the single "Feel It" (which contained a sample of Reggae/R&B Singer Sean Paul), a song which became a moderate success in the United States. In an interview, he stated that he was going to step aside and try to get upcoming artists in the spotlight.
However, Sermon hasn't stopped doing music altogether, as he has produced the song "Goldmine" on Busta Rhymes' album, The Big Bang in 2006. Very soon after, Sermon recorded "Don't Make No Sense" with Def Squad.
Sermon joined up again for a special EPMD worldwide tour in 2006, were he was being held company by Keith Murray among others.
Come Thru
Erick Sermon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Def Squad, combustion mode
610 what? Huh, yeah
New York
[Verse One]
(Heyyy heyyy) It's "Time 4 Sum Aksion"
That Redman shit the E come with, what?
When I hit, the jam comin straight for the head ("Watch me!")
This be the song at hand, understand
Even though I never rocked the stage on Summer Jam
I'm in the lab makin tracks 70 grand
that get heard by crazy fans like Stan (hey man)
Who like my shit, cause I come through
like a new German made, car for the paid
VS be the five-double-oh, S in front
No future in yo' frontin yo (?) pop the trunk
I'm Imp the Dimp, the ladies pimp (uh-huh)
The women fight, for my delight
Cause I'm the Green Eyed Bandit in the place to be
That, shock the house no doubt nigga please
[Chorus: Cha Cha + Erick Sermon]
why'all know we come through the club (heyyy heyyy)
Steppin like ba-boom-boom-boom-burp (heyyy heyyy)
Uhh - in rap niggaz call me the mack
Cause I pimp the track, heyyy heyyy
why'all know we come through the club (heyyy heyyy)
Steppin like ba-boom-boom-boom-burp (heyyy heyyy)
Uhh - make sure my fam got my back
It's just like that, heyyy heyyy
[Verse Two]
I float like Muhammad, I'm the bomb shit
Rappin grenades explode when the track is laid, uh
Whatever the era is, the E'll outlast 'em
like VROOOM and ride right past 'em
Amazin, my conversation blazed 'em
I shot funk from here and in Japan it grazed 'em
A big dog, I take up space
I'm so cold, I rock 'til you're blue in the face
(shh) I rock hard, call me a rock star
Jimi or Jagger, I rock where the blocks are
I come through when my time is leisure
In the big black something with fifteen speakers
Screwface me? You ain't hard neither
Bump your head - just a thug with amnesia
Uh - God bless ya
My style is so fat, that's why I got high blood pressure
[Chorus] - repeat 2X
[Outro]
(Erick say it) Yeah put your hands up
Just like "Music," feel the cut, uhh
(Erick say it) Doowhutyalike
Huh, rock like this all night
(Erick say it) To all my homegirls
Do you now - "go ahead baby"
(Erick say it) To all my homeboys
Get money, and keep it real, one
In the first verse of Erick Sermon's song "Come Thru", he makes references to the Redman song "Time 4 Sum Aksion" and his own song "Watch Me". He also mentions Naseem Hamed, a former professional boxer known for his unorthodox fighting style. Erick talks about his creative process and how he generates revenue from his music, reflecting on the fact that even though he has not performed at the Summer Jam concert, his records still garner massive attention from fans. In the chorus, Erick boasts about his lyrical and performance abilities, calling himself "The Mack". In the second verse, he makes comparisons to great musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger - while also suggesting that his records surpass any time period. He ends the song by exhibiting a sense of camaraderie, urging everyone to keep it real and stay true to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah - uh, uh
The song is starting and Erick Sermon is ready to drop some fire bars.
Def Squad, combustion mode
The rap group Def Squad is in high gear and ready to light up the mic.
610 what? Huh, yeah
Erick is representing the 610 area code and shouts it out for emphasis.
New York
Erick acknowledges his roots and proudly reps the city of New York.
(Heyyy heyyy) It's "Time 4 Sum Aksion"
Erick pays homage to Redman's classic track while hyping up the crowd.
That Redman shit the E come with, what?
Erick is referencing his work with Redman and his own unique flavor that he brings to the table.
The rap supreme Naseem Hamed
Erick compares himself to a boxing champion, confident in his skills and dominance.
When I hit, the jam comin straight for the head ("Watch me!")
Erick is boasting about how his rhymes hit hard, like a knockout punch straight to the head.
This be the song at hand, understand
Erick wants his fans to focus on this current track and appreciate it for what it is.
Even though I never rocked the stage on Summer Jam
Erick may not have performed at the Summer Jam concert, but he's still making bangers in the studio.
I'm in the lab makin tracks 70 grand
Erick is putting in work and making hits that are worth a lot of money.
that get heard by crazy fans like Stan (hey man)
Erick's music is appreciated by enthusiastic fans, just like the signature fan in Eminem's song 'Stan.'
Who like my shit, cause I come through
Fans connect with Erick's music because of his unique style and charisma.
like a new German made, car for the paid
Erick's rhymes are sleek and stylish, just like a high-end German car.
VS be the five-double-oh, S in front
Erick drives a Mercedes-Benz S500, and he's proud to show it off to his fans.
No future in yo' frontin yo (?) pop the trunk
Erick warns other rappers not to pretend to be something they're not, because he's not buying it.
I'm Imp the Dimp, the ladies pimp (uh-huh)
Erick is a smooth operator when it comes to the ladies, and he's not afraid to brag about it.
The women fight, for my delight
Erick has many female admirers who are drawn to him because of his magnetic personality.
Cause I'm the Green Eyed Bandit in the place to be
Erick's nickname is the Green Eyed Bandit, and he's holding down the rap scene with his talent and swagger.
That, shock the house no doubt nigga please
Erick's music is so powerful and electrifying that it can't help but get the crowd hyped up.
why'all know we come through the club (heyyy heyyy)
Erick and his crew always make an entrance when they hit the club.
Steppin like ba-boom-boom-boom-burp (heyyy heyyy)
Erick's confident strut and flashy style make him stand out from the crowd.
Uhh - in rap niggaz call me the mack
Erick's reputation as a ladies' man precedes him in the rap game.
Cause I pimp the track, heyyy heyyy
Erick's rhymes are smooth and polished, and he effortlessly rides the beat like a true professional.
Make sure my fam got my back
Erick's friends and family are always there to support him, no matter what.
It's just like that, heyyy heyyy
Erick is confident and unwavering in his approach to life and music.
I float like Muhammad, I'm the bomb shit
Erick is comparing himself to the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who was known for his quick feet and sharp wit.
Rappin grenades explode when the track is laid, uh
Erick's rhymes are explosive and powerful, like a grenade going off in your ears.
Whatever the era is, the E'll outlast 'em
Erick's music is timeless and will continue to be relevant no matter what changes in the industry.
like VROOOM and ride right past 'em
Erick is pushing the envelope and moving fast, leaving his competition in the dust.
Amazin, my conversation blazed 'em
Erick's words are like fire, burning bright and leaving a lasting impression on his listeners.
I shot funk from here and in Japan it grazed 'em
Erick's music is reaching fans all over the world, and even his Japanese listeners can't get enough of his funky beats.
A big dog, I take up space
Erick is a force to be reckoned with, and his presence is felt when he enters a room.
I'm so cold, I rock 'til you're blue in the face
Erick's rhymes are so smooth and effortless that his listeners can't help but be mesmerized.
(shh) I rock hard, call me a rock star
Erick is blurring the lines between rap and rock, and his high-energy performances make him a true star.
Jimi or Jagger, I rock where the blocks are
Erick is influenced by rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger, and he brings that same spirit to the rap game.
I come through when my time is leisure
Erick isn't in a rush, and he takes his time to make sure his music is perfect before he releases it.
In the big black something with fifteen speakers
Erick's ride is decked out with a top-of-the-line sound system, perfect for blasting his music.
Screwface me? You ain't hard neither
Erick is warning his enemies not to underestimate him, because he's not one to be messed with.
Bump your head - just a thug with amnesia
Erick is brash and hard-hitting, and his rhymes will make you forget your troubles and just enjoy the music.
Uh - God bless ya
Erick is showing love to his fans, thanking them for supporting his music and his career.
My style is so fat, that's why I got high blood pressure
Erick's style is so big and bold that it's affecting his health, but it's worth it for the sake of his craft.
(Erick say it) Yeah put your hands up
Erick is hyping up the crowd and encouraging them to get into the music.
Just like "Music," feel the cut, uhh
Erick is referencing the classic song "Music" by Erick Sermon and Marvin Gaye, and urging his fans to vibe with the new track in the same way.
(Erick say it) Doowhutyalike
Erick is giving his fans permission to let loose and enjoy themselves however they want.
Huh, rock like this all night
Erick wants his fans to keep the party going and have a great time.
(Erick say it) To all my homegirls
Erick is shouting out his female fans and showing them love and appreciation.
Do you now - "go ahead baby"
Erick is encouraging his female fans to be confident and independent, and do whatever they want to do.
(Erick say it) To all my homeboys
Erick isn't leaving his male fans out of the equation, and he wants to give them a shout-out too.
Get money, and keep it real, one
Erick is giving his male fans advice on how to succeed in life: get money and stay true to yourself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD, ERICK SERMON, PARRIS LY'NELL FLUELLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind