Erick Sermon is an American rapper and producer. He also goes by the names … Read Full Bio ↴Erick Sermon is an American rapper and producer. He also goes by the names "E-Double" and "The Green Eyed Bandit".

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.

Don't Give Up
Erick Sermon Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Somebody said they saw you
The person you were kissing wasn't me
cnd I would never ask you, I just kept it to myself
I don't wanna know, if you're playing me
Keep it on the low
Cause my heart can't take it anymore
cnd if you creeping, please don't let it show
Oh baby, I don't wanna know

I think about it when I hold you
When looking in your eyes, I can't believe
cnd I don't need to know the truth
But baby keep it to yourself
I don't wanna know, if you're playing me
Keep it on the low
Cause my heart can't take it anymore

cnd if you creeping, please don't let it show
Oh baby, I don't wanna know

Overall Meaning

In Erick Sermon’s song “Don’t Give Up,” the lyrics communicate a message of perseverance and determination. The song begins by acknowledging that sometimes life can feel hopeless, but the key is to push through even when it feels difficult. The phrase “everyday is an uphill climb” emphasizes the idea that life can be a struggle, but we must continue moving forward.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing our goals and dreams. The phrase “gotta do what you wanna do” serves as a motivator to keep going and not give up in the face of challenges. The repetition of the phrase “don’t give it up” reinforces that message even further, urging the listener to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles they may face.

Overall, “Don’t Give Up” is a song about perseverance, positivity, and the power of self-determination. It is an anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity and needed a reminder to keep going.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry if the sun don't shine
Don't be troubled if things don’t go your way

You've seen it before
This isn't the first time things haven’t gone the way you expected

You don't have to worry
Stop fretting over things that you can't control

Everyday is an up hill climb
Everyday brings a new challenge to overcome

Nothing has changed
The situation is still the same

Believe me when I tell ya
Trust my words and have faith

Don't give it up, don't give it up
Keep going, keep trying

Don't give up, you know it's true
Don't quit, you know that's the right thing to do

Gotta do what you wanna to do
Follow your desires, pursue your dreams

Don't give it up, you don't have to
You don't need to surrender

Gotta do what you wanna to do, oh yeah
Execute your aspirations, without hesitation