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.
Freestyle
Erick Sermon Lyrics
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It's gettin' hard to dodge the women
But I'm still pitching hard white balls
Faster than Roger Clemens,
Ya know the kid with the O's
That's as large as linens
When it comes to sellin' trees
I'm as large as Timberland
He said the only way I am goin upstate
If it's in larger swimmin'
Pull out the garage like gremlins
Anarge with trimmins
System in it that have the projects tremblin'
Ya know nothin' about lettin' a few strays go off
Ya only reach for your hip when your two ways go off
Shots'll fly by your head
Your toup blow off
I ain't crip I'm just a blue gray show off
Ghetto fab I more than rap for my bucks
Keep two 9's on me like Warren Sapp from the Buccs
The word I'm ballin' be flowin' to the fed Jakes
And I keep chicks on my lap throwin' me head fakes
Nigga I walk around with the grams you stackin'
And me and Flex don't roll unless they Andrew Jackson
It's Brooklyn by me the crook the I-B ya even look
At ID you gettin' hooked to I-V
Motherfuckers huh
The lyrics to Erick Sermon's song "Freestyle" depict a confident and boastful persona, highlighting his success in both the music industry and the drug trade. He begins by referencing the challenges of avoiding attention from women, suggesting that he is desired and pursued by many. However, he remains focused on his drug dealing business, metaphorically comparing his ability to sell drugs quickly to Roger Clemens' pitching speed in baseball. He further emphasizes his prominence in the drug trade by comparing the size of the drugs he sells to large linens and Timberland boots.
The mention of his lawyer slimming down his charges suggests that he has legal troubles but is able to navigate them successfully with professional help. The line about going to prison only if it involves swimming in larger bodies of water implies that he believes he is unlikely to face serious consequences for his actions.
Sermon also boasts about his extravagant lifestyle, driving luxury cars and having flashy accessories. The line about the projects tremble when his car's sound system is playing illustrates the impact of his presence and wealth in his community.
The lyrics also touch on violence, suggesting that Sermon is not afraid to use firearms. He mocks those who only reach for their weapons when there is a clear threat, implying that he is always prepared for any situation. The references to blue and gray indicate his affiliation with a gang or specific neighborhood, showcasing his street credibility and potential involvement in criminal activities.
Overall, the lyrics of "Freestyle" depict a persona that is confident, fearless, and unapologetic about his success and involvement in illegal activities.
Line by Line Meaning
Fabolous, Funk Flex Vol. 4 niggas see'mon
This song features Fabolous and is part of the Funk Flex Vol. 4 album. Let's get started.
It's gettin' hard to dodge the women
Avoiding women's attention is becoming increasingly difficult.
But I'm still pitching hard white balls
However, I'm still selling a lot of drugs.
Faster than Roger Clemens
My drug-selling skills are exceptional, even compared to a professional baseball player like Roger Clemens.
Ya know the kid with the O's
You're familiar with me, the person known for selling drugs.
That's as large as linens
I sell drugs in large quantities, comparable to the size of bed linens.
When it comes to sellin' trees
When it comes to selling marijuana.
I'm as large as Timberland
My drug business is as successful and influential as the Timberland brand.
My lawyer got my charges slimmin'
My lawyer is working to reduce the severity of my criminal charges.
He said the only way I am goin upstate
According to my lawyer, the only circumstance in which I'll end up in prison
If it's in larger swimmin'
is if the prison has a larger swimming pool, implying I won't be going to prison.
Pull out the garage like gremlins
I emerge from my garage quickly, just like gremlins do.
Anarge with trimmins
My car is full of stylish modifications.
System in it that have the projects tremblin'
The sound system in my car is so powerful that it causes the nearby housing projects to shake.
Ya know nothin' about lettin' a few strays go off
You have no experience or knowledge when it comes to firing stray bullets.
Ya only reach for your hip when your two ways go off
You only react and reach for your sidearm when your two-way pager alerts you.
Shots'll fly by your head
Bullets will be fired dangerously close to your head.
Your toup blow off
Your toupee will be blown off by the force of the shots.
I ain't crip I'm just a blue gray show off
I'm not associated with the Crip gang, but I proudly flaunt my blue-gray clothing.
Ghetto fab I more than rap for my bucks
I'm not just a rapper; I make a significant amount of money through illegal activities in the ghetto.
Keep two 9's on me like Warren Sapp from the Buccs
Similar to the football player Warren Sapp, I always carry two 9mm firearms with me for protection.
The word I'm ballin' be flowin' to the fed Jakes
Information about my success and wealth is reaching the federal law enforcement agencies (police).
And I keep chicks on my lap throwin' me head fakes
I have women sitting on my lap, trying to manipulate and deceive me.
Nigga I walk around with the grams you stackin'
I openly carry illegal drugs with me, while the amount you possess is small in comparison.
And me and Flex don't roll unless they Andrew Jackson
DJs like Funk Flex and I don't go anywhere unless we have a significant amount of cash, referencing the $20 bill with Andrew Jackson's face on it.
It's Brooklyn by me the crook the I-B ya even look
I represent Brooklyn, where crime is prevalent and I'm a well-known criminal.
At ID you gettin' hooked to I-V
If you try to identify me, you'll become addicted to intravenous drugs (hooked to the IV).
Motherfuckers huh
This line expresses disdain for individuals who disapprove or criticize.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael D'angelo Archer, Erick S. Sermon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gabriel
Peerless flow, riding the beat with such punch and fluidity. His cadence has a musicality to it like all the greatest Mcs. Respect
BIG SHAQQQ
This is amazing! :O Tells the new generation how long he has been killing beats for! defo a legend!!!
Monsta Mob
Oh yeah - okay. Sermon is in Top 5 producer of all time category, he's also the rapper - original rapper with his own style. Primarily he's the producer, loving the music and an original rapper. His production and credits are incredible - compared to any name you've mentioned, he's the mentor.
Ubiquitous
Erick can rip whatever he wants written or freestyle...he is a legend
sassi2416
The green eyed bandit spits it out uniquely together rolls right out ... Loving it always on top.. Erick Sermon in the house " STAND UP"!!!
LaMetrius Jackson
i would be surprised if all of that was pure freestyle, but if he's that nice then damn
stephanR0015
erick sermon, simply a genius when it comes to music. Listen to his productions and those awesome samples hes using. one of the greatest in both directions
Kwality Records
he killed it!!!
Andrew Flood
ERIC SERMON CAN FREESTYLE SO WELL !!!
Marcus Saunders
He killed that! EPMD The Green Eye Bandit