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.
Imma Gitz Mine
Erick Sermon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aooowwwwwwwwwwwww!
Part one, the mastermind begins upon a quest
Gettin stupid -- shootin rhymes like arrows shot by Cupid
Ahh, you so crazy, is what somebody told me
You can't hold me, so why you actin bold G?
Come correct when you steppin dude, don't get rude
or I might blast you durin my interlude
A million dollar man, but I'm not bionic
Erick Sermon, a name you know so don't front kid
E.D., rock the mic and roll the blunt, ya dig?
Goal is to get Naughty by Nature
And blow up like when girls blow up my SkyPager
Make loot by the stacks - so when I come back
through my neighborhood, they see I'm doin good
I got my hat to the back, my hands down below
So act like you know
Chorus: Erick Sermon (repeat 2X)
Imma gitz mine, you go and get yours (3X)
Imma gitz mine, you got it!
[Erick Sermon]
Part two, show the way I flip the funk lyric
and get ghost - with the magical form of spirit
I do my thing, I don't dare front or flake
I commence to earthquake, dominate, and cremate
Abuse and use a funky form of dialect
when I mic check, I freak the ill concept like
skip to my loo my darling, I hear someone calling
Hey, Erick Sermon, yes yes y'alling
I got funk by the ounce to make you bounce
to the bus stop, and flash back to the wop
Now I got the +Vibeology+, in a funky way
Somethin Paula Abdul would say
My style Development, should be Arrested
Arrested Development, _Everyday People_
from my heritage kickin, E's on a mission
It's a black thing kid, and not the Blonde Ambition
Mackaframa, fly mack-dose
Got props from North South, East and the West coast
Like Michael Jackson boy, just _Leave Me Alone_
Cause once again it's on
Chorus
[Erick Sermon]
(Worrrd) One two, as I speak upon the funk
Why is that when the ?, the people told the junk
Man, we can't have anything
Why can't we all just get along like my man Rodney King
I'm a young man, doin what I have to
Who asked you? I'm doin what I gotta do
I'm guaranteed to have my own show, like Arsenio
if I maintain to be a desperado
Stayin wicked when I kick it through your speaker
You might think I'm a alien, but that's a corny ?
Because my ways are, "Strange -- and I like it"
and got power like a psychic
I'm +Cool Like Dat+ when I react with the rap
but if you ain't down with it then get the bozack
Chorus
The song "Imma Gitz Mine" by Erick Sermon is an ode to the rapper's skill and determination to succeed in the music industry. The lyrics describe a confident, almost cocky persona who is aware of his abilities and unafraid to show them off. The first verse sets the tone, with Sermon stating his goal of making a name for himself and making money through his talent. He warns other rappers not to tread on his turf, as he is not afraid to fight back.
The chorus, "Imma gitz mine, you go and get yours," reinforces Sermon's philosophy of hard work and self-reliance. He is not afraid to go after what he wants in life, and encourages others to do the same. The second verse continues this theme, with Sermon proclaiming his uniqueness and his mastery of the funk lyric. He namechecks other artists like Paula Abdul and Arrested Development, demonstrating his knowledge of and respect for the history of hip-hop.
Overall, "Imma Gitz Mine" is a song about ambition and self-confidence, with a beat that is both funky and hard-hitting. Sermon's delivery is smooth and confident, reflecting his belief in his own abilities as a rapper and a creative force in the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Part one, the mastermind begins upon a quest
I'm starting a mission to reach my goals
Gettin stupid -- shootin rhymes like arrows shot by Cupid
Flowing easily and gracefully with my lyrics
Ahh, you so crazy, is what somebody told me
People find me entertaining and unpredictable
You can't hold me, so why you actin bold G?
Don't underestimate me or try to control me
Come correct when you steppin dude, don't get rude
Show respect and act appropriately
or I might blast you durin my interlude
I won't hesitate to call you out if necessary
But for real though, I'm doper than chronic
I'm confident in my talents and abilities
A million dollar man, but I'm not bionic
I'm successful but not invincible
Erick Sermon, a name you know so don't front kid
I'm a known and respected rapper
E.D., rock the mic and roll the blunt, ya dig?
I'm in control and enjoying myself
Goal is to get Naughty by Nature
One of my aspirations is to collaborate with Naughty by Nature
And blow up like when girls blow up my SkyPager
I want to be successful and recognizable
Make loot by the stacks - so when I come back
I want to accumulate wealth
through my neighborhood, they see I'm doin good
I want to show off my success to those who knew me before
I got my hat to the back, my hands down below
I'm dressed in a relaxed and confident way
So act like you know
Treat me with respect and acknowledge my status
Part two, show the way I flip the funk lyric
I'm going to demonstrate my skills with flowing lyrics
and get ghost - with the magical form of spirit
I'm going to disappear with my stylistic flow
I do my thing, I don't dare front or flake
I'm authentic and true to myself
I commence to earthquake, dominate, and cremate
I'm going to dominate and impress
Abuse and use a funky form of dialect
I manipulate language in a creative way
when I mic check, I freak the ill concept like
I'm testing my microphone and improvising freely
skip to my loo my darling, I hear someone calling
I'm referencing a children's song in a playful way
Hey, Erick Sermon, yes yes y'alling
I'm acknowledging my own name and presence
I got funk by the ounce to make you bounce
I have energy and music that can make you dance
to the bus stop, and flash back to the wop
I'm referencing dances from the past
Now I got the +Vibeology+, in a funky way
I'm embracing a positive energy and mood
Somethin Paula Abdul would say
I'm acknowledging a popular singer and her catchphrase
My style Development, should be Arrested
My unique style should be recognized and appreciated
Arrested Development, _Everyday People_
I'm referencing a popular band and their music
from my heritage kickin, E's on a mission
I'm representing my roots and pursuing my goals
It's a black thing kid, and not the Blonde Ambition
I'm alluding to Madonna's album and emphasizing cultural differences
Mackaframa, fly mack-dose
I'm using slang to describe myself and my style
Got props from North South, East and the West coast
I'm recognized and appreciated across the country
Like Michael Jackson boy, just _Leave Me Alone_
I'm referencing Michael Jackson's song and asking for my own space
Cause once again it's on
I'm ready to show off again
(Worrrd) One two, as I speak upon the funk
As I speak and rap with funky music
Why is that when the ?, the people told the junk
I'm questioning why people criticize and reject new ideas
Man, we can't have anything
People are resistant to change and new perspectives
Why can't we all just get along like my man Rodney King
I'm referencing a cultural issue and suggesting unity
I'm a young man, doin what I have to
I'm trying to find success and happiness
Who asked you? I'm doin what I gotta do
I don't need anyone's permission or support to succeed
I'm guaranteed to have my own show, like Arsenio
I have confidence and ambition to have my own TV show like Arsenio Hall
if I maintain to be a desperado
If I stay determined and committed
Stayin wicked when I kick it through your speaker
I'm staying edgy and impressive through my music
You might think I'm a alien, but that's a corny ?
I may seem strange or different, but that's not an insult
Because my ways are, "Strange -- and I like it"
I'm embracing my unique and creative style
and got power like a psychic
I have a strong presence and energy
I'm +Cool Like Dat+ when I react with the rap
I'm cool and collected when I rap and improvise
but if you ain't down with it then get the bozack
If you don't like it, leave and don't interfere
Imma gitz mine, you go and get yours (3X)
I'm going to find success and you should find your own success
Imma gitz mine, you got it!
I'm going to succeed and you should too
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERICK SERMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind