Maintain
Erick Sermon Lyrics

C'mon clap your hands wind it up
Encouraging the audience to clap and get hyped up for the performance.

Hush I'm comin' through with the bum rush
Announcing his arrival with authority and energy.

Feelins forced style Adidas Cold Crush
Describing his style as a blend of old school and new school with a focus on fashion.

What? My style's ridiculous
Boldly claiming that his style is unique and mind-blowing.

Who's gettin' wit that spectaculous miraculous?
Challenging other rappers to try and compete with his style.

Word to Lexus I'm from New York
Acknowledging his roots and pride in his hometown of New York City.

I'm flowin' like Dom P so unpop the cork
Using a metaphor to describe his smooth flow and ability to create excitement.

Now feelin' me for real do',
Asserting that he is worthy of respect and recognition in the rap industry.

I'm the one who came from the back and blew the brains out of Al Pacino
Using a hyperbolic example to illustrate his ability to surprise and shock his audience.

(Word up) Welcome to this rendition
Introducing the audience to the performance and acknowledging their presence.

Of lyricism, I'm on a Doug E.Fresh mission
Emphasizing his focus on creative and innovative rhymes in the same way that Doug E. Fresh was known for his beatboxing skills.

Somebody stop me, I'm outta control please
Jokingly acknowledging his own confidence and energy, while still trying to maintain control of the performance.

Before I do autopsies on these MC's
Threatening to expose flaws and weaknesses in other rappers' performances.

Open em up, they hollow on the inside
Comparing other rappers to empty shells without true substance or soul in their music.

No heart pumpin', their organ missin' somethin'
Further expanding on his metaphor of other rappers lacking true passion or emotion in their music.

Trueness, yeah they get no props
Emphasizing the importance of authenticity in rap music and implying that other rappers do not deserve respect due to their lack of it.

Without Das I come with the Real Hip-Hop
Referencing his group, Das EFX, and asserting his authenticity within the genre of hip-hop.

Hold up, how y'all tryin' ta play me, uh
Challenging anyone who might underestimate or disrespect him.

When I paved the way for y'all punks to MC
Asserting his influence and importance in the hip-hop industry as a pioneer and trailblazer.

You're not hard, ol school pull your card
Dismissing other rappers as imitators who lack the toughness and edge of the old school style of hip-hop.

Wit the quickness, chump and Jehovah Witness
Using wordplay to insult other rappers and imply that they are meek and powerless.

Agony of defeat on the street
Emphasizing the harsh reality of the rap industry and the consequences of failure.

In front of your crew diggin', in front of your main chicken
Mocking other rappers for failing in front of their fans and significant others.

Oh, it's more than meet the eye, oh my god
Suggesting that there is more to his performance and talent than what can be seen or heard on the surface level.

Somebody got shook by a hardcore mirage
Using a metaphor to describe the effect of his powerful and intense performance on his audience.

Speak on it, I get busy every week on it
Challenging anyone who doubts his abilities to witness his weekly performances and prove his skills.

DIE E-I, I sing and get unique on it
Using wordplay and rhyming to showcase his creative and improvisational skills.

The miracle child, the chosen one
Using biblical references to emphasize his importance and unique talent in the genre of hip-hop.

(POOF) Behind the Def Squad come the truth
Evoking a sense of mystery and magic, while also claiming that his group, Def Squad, represents the true essence of hip-hop.

There chill, I got that microphone
Asserting his dominance and control over the performance and audience.

So lounge homeboy, you in the danger zone
Warning others that they are in for a wild and intense ride when he takes over the microphone.

I can't believe, I come with the mad degrees, boy
Expressing his own disbelief at his skills and creativity in a humble yet confident manner.

Freakin' the funk with extra shit up the sleeve, uh
Proudly declaring his ability to improvise and add extra touches to his performance.

I maintain
Stating that he is able to keep up his performances and skills to a high standard.

I hold it down, so gimme that microphone
Asserting his ability to control the stage and audience with his talent.

When a brother like E is on the microphone, uh
Emphasizing his own importance and status within the rap industry as an artist.

I maintain, huh
Reiterating his ability to maintain his skills and perform at a high level.

When a brother like E-D is on the microphone, word
Further emphasizing his own importance and influence in the world of hip-hop.