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.
Sermon
Erick Sermon Lyrics
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Turn my mic up some.. turn my mic up some..
Turn my mic, check check, check, turn my mic up some
Almighty, uhh..
[Verse One]
Lord forgive me now
This be the best way I know how, to get this out
Even though, that's not what my style's about
I hate this world, sometimes it gets me
when family and friends are not friendly
I just don't get it - so I sit home
in the bassment lights low on the mic and spit it
They plot, to get my scratch
Not knowin the time to get where I'm at now
In my face, like I owe 'em somethin
Handout from me, and never did nuttin (word up)
They're mad at me, like I changed
It's hard on me Lord, it's wreckin my brain
Is it me? I know it can't be
So I ask you, please help me, now
[Chorus: R. Kelly - *sampled*]
Sometimes I laugh, tryin to keep from cryin
If I was plain out of luck, then tell me who could I trust
See I work so hard, just to get ahead
If it wasn't for God, I'd probably be dead
[Verse Two]
Uhh, I laugh when ain't nuttin funny
Meanwhile cats want to count my money
Plan on me, to get jumped or somethin
Plot-ting like E's punk or somethin
Feels so strange, how I maintain
to last in the game, throughout my fame
I'm focused man, the E stay the same
Hate when folks call me out my name
Damn Lord, heal my body
Cause I'm mad enough to kill somebody
Even hard to trust my lady
Did she lock me down to have my baby?
I know she love me - damn it's nuttin
The world's so corrupt, it got me buggin
Uhh, I want to move away like (?)
why'all feel me - yo, R. Kelly
[Chorus]
[Verse Three]
Huh, yo, huh
The game changed, damn I should quit
Can't get respect, without havin a hit
Someone somewhere talkin shit
Got fake cats in my clique
But I deal with the cards that's dealt
Try to make music that's heartfelt
Still doin eighty on the Belt'
In the Escalade, with Dolce shades
I've been paid, now what's left?
I guess, should I stress life or death (huh?)
Sometimes I want to end it all
Live at peace, with 'Pac and Smalls
Can't do that, got fam at the crib
My moms, my pops, my girl and my kids (uh-huh)
.. open my eyes
So I ask you, please help me, now
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Erick Sermon's song "Sermon" speak to the artist's struggles with fame, fortune, and the pressures of success. In the first verse, Sermon expresses frustration with those who would seek to take advantage of his success without contributing to it in any meaningful way. He raps about feeling isolated and alone, seeking solace in his music and in his faith. The second verse sees Sermon grappling with the changes brought about by his success, particularly the way that people may treat him differently or talk behind his back. He speaks of his struggles to trust even those closest to him, questioning whether his girlfriend might have had ulterior motives for getting involved with him. In the third verse, Sermon vents his frustration with the music industry, commenting on the way that success can be fickle and fleeting. Ultimately, however, he recognizes the importance of family and loved ones in his life, acknowledging that he cannot give up on them even in his darkest moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord forgive me now
I pray for forgiveness now
This be the best way I know how, to get this out
Rapping is my way of expressing myself
I can't sing so I have to bounce
I'm not a singer, I'm a rapper
Even though, that's not what my style's about
My style is about rapping, not bouncing around
I hate this world, sometimes it gets me
I get fed up with the world sometimes
when family and friends are not friendly
It hurts when my loved ones are not supportive
I just don't get it - so I sit home
I can't understand it, so I isolate myself
in the bassment lights low on the mic and spit it
I go to my basement, turn off the lights, and rap my heart out
They plot, to get my scratch
Some people plan to steal my money
Not knowin the time to get where I'm at now
They don't realize the hard work and time it took for me to get here
In my face, like I owe 'em somethin
They act entitled to my success
Handout from me, and never did nuttin (word up)
They expect me to give them something for no reason
They're mad at me, like I changed
Some people are angry with me for no reason
It's hard on me Lord, it's wreckin my brain
It's tough to deal with the pressure and hate
Is it me? I know it can't be
I wonder if I'm the problem, but I know I'm not
So I ask you, please help me, now
I ask God for help and guidance
Sometimes I laugh, tryin to keep from cryin
I try to keep a positive attitude to hide my pain
If I was plain out of luck, then tell me who could I trust
If I had nothing, who would really be there for me?
See I work so hard, just to get ahead
I work tirelessly to achieve my goals
If it wasn't for God, I'd probably be dead
I owe my life and success to God
Meanwhile cats want to count my money
People are always trying to see how much money I have
Plot-ting like E's punk or somethin
Some are planning to undermine me
Feels so strange, how I maintain
I don't know how I keep going despite the obstacles
to last in the game, throughout my fame
I stay relevant and famous despite the industry's fickleness
I'm focused man, the E stay the same
I stay grounded and true to myself
Hate when folks call me out my name
I don't like when people disrespect me
Damn Lord, heal my body
I'm physically and emotionally worn out
Cause I'm mad enough to kill somebody
I'm angry enough to do something drastic
Even hard to trust my lady
It's tough to trust my girlfriend
Did she lock me down to have my baby?
Is she only with me because she wants a baby?
I know she love me - damn it's nuttin
I know she loves me, but it doesn't help sometimes
The world's so corrupt, it got me buggin
The world's problems overwhelm me
I want to move away like (?)
I want to escape my problems
why'all feel me - yo, R. Kelly
Do you all understand me? - R. Kelly
The game changed, damn I should quit
The music industry has changed, and I consider quitting
Can't get respect, without havin a hit
I need to have a hit song to earn respect
Someone somewhere talkin shit
Someone is spreading lies and rumors about me
Got fake cats in my clique
I have fake friends who are only using me
But I deal with the cards that's dealt
I have to make the best of my situation
Try to make music that's heartfelt
I strive to make music that has real emotion and meaning
Still doin eighty on the Belt'
I still drive fast on the highway
In the Escalade, with Dolce shades
I drive an Escalade and wear Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses
I've been paid, now what's left?
I've made money, but what's the point if I'm unhappy?
I guess, should I stress life or death (huh?)
Should I worry about living or dying?
Sometimes I want to end it all
Sometimes I feel like giving up
Live at peace, with 'Pac and Smalls
I wish I could have peace like Tupac and Biggie
Can't do that, got fam at the crib
I have responsibilities and family that need me
My moms, my pops, my girl and my kids (uh-huh)
My parents, girlfriend, and children depend on me
.. open my eyes
Please help me see the way forward
So I ask you, please help me, now
I ask for help and guidance from a higher power
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERICK S. SERMON, ROBERT S. KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind