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.
Street Hop
Erick Sermon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot
[Erick Sermon]
Yeah, Redman uh, E. Sermon, Tre
[Verse One: Redman]
I'm Doc, Brick City, know how I rock
I'm hip-hop, I live up in the rim shop
I blow out my tires then I buy some mo'
My car's Ying Yang'n the way it sit LOWW
A little Anita, a little Vandross
I got two guns to give you secondhand smoke
I'm no joke, this ain't Hanna Barbera
It's the Bricks, Mandela on Anteras
In my rear mirror, a freak approach
Knew she wasn't first class cause her bag was Coach
She was like, "Redman! Buy me boots."
So I, bought her Timbs, and a army suit
Nobody want it with Doc, you smell me Duke?
Front page, smokin L's in The Daily News
why'all cats big time, but the tops are turned
When you in the same realm as, Doc and Serm', yeahhh
[Chorus: repeat 2X]
"This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot"
(And if the record is hot say one two) one two (one two)
[Verse Two: Erick Sermon]
Yeah, yeah, yo, uhh
E-Dub in the flesh, no replacement
I still bring trunk funk from the basement (who are you?)
Peeeimp MC, my style's mackadocious
Boy, ask her-on who the dopest
E - steppin to me, better-a think twice
I'm nice, the outcome be "The Passion of Christ"
You get ripped, you ain't equipped to rock with the vandal
(Yeah) I change your Timberlands to sandals
Thug MC's, thinkin they hard
When they walk around the block with 6 bodyguards
Yo, I'm a big dawg (grrr) you a pup (arf!)
It's like comparin a car to a truck
What, you spend dough for airplay when you network
That ain't fair, that ain't the way the street work
This is street hop, nuttin about pride
For you, I'ma keep them ambulances outside, you dig?
[Chorus]
[Erick Sermon]
All them rappers that can't rhyme (can't rhyme)
What is you doin is a crime
Sayin that garbage all the time
{*chk-chk-BOOM*} Word up, yeah
[Verse Three: Tre]
That's how I'm livin, still a gangsta, still a pimpin mack
All around hustler, 9 to 5 flippin crack
Tryin to stay up out of prison, steady spittin raps
Not to mention spittin scraps, don't mix your puddy-tat with that
{*meowww*} Dhark Citi, put it on your map
Don't ride through without your pistol, put it on your lap
And I don't look for beef but don't think that I won't attack
Have you in a coffin momma like, "He don't belong in that"
You shoulda thought of that before the fact
Why a (nigga) roll the dice, lose all they money, then they want it back?
But that's a bunch of crap...
.. but f'real jyo, don't gamble witcha life, cause ain't no comin back
[Chorus] - repeat to fade
The song "Street Hop" by Erick Sermon is a classic example of a hard-hitting hip hop track with a message. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes that this is not just rap, but "street hop," which connotes a more raw, authentic, and gritty form of hip hop. The song features three different verses from Redman, Erick Sermon, and Tre, each of whom takes turns boasting about their skills, street credibility, and status in the rap game.
Redman's verse is filled with playful wordplay, vivid imagery, and humorous one-liners, such as "my car's Ying Yang'n the way it sit LOWW" and "Front page, smokin L's in The Daily News." He also references other hip hop legends like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, and Nelson Mandela, which emphasizes the cultural significance of hip hop and its roots in black urban America.
Erick Sermon's verse is more aggressive and confrontational, as he boasts about his ability to "still bring trunk funk from the basement" and dismisses other rappers who can't rhyme or who spend money on airplay. He also references the controversy surrounding Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and suggests that he could take down any potential challengers without breaking a sweat.
Overall, "Street Hop" is a powerful anthem that celebrates the raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic nature of the hip hop culture. It highlights the importance of self-expression, authenticity, and street credibility in the competitive world of rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
This ain't rappin, this is street hop
This is not just rhyming verses, but a representation of the streets
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot
Stop sitting and start taking action.
I'm Doc, Brick City, know how I rock
I am known in Brick City as a boss.
I'm hip-hop, I live up in the rim shop
I live and breathe hip-hop culture.
I blow out my tires then I buy some mo'
Sometimes things go wrong, but I always bounce back.
My car's Ying Yang'n the way it sit LOWW
My car has a unique style and sits very low.
A little Anita, a little Vandross
I listen to a wide range of music.
I got two guns to give you secondhand smoke
I am always armed and dangerous.
I'm no joke, this ain't Hanna Barbera
I am not here to play games like a cartoon.
It's the Bricks, Mandela on Anteras
I live in the Brick City and I know what's up.
In my rear mirror, a freak approach
I noticed a woman coming up behind me.
Knew she wasn't first class cause her bag was Coach
I could tell she wasn't from the upper class.
She was like, "Redman! Buy me boots."
She asked me to buy her boots.
So I, bought her Timbs, and a army suit
I bought her what she wanted.
Nobody want it with Doc, you smell me Duke?
No one wants to challenge me.
Front page, smokin L's in The Daily News
I made the front page for smoking.
why'all cats big time, but the tops are turned
You may be important, but you're not in charge here.
When you in the same realm as, Doc and Serm', yeahhh
You can't compete with my crew.
E-Dub in the flesh, no replacement
I am the real Erick Sermon.
I still bring trunk funk from the basement
My beats are still fresh and funky.
Peeeimp MC, my style's mackadocious
I am a pimp and my rap style is dope.
Boy, ask her-on who the dopest
Ask anyone and they will tell you I am the best.
E - steppin to me, better-a think twice
If you want to challenge me, you better be prepared.
I'm nice, the outcome be "The Passion of Christ"
I am talented, and you will be destroyed.
You get ripped, you ain't equipped to rock with the vandal
You will lose if you try to challenge me.
I change your Timberlands to sandals
I have the power to humiliate you.
Thug MC's, thinkin they hard
Pretenders think they're tough.
When they walk around the block with 6 bodyguards
They're afraid to walk alone.
Yo, I'm a big dawg (grrr) you a pup (arf!)
I am a big dog, and you're a little puppy.
It's like comparin a car to a truck
You can't compare us.
What, you spend dough for airplay when you network
You waste your money trying to get played on the radio.
That ain't fair, that ain't the way the street work
You should earn your respect, not buy it.
This is street hop, nuttin about pride
This is real hip-hop, not about ego.
For you, I'ma keep them ambulances outside, you dig?
I don't want any violence, but I am ready to defend myself.
That's how I'm livin, still a gangsta, still a pimpin mack
I live a rough lifestyle, still a gangsta and a pimp.
All around hustler, 9 to 5 flippin crack
I hustle all day, flipping crack.
Tryin to stay up out of prison, steady spittin raps
I am trying to stay out of jail by focusing on music.
Not to mention spittin scraps, don't mix your puddy-tat with that
I am also a great rapper, don't try to mess with me.
Dhark Citi, put it on your map
I represent the dark side of the city.
Don't ride through without your pistol, put it on your lap
It's not safe to drive around without your gun.
And I don't look for beef but don't think that I won't attack
I don't want trouble, but I'm not afraid to fight.
Have you in a coffin momma like, "He don't belong in that"
Your mom will be mourning you if you mess with me.
You shoulda thought of that before the fact
You should have known better.
Why a (nigga) roll the dice, lose all they money, then they want it back?
Why do people gamble and then regret it?
But that's a bunch of crap...
It's a stupid excuse.
...but f'real jyo, don't gamble witcha life, cause ain't no comin back
Don't take unnecessary risks, there's no going back.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NASIR JONES, ERICK S. SERMON, JEREMIAH PATRICK LORDAN, SALAAM REMI GIBBS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luis
[Nas sample: x2]
This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot
[Erick Sermon]
Yeah, Redman uh, E. Sermon, Tre
[Verse One: Redman]
Yeah, yo
I'm Doc, Brick City, know how I rock
I'm hip-hop, I live up in the rim shop
I blow out my tires then I buy some mo'
My car's Ying Yang'n the way it sit LOWW
A little Anita, a little Vandross
I got two guns to give you secondhand smoke
I'm no joke, this ain't Hanna Barbera
It's the Bricks, Mandela on Anteras
In my rear mirror, a freak approach
Knew she wasn't first class cause her bag was Coach
She was like, "Redman! Buy me boots."
So I, bought her Timbs, and a army suit
Nobody want it with Doc, you smell me Duke?
Front page, smokin L's in The Daily News
Y'all cats big time, but the tops are turned
When you in the same realm as, Doc and Serm', yeahhh
[Chorus: x2]
"This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot"
(And if the record is hot say one two) one two (one two)
[Verse Two: Erick Sermon]
Yeah, yeah, yo, uhh
E-Dub in the flesh, no replacement
I still bring trunk funk from the basement (who are you?)
Peeeimp MC, my style's mackadocious
Boy, ask her-on who the dopest
E - steppin to me, better-a think twice
I'm nice, the outcome be "The Passion of Christ"
You get ripped, you ain't equipped to rock with the vandal
(Yeah) I change your Timberlands to sandals
Thug MC's, thinkin they hard
When they walk around the block with 6 bodyguards
Yo, I'm a big dawg (grrr) you a pup (arf!)
It's like comparin a car to a truck
What, you spend dough for airplay when you network
That ain't fair, that ain't the way the street work
This is street hop, nuttin about pride
For you, I'ma keep them ambulances outside, you dig?
[Chorus]
[Erick Sermon]
All them rappers that can't rhyme (can't rhyme)
What is you doin is a crime
Sayin that garbage all the time
{*chk-chk-BOOM*} Word up, yeah
[Verse Three: Tre]
That's how I'm livin, still a gangsta, still a pimpin mack
All around hustler, 9 to 5 flippin crack
Tryin to stay up out of prison, steady spittin raps
Not to mention spittin scraps, don't mix your puddy-tat with that
{*meowww*} Dhark Citi, put it on your map
Don't ride through without your pistol, put it on your lap
And I don't look for beef but don't think that I won't attack
Have you in a coffin momma like, "He don't belong in that"
You shoulda thought of that before the fact
Why a (nigga) roll the dice, lose all they money, then they want it back?
But that's a bunch of crap...
.. but f'real jyo, don't gamble witcha life, cause ain't no comin back
[Chorus: repeat to fade]
Karla V.
1 of my precious classics ever 💕🎶✨
Luis
[Nas sample: x2]
This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot
[Erick Sermon]
Yeah, Redman uh, E. Sermon, Tre
[Verse One: Redman]
Yeah, yo
I'm Doc, Brick City, know how I rock
I'm hip-hop, I live up in the rim shop
I blow out my tires then I buy some mo'
My car's Ying Yang'n the way it sit LOWW
A little Anita, a little Vandross
I got two guns to give you secondhand smoke
I'm no joke, this ain't Hanna Barbera
It's the Bricks, Mandela on Anteras
In my rear mirror, a freak approach
Knew she wasn't first class cause her bag was Coach
She was like, "Redman! Buy me boots."
So I, bought her Timbs, and a army suit
Nobody want it with Doc, you smell me Duke?
Front page, smokin L's in The Daily News
Y'all cats big time, but the tops are turned
When you in the same realm as, Doc and Serm', yeahhh
[Chorus: x2]
"This ain't rappin, this is street hop
Now get up off yo' (ass) like yo' seats hot"
(And if the record is hot say one two) one two (one two)
[Verse Two: Erick Sermon]
Yeah, yeah, yo, uhh
E-Dub in the flesh, no replacement
I still bring trunk funk from the basement (who are you?)
Peeeimp MC, my style's mackadocious
Boy, ask her-on who the dopest
E - steppin to me, better-a think twice
I'm nice, the outcome be "The Passion of Christ"
You get ripped, you ain't equipped to rock with the vandal
(Yeah) I change your Timberlands to sandals
Thug MC's, thinkin they hard
When they walk around the block with 6 bodyguards
Yo, I'm a big dawg (grrr) you a pup (arf!)
It's like comparin a car to a truck
What, you spend dough for airplay when you network
That ain't fair, that ain't the way the street work
This is street hop, nuttin about pride
For you, I'ma keep them ambulances outside, you dig?
[Chorus]
[Erick Sermon]
All them rappers that can't rhyme (can't rhyme)
What is you doin is a crime
Sayin that garbage all the time
{*chk-chk-BOOM*} Word up, yeah
[Verse Three: Tre]
That's how I'm livin, still a gangsta, still a pimpin mack
All around hustler, 9 to 5 flippin crack
Tryin to stay up out of prison, steady spittin raps
Not to mention spittin scraps, don't mix your puddy-tat with that
{*meowww*} Dhark Citi, put it on your map
Don't ride through without your pistol, put it on your lap
And I don't look for beef but don't think that I won't attack
Have you in a coffin momma like, "He don't belong in that"
You shoulda thought of that before the fact
Why a (nigga) roll the dice, lose all they money, then they want it back?
But that's a bunch of crap...
.. but f'real jyo, don't gamble witcha life, cause ain't no comin back
[Chorus: repeat to fade]
Jay Lush
Shit is still Crack. Where is the new Erick Sermon?? The people need more of this. Set a new trend!!
Kasai5
Real classic never old.
Danilo Catalan
Temazo lo escucho de cabro chico este temon
Joshua Keddy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Snake Pliskin
Didn't realize that's Tre from The Pharcyde
Simon Forrest
WTF!!! The 1st comment??? Y'all cats slipping...E-Double yo
Samba Samba
😂👍
Derrick Cooper
Where y'all at 😎