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Eric Sermon: Celebrating The Life & Career Of Hip Hop's Green Eyed Bandit.
In the fiery cauldron of 20th-century hip hop, one name reverberates louder than most – Eric Sermon. Born on November 25, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, Sermon ignited the rap scene with his swagger, dope rhymes, and funk filled banging beats.
The beginnings
His journey began when he joined forces with Parish Smith, and together they became the dynamic duo known as EPMD, which stands for Eric & Parish Making Dollars. With their debut album "Strictly Business" in 1988, they unleashed a swag and vibe to the hip hop game. In an era dominated by fast tempos, EPMD's cool, laid-back flow was a breath of fresh air, complimented by there funk filled production. The album was a critical and commercial success featuring all-time classic songs such as 'Strictly Business' & 'You Got's To Chill'
But it wasn't just their sound that set them apart; it was their style. Sporting the iconic fisherman's hat, Sermon and Smith exuded an effortless swagger that became their trademark.
Their sophomore album, "Unfinished Business," solidified their status as hip hop royalty, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots. A dope album in true EPMD style that featured classic joints such as 'The Big Payback' & 'So Wat Cha Sayin' and is an album that goes down as one of hip hop's all-time greats.
Def Jam & The Hit Squad
As their fame soared, so did their ambitions. EPMD's signing to Def Jam for their third album was a pivotal moment in hip hop history. It marked the introduction of Redman to the rap world, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration and creativity.
But EPMD's influence didn't stop there. With the formation of The Hit Squad, Sermon expanded his empire, bringing together a collective of rap titans including Redman, Das Efx, and K-Solo. Their impact was seismic, shaking the foundations of the industry before the rift that led to EPMD's breakup caused the squad to splinter.
The Death Squad
Undeterred, Sermon forged ahead, forming all-star group the Death Squad alongside Redman and Keith Murray. Together, they unleashed a whirlwind of sound that swept across the hip hop landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Their only album 'El Nino', released in 1998 goes down as a cult classic in a time when the general landscape of hip hop was beginning to change away from the image of Tims and afros.
Solo Debut
Before forming the formidable Death Squad, Sermon embarked on his solo career which saw him release, No Pressure, in 1993 which was the first of a long list of solo projects. No Pressure is a respected piece of work which features some dope tracks and dope collaborations.
Legendary Production
But perhaps Sermon's greatest legacy lies in his production prowess. With a sound that is as distinctive as it is diverse, he has carved out a niche as one of hip hop's all-time great producers. From the gritty streets of New York to the glittering lights of Hollywood, Sermon's beats have provided the soundtrack to a generation, cementing his status as a true legend of the game.
EPMD Reunion & Summary
During the years of his very successful career we have seen EPMD get back together a split more then once releasing several dope projects, but none as impactful as the duo's first three projects.
As we celebrate the career and achievements of Eric Sermon, let us not only pay homage to the man himself but also to the culture he helped shape. For in the annals of hip hop history, there are few who can match the dynamism, the innovation, and the talents of the one they call the Green-Eyed Bandit.
Studio albums
