Not Everyone Is Good, Nephew: Erick Sermon Shares His Thoughts

Opinions on hip-hop are plentiful, but few carry the weight of experience that Erick Sermon does. In his midtown Manhattan studio, the legendary rapper and producer opens up about why veteran artists have aged more gracefully than the newer generation.

They created music built to last, so they could keep working for decades, he explains. Nowadays, music doesnt have that longevity. When artists hit their 40s, married with kids and responsibilities, songs filled with explicit content just dont resonate anymore.

Sermon, known as the Green-Eyed Bandit, draws energy from new projects by veteran artists, including Clipse and those featured in Mass Appeals Legend Has It series. He praises their dedication to revitalizing hip-hopa mission he continues with his own upcoming releases, including Dynamic Duos, Vol. 1, which launches tomorrow.

The album brings together celebrated duos like EPMD, Mobb Deep, and M.O.P., alongside unofficial pairings such as Redman and Method Man and Snoop and Nate Dogg. Collaborations like Conway and Game hint at Dynamic Duos, Vol. 2, scheduled for early next year. Sermon began this project during quarantine, aiming to inspire younger artists and offer a roadmap for success in hip-hop.

I wanted to create something that shows what the next five or ten years could look like, he says. Its a blueprint for the future, and hopefully others take it and build on it.

Erick Sermons career spans decades, starting in 1988 as part of EPMD with DJ Scratch and Parrish Smith, producing iconic tracks like You Gots To Chill and Strictly Business. As co-founder of the Hit Squad collective, he shaped the sounds of Redman, Keith Murray, Das EFX, and others, while also contributing to Def Squad after his initial split with Parrish in 1993. His solo work includes hits like Stay Real, React, and Music, which samples Marvin Gaye.

He produced notable tracks for Mos Def, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Method Man, DMX, Canibus, Master P, and others. Throughout our conversation, he reflects on near-misses, like almost producing for Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Game, 50 Cent, and more, marveling at the opportunities he could have had.

Sermons reputation and approachable demeanor helped him assemble the star-studded Dynamic Duos lineup. Most artists joined after direct outreach via DMs. Except for a few unattainable features, nearly every collaboration was successful. Sermon produced all tracks himself, aside from Cypress Hills How Do You Know, which was handled by his protg BoogeyManBeats.

He recounts assembling Prodigys vocals for Kill Shot through a favor, leaving Havoc astonished at hearing his partner after so long. Conway and Games God Mode evolved from an earlier trio track with Lil Wayne, with additional beat switches and Conways new verse contributing to the final album.

The follow-up volume will focus on less predictable duos and rare vocal appearances, including unreleased Tupac and Biggie verses. Sermon also has three other projects planned for early next year: Dynamic Duos, Vol. 2, Erick Sermon Presents BooGey Nights, and his solo album The Sermon, featuring mature lyrical content.

Not everyone is solid, nephew, he says. Music should speak to life, help people relate, and provide guidance. Thats the duty of an artist.

Artists like Bun B, Jay Electronica, Freeway, and the late Craig Mack are featured. Sermon emphasizes taking his time on the projects, avoiding the manipulative radio and label systems that dictate promotion through expensive packages for top artists.

At this stage in his career, he feels free to speak openly, unbothered by outside pressures. In November, he announced a partnership for AI development, clarifying that he remains skeptical of AI-generated music, preferring human collaboration.

He recalls working with Kanye West in 2023, appreciating Kanyes creative focus and multi-project management, including the Y3 album sessions, fashion ventures, and store designs. Their collaboration extended from Los Angeles to Italy, blending traditional hip-hop with experimental elements. Sermon notes Kanyes respect for his input and creative guidance.

With over 37 years in the industry, Sermons influence and insights are undeniable. Our conversation ends with him enjoying a salad, already preparing for his next studio session with BoogeyManBeats, demonstrating his enduring dedication to music.

Author: Riley Thompson