Erick Sermon

Erick Sermon (born November 25, 1964) is an accomplished American rapper, hip-hop producer, and DJ who has played a significant role in shaping modern hip-hop music. Born in Bayshore, Long Island, New York, Sermon co-founded EPMD (Eric and Parrish Making Dollars) with Parrish Smith in 1986, becoming one of the pioneering groups in East Coast hip-hop. EPMD released critically acclaimed albums throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, influencing countless hip-hop artists with their innovative production techniques and lyrical content. Following EPMD's initial breakup, Sermon launched a successful solo career, releasing albums such as 'No Pressure' and 'Double or Nothing,' which showcased his production prowess and rap abilities. He collaborated with numerous artists including Pete Rock and DJ Premier, earning respect as both a performer and production innovator. Sermon is renowned for his expertise in beatmaking and sampling, contributing to the sound of East Coast hip-hop during its golden era. He has also worked extensively as a producer for other artists and established himself as an educator in music production. His influence extends beyond music into hip-hop culture broadly, and he remains an active and respected figure in the genre.