“Strictly Business” is the debut single by the legendary duo EPMD. The song served as the lead single for their debut album of the same name. The record was the pair’s first charting single and saw minor success on the R&B charts.
Although it was received with mixed reviews when it was first released, “Strictly Business” has aged gracefully and is now considered a Hip-Hop classic.
The song peaked at the No. 25 position on the U.S. R&B Singles chart. On the other hand, it peaked on the U.S. Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales and U.S. Dance Music/Club Play Singles charts in the No. 17 and No. 19 position, respectively.
The song’s main sample is Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”. Other samples include “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & the Gang and “Long Red” by Mountain.
Erick Sermon, the legendary rapper and producer known for his pioneering work with the iconic group EPMD, has solidified his place in the annals of hip-hop history. As of 2024, his net worth stands at an impressive $7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Let’s delve into the journey of this hip-hop luminary, from his early days with EPMD to his flourishing solo career and various ventures that have contributed to his wealth.
NEW YORK – CIRCA 1988: Rappers Parish Smith (right) and Erick Sermon of the hip hop group EPMD pose for a portrait circa 1988 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Erick Sermon, alongside his longtime friend and collaborator Parrish Smith, formed EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) in Brentwood, New York, during the late 1980s. The duo quickly gained recognition for their unique sound and lyrical prowess, becoming one of the most influential acts in East Coast hip-hop. EPMD’s debut album, Strictly Business, released in 1988, was a critical and commercial success, laying the foundation for their subsequent dominance in the rap scene.
Solo Career & Production Credits
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–MAY 26: Rapper-Producer Erick Sermon of EPMD appears in a portrait taken at Sorcerer Sound taken on May 26, 1993 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Following EPMD’s success, Erick Sermon embarked on a successful solo career while also making significant contributions as a producer. His debut solo album, No Pressure, dropped in 1993 and featured hit singles like “Stay Real” and “Hostile.” Sermon’s subsequent solo releases, including “Double Or Nothing” and “Insomnia,” further solidified his status as a formidable solo artist in the rap game.
Beyond his work as a rapper, Sermon’s production credits are equally impressive. He has crafted beats for a plethora of renowned artists, including Redman, Keith Murray, and Das EFX, among others. Sermon’s production style, characterized by funky basslines and soulful samples, has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape, earning him widespread acclaim and respect from his peers.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 29: Erick Sermon performs onstage during Day 2 of One MusicFest at Piedmont Park on October 29, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/FilmMagic)
Apart from his musical endeavors, Erick Sermon has ventured into various business opportunities that have contributed to his net worth. He co-founded the label Def Squad Records and served as the CEO of his own imprint, Def Squad Presents. Additionally, Sermon has invested in real estate and other ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen beyond the realm of music.
Sermon’s keen business sense and diverse ventures have not only bolstered his financial standing but also cemented his legacy as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur. His ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry while maintaining relevance and profitability speaks volumes about his resilience and foresight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Erick Sermon’s net worth of $7 million in 2024 is a testament to his enduring influence and success in the world of hip-hop. From co-founding EPMD to forging a prosperous solo career and venturing into entrepreneurship, Sermon has left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to evolve and innovate, his legacy as a trailblazing artist and astute businessman remains firmly intact.
Erick Sermon has joined forces with DJ Eddie F and Jarren Benton to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop by releasing a single titled “This Is Hip-Hop.” As hip-hop faces shifting sales trends and concerns about originality, seasoned rap veterans from the “Golden Era,” appear to have come to the rescue. A Vow To Keep […]
On this date in 1992, Brick City, NJ’s own Reggie “Redman” Noble dropped his debut solo release Whut? Thee Album on the Def Jam imprint.
Produced primarily by the legendary EPMD’s Erick Sermon, Whut? introduced the world to Redman; the newest recruit to the supergroup The Hit Squad. The fans wanted more from what they got from the Newark native on “Hardcore” from EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ album, where Redman was first heard by Erick and Parrish fans, making them Redman fans by default.
Tracks the propelled the album’s success include singles such as the visual accompanying “Time 4 Sum Aksion”, “Tonight’s TDa Night”, the weed rolling anthem “How To Roll A Blunt” and the beginning of the ever-evolving saga of “The Sooper man Lover”. This four and a half mic album was certified gold by the RIAA in less than a year and certified official by the streets upon its release.
Big shouts to Redman and Erick Sermon for making the Funk Doctor Spock’s first project a certified Hip Hop classic!
“Strictly Business” is the debut single by the legendary duo EPMD. The song served as the lead single for their debut album of the same name. The record went on to be the pair’s first charting single and saw minor success on the R&B charts.
Although it was received with mixed reviews when it was first released, “Strictly Business” has aged gracefully and is now considered a Hip-Hop classic.
The song peaked at the No. 25 position on the U.S. R&B Singles chart. On the other hand, it peaked on the U.S. Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales and U.S. Dance Music/Club Play Singles charts in the No. 17 and No. 19 position, respectively.
The song’s main sample is Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”. Other samples include “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & the Gang and “Long Red” by Mountain.
One half of the legendary Long Island rap duo EPMD, Def Squad founder Erick Sermon, has recently revealed that he is fresh out of rehab after his personal battle with opioid addiction. Sermon took to social media to give a heartfelt and emotional message about his seven month battle with opioid addiction. Sermon also addressed his mother’s health issues, who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer.
“2023 WOW. so blessed to have lived this long,” Erick wrote. “Life isn’t guaranteed so don’t take it for granted. I’m fresh out of rehab . 7 months clean from opioids..During this time my moms was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer liver kidney and chest. Changed my entire life around. My family is being attacked from every angle but the devils a liar. I’m believe that my GOD has us.. time to move forward in a loving manner. Without love it doesn’t work. Believe me Through all of this I love life I just wanna find a different way to function in it. Blessings ppl. Oh yeah. My new project on the 300 label coming SOON Don’t ever think I’m gonna stop. DYNAMIC DUO S. u never heard anything like this before RIP GRANDMA VERNIA MIMS pray.”
Most Hip Hop heads know Erick Sermon as “E Double”, the lisp-rapping, green eyed bandit from Brentwood, Long Island, who alongside Parrish “PMD” Smith, helped pioneer the NYC hardcore Hip Hop sound of the Golden Era. Their Business-based albums were blueprints for Hip Hop music, especially among blossoming duos. When EPMD split in the late 90s, Sermon created the Def Squad, a conglomerate of handpicked emcees that produced some of the games most revered slang spitters, including Keith Murray and Redman.
On this date in 1992, Brick City, NJ’s own Reggie “Redman” Noble dropped his debut solo release Whut? Thee Album on the Def Jam imprint.
Produced primarily by the legendary EPMD’s Erick Sermon, Whut? introduced the world to Redman; the newest recruit to the supergroup The Hit Squad. The fans wanted more from what they got from the Newark native on “Hardcore” from EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ album, where Redman was first heard by Erick and Parrish fans, making them Redman fans by default.
Tracks the propelled the album’s success include singles such as the visual accompanying “Time 4 Sum Aksion”, “Tonight’s TDa Night”, the weed rolling anthem “How To Roll A Blunt” and the beginning of the ever-evolving saga of “The Sooper man Lover”. This four and a half mic album was certified gold by the RIAA in less than a year and certified official by the streets upon its release.
Big shouts to Redman and Erick Sermon for making the Funk Doctor Spock’s first project a certified Hip Hop classic!
Coming after what critics would call their worst album, Business Never Personal served as a proper revival and temporary farewell for one of Hip Hop’s greatest duos to touch the mic.
This album is considered EPMD’s third classic album, even though it was their fourth overall and second on the Def Jam label.. Although underground for the majority of their career, this album saw large commercial and mainstream success, peaking higher than any of its predecessors on the Billboard 200 chart at #14 and selling 500,000 copies in the first few months of its release. The popularity of this album came in large part from the breakthrough lead single, ironically titled “Crossover”. This single itself peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Top Rap singles chart.
Following this project, the duo disbanded only to join forces once again on a fifth LP, Back in Business. The group continued to bounce back and forth between activity and retirement until the release of their final album, We Mean Business in 2008.
Dr. Dre has already been having a busy year. After joining Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige on stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, his song “Still D.R.E.” with Snoop Dogg became their first video to reach a billion views on YouTube. A couple of weeks before that, he collaborated with Eminem for a GTA Online Song “Gospel.” Now, he’s working with EPMD’s Erick Sermon, also known as the Green-Eyed Bandit, according to Sermon’s recent Instagram post, which gave shoutouts to a bunch of his friends and collaborators he’s been in the studio with.
“I got to L.A a day before the #superbowl ..then 2 days after that was his bday…after that .. the #sagacontinues,” he wrote. We worked on my new project #DYNAMICDUOS […] Thanks for the opportunity. We were friends for over 30 and never worked together.. a lot of ppl has been waiting on this to happen. Well .. here it is […] Thank @focus3dots @coachbernard @mikecity ….. @rance1500 @saweetie @thebrandengine @joellejames […] My mental health has been a factor for awhile .. thank u @drdre for changing that. # beautiful blessings.”
It’s their first time working together after 30 years of friendship. Hopefully this project Dynamics Duos will be finished and released sometime soon.
