Immediately we rejoice the 57th birthday of one of the influential architects in Hip Hop tradition, the legendary Inexperienced Eyed Bandit himself, Erick Sermon of the enduring duo EPMD.

From the second he and Parrish Smith fashioned EPMD, the group turned a cornerstone of golden period rap. Their debut album Strictly Enterprise arrived with a sound that felt utterly new on the time, powered by thick funk samples, sluggish rolling grooves, and Sermon’s unmistakable voice. Alongside Parrish, he helped construct a catalog that is still one of the revered within the tradition, stuffed with classics like You Gots to Chill, So Wat Cha Sayin, and Strictly Enterprise.

Past his work with EPMD, Sermon carved out one of the spectacular manufacturing careers in rap historical past. His signature bass heavy type formed data for artists throughout the map, together with heavy hitters akin to Redman, Technique Man, Keith Murray, and Mary J Blige. When the Hit Squad and Def Squad actions had been in full drive, Sermon stood on the middle as each a producer and a frontrunner who helped develop careers and elevate the sound of a complete period.

What makes Erick Sermon’s legacy so particular is his consistency. Decade after decade, he has remained a real scholar of the craft whereas nonetheless sounding recent and revolutionary. His affect will be heard in producers throughout generations, all of whom studied the identical components: easy funk, heavy drums, and a pure sense of swing that solely the Inexperienced Eyed Bandit might ship.

Immediately we salute Erick Sermon for all the things he has given to Hip Hop. His voice, his manufacturing, his imaginative and prescient, and his management helped form the sound of a tradition that continues to resonate world wide.

Completely satisfied 57th birthday to a licensed legend. Many extra to the Inexperienced Eyed Bandit. Let the funk dwell on.