Erick Sermon – “Vernia” (Album Review)

Erick Sermon is a legendary MC & producer from Brentwood, New York known for being a member of EPMD & the Def Squad. He made a flawed yet solid comeback in 2015 with E.S.P. (Erick Sermon’s Perception) but now 4 years later, he’s at it again with his 8th full-length album.

After the “Payne Intro”, the first song “Wake Up (No Fear)” brags about his skills over a futuristic instrumental. “Da Wave” continues the lyrical themes of the previous joint over a vintage instrumental from Rockwilder while while the track “Tha Game” with AZ & Styles P sees the 3 dissing people only out for the fame over a bass-line & a soul sample. The song “Go” with No Malice talks about life in the streets over a luscious boom bap beat while the song “My Style” with N.O.R.E. & Raekwon sees the 3 showing all of their unique styles over a laidback soul sample.

The song “That Girl” with Big K.R.I.T. is a smooth dedication to Southern women while “Cabinet” shouts out a plethora of legendary MCs over yet another funky instrumental. The track “Stay Real, Pt. 2” with Keith Murray & Nature is a fantastic sequel to a highlight off of Erick’s underrated 1993 debut No Pressure while the song “Zion”with Xzibit alongside David Banner & even Shaquille O’Neal spit battle bars over a boom bap beat with a sinister piano-lead. The track “May Sound Crazy” with Devin the Dude & Too $hort sees the 3 getting romantic over a g-funk beat from Battlecat while the song 300 E is essentially E-Dub charismatically boasting over a beautifully futuristic instrumental from Rockwilder. The album then finishes with the Apathy produced title track, which is a heartwarming dedication to his grandmother.

All & all, this is a fantastic comeback for The Green-Eyed Bandit. Could’ve done without a couple tracks but this late into his career, Erick really sticks to his guns lyrically with the features mostly adding into the equation & the production is absolutely top notch.

Score: 8/10