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Erick
Sermon’s contributions to hip-hop cannot be denied. Add 15
years in the game combined with being one of the top producers
ever, and E ranks as one of the few legendary cats still doin’
it in the 2K2. Despite E’s status, his career has been
clouded by controversy. A few years back, Erick had a
well-publicized split from former EPMD partner Parrish Smith
over financial disputes. The duo got back in the studio to
bang out two last albums before going their separate ways for
good. In September, E was hospitalized after allegedly
falling three stories out an apartment window in New Jersey.
Rumors claiming that E was attempting suicide were rampant.
Erick’s label, J Records claimed that he was injured in a car
accident. Whatever happened, E’s sticking with his label’s
version of the story. E made the right choice to quickly get
back in the limelight, and is back with his fifth solo album,
React.
The albums’ first single is the
title track, and features fellow Def Squad member Redman. E
samples a popular East Indian song for the hook, and the whole
track has a funky Middle Eastern vibe to it. The third Def
Squad MC, Keith Murray joins Erick on “Hold Up Dub”, one of
the standout joints on the CD. E samples Al Green’s “Love &
Happiness” on “Love Iz”, giving a shout to Def Squad all his
true fans who stuck by him through his recent trouble. The
Roc’s Just Blaze provides the beat for the club banger “We
Don’t Care”. E-dub shows y’all how to “Party Right”, and uses
the same sample from Biggie’s “Friend Of Mine”. The skits on
React are pretty weak, but E keeps it movin’ with his
signature funk-laced sounds throughout the album. The string
and piano driven “To Tha Girlz” is almost like the 2002
version of “Golddigger”, a definite banger. Flipmode’s 1st
lady Rah Digga and MC Lyte trade verses with E on “Tell Me”.
Newcomers Sy Scott, Icarus, and Red Café make pretty good
debuts on the posse cut “S.O.D. Hip Hop Radio” examines rap’s
influence on today’s youth, and encourages shorties to be
themselves and not to try to emulate their favorite artists’
lifestyle. E continues the positivity with “Don’t Give Up”,
as he puts the rumors to rest and encourages peeps to never
give up on their dreams.
React is a solid effort
from Erick Sermon, proving his desire to remain on top of his
game. With all of the rumors swirling around about him, E-dub
stayed focused and was able to come with a pretty hot CD.
Most of the production is top notch, and E keeps the guest
appearances to a minimum. With new solo joints on the way
from Redman and Keith Murray, and a new Def Squad album
coming, Erick Sermon will surely keep banging out hits for a
minute – starting with React.
Nate Money
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