In a revealing clip from his one-on-one interview with Questlove, Erick Sermon takes fans back to the mid-1980s, sharing how his early life struggles intertwined with his fateful meeting with Paris Smith, leading to the formation of one of hip-hop’s most influential duos, EPMD.
Sermon recalls a time when he and his family were living in a house in Region Park that had become infested with rats—a dire situation the landlord refused to address despite repeated complaints. Forced to move in with his grandmother while his mother saved money for a new place, Sermon’s family was facing hard times, but little did he know that these struggles would set the stage for a pivotal encounter.
It all started one day at a bus stop in their new neighborhood, where Sermon crossed paths with Paris, who lived just a few blocks away. At first, Paris, unaware of who Sermon was, mocked him for wearing fake Pumas—stylish sneakers that lacked the signature holes around the logo that marked the authentic versions. The playful teasing quickly escalated into a challenge, with Sermon firing back at Paris.
But things took a turn when Paris discovered where Sermon was from—a neighborhood known for its tough reputation. The streets were filled with people whose stories often ended up behind bars or embroiled in street life. This connection immediately earned Sermon respect in Paris’ eyes, giving him a sort of “cool” factor that would later solidify their bond.
Once Paris understood Sermon’s background, his curiosity was piqued by Sermon’s talent. At just 12 years old, Sermon had written a rap called “Jane,” a reflection of his early foray into songwriting. By the time he met Paris at 14, Sermon was already honing his craft, and his raps included a gripping story about Bernard—a figure known for shooting up a train. Paris, a DJ at the time who had no interest in rapping, was so impressed by Sermon’s lyrical ability that he encouraged him to showcase his skills to his friends at school.
That pivotal moment marked the beginning of an iconic partnership, as Paris helped to promote Sermon’s talent, pushing him to perform and gain exposure. Paris, recognizing the potential in Sermon, ultimately played a crucial role in bringing his music to a wider audience, setting the stage for EPMD’s rise to hip-hop royalty.
