Erick Sermon credits Nas and Clipse for sparking hip-hop’s modern renaissance

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Hip-hop has always changed and grown, but recently, we’re seeing a strong return to the classic sound that made the genre so popular. Erick Sermon, a highly respected figure in rap, thinks this isn’t a coincidence. He believes it’s a natural comeback driven by artists who are staying true to the core values of authentic hip-hop.

With music tastes changing and popular songs filling the airwaves, people are increasingly craving genuine artistry. DJ Premier believes the current resurgence of heartfelt music and meaningful lyrics isn’t a sudden phenomenon, but something that’s been developing for a long time. From New York City to Virginia Beach, there’s a renewed appreciation for the roots of the culture, and DJ Premier couldn’t be happier about it.

In a recent interview with Rock The Bells, the hip-hop pioneer from EPMD discussed how certain projects brought back the feeling of classic hip-hop. He believes this isn’t just about looking back fondly – it shows that the spirit of that golden age never disappeared, but simply changed over time.

Nas, Common, and Clipse lead hip-hop’s modern renaissance

Sermon believes Nas’s ‘King’s Disease’ albums were pivotal in bringing classic hip-hop back to the forefront, especially noting its Grammy-winning success. He sees this as the starting point of a trend, followed by strong releases from artists like Common and Pete Rock with ‘The Auditorium Vol. 1’.

Erick Sermon feels that Clipse’s album, Let The Lord Sort ’Em Out, was the turning point for renewed interest in their work. He stated, “I really believe that album is what first got people paying attention to what we were doing.”

This project’s raw and honest approach didn’t just grab attention—it brought listeners back to the core energy and genuineness that originally made hip-hop so impactful.

Keeping the legacy alive through collaboration

Sermon isn’t just acknowledging hip-hop’s history – he’s helping to shape its future. His highly anticipated project, Dynamic Duos, will be released in three parts, each filled with iconic artists. The first volume alone boasts an impressive lineup including Mobb Deep, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, M.O.P., Conway The Machine, The Game, 38 Spesh, and a reunited EPMD.

He also highlighted Mass Appeal’s ‘Legend Has It’ campaign, which celebrates hip-hop icons like Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, De La Soul, Big L, and Nas & DJ Premier. These initiatives demonstrate that hip-hop’s legacy continues to thrive, change, and inspire today’s artists.

Erick Sermon’s music shows fans that hip-hop’s core values are still alive and well, simply expressed in fresh and modern ways through its lyrics and beats.

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2025-11-13 16:00