Erick Sermon on EPMD, Hit Squad, & Def Squad Movement | Still 400

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:25:31 +0000

Mannie Fresh sits down with Erick Sermon "The Green-Eyed Bandit" as he talks through EPMD, the Hit Squad, and Def Squad while sharing real stories from his time in the industry. He breaks down how things started, the relationships and tensions that led to changes, and what it was like working with different artists and being in the studio. Throughout the episode, he reflects on key moments, decisions, and experiences that shaped his path and legacy in hip hop.

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Still 400 with Mannie Fresh and Juvenile is where the South got something to say! The name comes from Still Fly and 400 Degrees and the show carries that same energy. Every episode brings real conversations, wild moments, hot takes, and legends showing up to talk their talk.

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00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Project
01:42 - 3 Albums
03:19 - Sampling
07:05 - EPMD
08:25 - When EPMD Knew They Arrived
11:55 - New Orleans Crowd Story
16:56 - Making a Timeless Song
18:36 - Early Movement
22:33 - Finding Records
24:18 - State of Hip Hop Today
26:47 - Scratching on the Hook
28:30 - Why the Greats Last
29:47 - Teaching the Young Generation
31:11 - What’s Missing in Music
34:19 - Why Aren’t Legends A&Rs
36:19 - Favorite Studio Session
37:46 - Song Regrets
38:31 - DJing in New York
42:35 - Future of Hip Hop
44:46 - One Producer or Many
47:34 - No Entourage
50:10 - Rock the Bells Cruise
54:10 - Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad
56:07 - Touring With Different Groups
58:17 - Legacy
01:00:18 - What Happens When the Moment Is Over
01:02:42 - Making Music People Won’t Hear
01:03:35 - “I Don’t Really Rap”
01:04:15 - Rapper and Producer Respects
01:05:53 - Beat Maker vs Producer
01:07:37 - Most Proud Of Songs
01:08:39 - Exciting Music
01:11:17 - Producing for Young Artists
01:13:43 - Dynamic Duos
01:15:45 - Playlist Packages
01:17:00 - Rapid Fire
01:22:14 - Apology Segment
01:23:35 - Atlanta and Freaknik
01:26:09 - New Projects
01:28:28 - Where to Follow
01:29:13 - Camera Phone Era
01:32:03 - Outro