Customer Reviews

Double Or Nothing

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Double Or Nothing" has some of the deepest production sound of any hip hop album of the nineties. The beats are superb, "all killer no filler" as Sum 41 put it (a bad comparison).
I wonder why it never figures in any "Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time" lists.

I was chilling at home watching T.v. one day in '95 and saw the 'Bomdigi' video come on, I thought damn EPMD is over and I don't like this new style that Erick has come out with. After hearing it a few more times and seeing one of my uncles bought the album, I went out and bought it. I was listening to it on and on and on after that, there were a lot of lyrically better mc's that had came out then but this could hold its weight. The production was top class and all the beats were heavy and not one track was bad on the album. Its nice and chilled with good bass lines that bump nicely. Since then it's become like a part of my life and reminds me a lot of an era of my life where there was true skills and talent in hip hop that was gold. I got 3 copies thanks to my friend since It kept getting ruined in different ways. I also got a lot of my friends into this album late and they now know it as a true treasure like me and won't never let it go. Me and my friend even know the words on every track before E says them now which ain't the type of thing I normally do, thats how good this album is. If you are looking for the real hip hop, make sure you get this and don't forget it. It really is a classic album you will want for life. So I hope I helped you make the right decision in gettin it. for now, Peace!

Yeah I think this album is pretty tight. It has some nice layed back beats that make you get in that groove to bobb your head. I like just about every track on there.Move On feat. Redman and passion is one of the tightest joints of all time for me, Because back in 1995 Rap music was real tight and people was hungry and you know people had rapped better and beats was layed back. But back to the subject, Double Or Nothing is the best CD Erick had ever came out with besides No pressure and the other EPMD albums which was masterpieces. I don't really dig him no more because hes not in that vibe no more and he trying to change his style and that not good for him, it's only making him kinda wack. Only time I would listen to Erick if I had bought one of his old cds or if he was on somebody album and his verse was just some of that fire. I got respect for him but hes falling off and Keith murray is to and Redman (hate to say it) but their beats are not fitting there style and they need to go back to the way they was doing it like the Def Squad should do it. YEAH! This album is tight when Def Jam/RAL (rush associated labels) was on top and putting their artist on top and if I was anybody I would buy this album and Redman's Muddy waters and Keith Murrays 1996 hit Egnima album. Those are the CDs.

I'm sorry, I just have to give this album its props. As much as we have come to love to hate E-double, his solo debut had me head-nodding with tight lyrics and ill production.Tight!

In 1995 Erick Sermon was living the good life. Just had a high selling album No Pressure, his friends Keith Murray and Redman's albums were also successful, and he had a big crib here in the metro Atlanta area, and finished with his second solo LP Double Or Nothing. Like every Erick Sermon and EPMD album, you're always going to have top notch production. Erick Sermon never fails while he is behind the boards, and he still shows you why he is one of the greatest producers behind the boards. Just check out the lead single "Bomdigi" and the following song "Freak Out" how he uses those heavy drums. He guarantees the listener that he will make your head bob up and down when you hear his production.

The problem being with this album is that Erick isn't a good lyricist. Even on his previous album the lyrics weren't that great, but at that point his production overshadowed that problem. Here, you can hear the obvious decline in the lyrics. Just check out "Man Above". Aside from the mellow production, you'll realize the song makes no sense. Thankfully Erick called on his Def Squad buddies Redman and Keith Murray to elevate the lyrics on this album. Hearing the final track "Open Fire", you can see how Erick sounds when he is paired with his Def Squad buddies, the result is amazing. Hell, most of the guest appearances here are great. Redman's sister Rosalyn Noble and Keith Murray comes in for "Tell 'Em". Keith Murray and a chick named Kim kicks it "In The Studio".

Now wait, don't get me wrong for a second. There are some songs that Erick can kick some dope lyrics, the trick is to find out where on this album he does. "Everybody's Welcome" with Keith Murray doing the hook is dope. "In The Heat" is a solid track too. But outside of those tracks, you won't be able to find too much.

Double Or Nothing is a dope album. If you're expecting another No Pressure, you might be in for a little let down. Erick Sermon does stay on point with his production, but you can find similar beat coupled with much better lyrical gymnastics on Keith Murray's The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World. This album is not too hard to find, as it just went out of print like about a year and a half ago, so the prices shouldn't be too high for a consumer to pay for. Fans of Erick Sermon and EPMD will enjoy this one here. Peace.

Lyrics: B-
Production: A-
Guest Appearances: A-
Musical Vibes: B+

Top 5 Tracks:
1. Open Fire (Featuring Redman and Keith Murray)
2. Bomdigi
3. Tell 'Em (Featuring Roslyn Noble and Keith Murray)
4. Freak Out (Featuring Redman)
5. Welcome (Featuring Keith Murray)

Honorable Mention:
1. In The Heat

Erick Sermon is probably known more for his production work than his lyrics but TRUE hip hop fans appreciate what he brings to the table. Erick is EXTREMELY positive and motivating and his lyrics truly speak to your soul. On top of that he has incredible mike skills. But "Focus" is truly the gem of this 1995 release. As he reminds the hip hop world to not only to keep it real, but why they should.

As I listened to this TRUE Hip Hop CD I wondered how we as a people could let this art form get so degrading of our black wemen and get so focused on the "Bling" WAKEUP MY PEOPLE! My favorte tracks are Welcome Do Your Thing and Man Above

double or nothing by erick sermon is an essential hip hop lp . hip hop was very proud with this . notably its times and movement was well , live , and illustrated confidently with the pressing of this powerfully ill represented piece .

Amazon couldn't find this CD for me. I waited months. Then, I went to the 'used and new' link next to the price, ordered a used one, and it was here in a week.

This CD is AWESOME. This is good stuff. 'Redman - Muddy Waters' and 'Erick Sermon - Double or Nothing' are two of the best (and most played) CD's in my collection.

Enjoy with a tall glass of 'Ginger and Remy'.

Erick Sermon's "Double or Nothing" was released in 1995, his second solo album following the first breakup of his legendary group EPMD. Sermon is one of the most underrated hip hop artists ever, a true legend who receives not nearly enough respect. "Double or Nothing" is certainly a great album, not the best music of his career but extremely entertaining nonetheless. At this point in his career, the Green Eyed Bandit had his Def Squad crew in full effect, and was experimenting with a new style. His trademark cosmic funk is obviously present, and he reigns his title as one of the east coast's best producers. Here he uses hard drum patterns, well-toned synths, keyboards, and instrumentals, and often vocal sampling of soul music. The music sounds great and is very smooth. As always, his lyricism is entertaining but not revolutionary, sometimes just a means of complementing the great beat, which is fine. These songs aren't meant to inspire or amaze, and they are lovably subdued and often soulful. Keith Murray, Redman, and the other extended Squad members appear extensively. "Double or Nothing" is not a classic by any means but is a great album to add to the collection.

The first full song, "Bomdigi", starts the album off excellently. It's a funky, chilled out beat with nice vocals and raps, a great example of what's to come. "Freak Out" has a simple bass-and-drums beat and is just a fun track overall. "In the Heat" tells a sucker/hater story in the style that only E-Double can, with more great production. "Tell 'Em" is just a simple, catchy track with a cool beat and verses from the Def Squad. "Boy Meets World" has awesome production and chorus, with nice verses from Sermon. "Welcome" is one of the best songs on the album, with among the best funky beats and nice soul sampling. "Set it Off" and "Focus" are both bass-heavy and entertaining songs. "Move On" is one of my favorites, using a great instrumental and vocal sample. "Do Your Thing" is similarly excellent. "Man Above" has a nice beat and "Open Fire" closes out well.

"Double or Nothing" didn't revolutionize hip hop in the way that the EPMD albums did, but it's a fun album that I enjoy listening to pretty frequently. E-Double's production is very unique here, very bass heavy and head-bobbing. The album is extremely consistent. No track really stands out as the best, and there are certainly no lacking tracks here either. One might find some of the beats too similar or Erick's lyricism too simple, but the simplicity of the album is part of its charm. I highly recommend "Double or Nothing" to any fan of 90s rap.