Erick Sermon’s eighth solo studio album Vernia has been in the works for more than a year. The Hip-Hop legend drops off a new single to whet fans appetite on the LP that they pre-funded. “That Girl” is a strong release from the EPMD MC/producer and celebrates women of the South. In the early 1990s, E-Double left Long Island and was one of the first Rap stars to transplant to Atlanta, Georgia. It was down in the Peach State that “The Green-Eyed Bandit” opened up a rim shop, and scouted a crop of talent that eventually included a young Rick Ross.

For “That Girl” and its celebration of southern charms, it’s only appropriate that Erick tag Mississippi’s own Big K.R.I.T. and North Carolina vocalist Ricco Barrino to assist the reminiscing of their love of sisters, wives, mothers, and aunts. The song is especially important given the fact that Erick and Krizzle are two of the all-time best MC/producers. These are two giants in both fields.

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“I wanted to give the women a song they can feel proud and confident in; it’s how I was raised, by strong, smart women in my family,” Sermon said in a statement. “With all that’s going on with horrible things being brought to the light from years past. I wanted the women of the world to know that ‘Old Green Eyes’ is still thinking about them and they are better than ever. I got their back.”

To kick off his first verse, Erick Sermon highlights his mom’s upbringing. “My moms was born in the ‘Bama / Raised in the Sunshine State when she was eight,” he raps. “A southern girl who raised me / Look at me, track record too long to fit in this song.” K.R.I.T., on the other hand, uses his verse to describe the independence and strength of southern women. “Independent, educated / She a queen but she get down on it if she wanna when it’s elevated,” he raps. “Percolated, percolator, hey running back / Front row, thunderstone waiting on a thunderclap.”

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Vernia, which is named after Erick Sermon’s grandmother, doesn’t have a publicly-announced release date as of yet. When it’s released, it’ll be the Brentwood, Long Islander’s first since 2015 when he dropped E.S.P. (Erick Sermon’s Perception). He previously released “Come Thru,” featuring Mr. Cheeks of The Lost Boyz and the late Craig Mack. E-Double also followed with an in-studio video verse that demonstrated his lyrical prowess going into this LP.

Late last year, Big K.R.I.T. released a series of songs that he compiled as 2019’s TDT. There are several exclusive videos with K.R.I.T. available at AFH TV. We are currently offering free 30-day trials.