For over a decade Erick Sermon, and his on-again, off-again partner, Parrish Smith, have been lauded, and deservedly so, as one of hip-hop’s most influential duo’s. Yet, for all the success EPMD has tasted as a group, neither has been able too achieve that same level of success as solo artists. However, after the disappointing Double Or Nothing, Erick Sermon has relocated his solo groove with Erick Onasis.

Coming with a fresh, and slightly revamped batch of funk, E-Double’s first Dreamworks project does not divert from his usual formula, as his production remains firmly entrenched in the beefy, trunk-rattling compositions that has kept his name atop hip-hop’s short list of A-producers for years. With Redman and Keith Murray making only one sparse appearance, “Hostility”, Erick Onasis plays out, as more of a compilation then a full-fledged Def Squad gathering. While “Hostility” alone embodies the obvious chemistry of this threesome, what really makes this project so enjoyable are the new faces E collaborates with; Slick Rick adds his carefree arrogance to the tribal drums of “Why Not”, and E has a potential bi-coastal banger on his hands with the body-moving “Focus” featruing DJ Quik and Xzibit. Yet, most moving was the unearthed posthumous appearance from Eazy E, on “So Sweet”. While Eazy’s verse is obviously dated, due to the easily identifiable “Daisy Duke” reference, his fleeting verse hits home, making you realize just how missed Compton’s favorite G really is. In a refreshing change of pace, Erick even relinquishes some creative control, as the third member of EPMD, DJ Scratch, (a burgeoning producer in his own right) augments E’s best solo-cut “I Do Em” with stunted guitar licks, and sublime horns.

The latter part of this disc is where E stumbles. Rather then strategically placing his newly replenished stable of mediocre emcees, and R&B crooners over the course of the entire LP, E forgoes cohesiveness, cramming the majority of their appearances into an unfulfilling force-feeding session. Even though, Khari Santiago & Sy Scott provide some reinforcement “Feel Me Baby”, Erick’s eye for talent is waning, as the rest of the Green Eyed Bandit’s 2G proteges are bland in comparison, and there is no new Redman, Keith Murray, or even the forgotten about Jamal looming in Erick’s horizon. Cohesiveness

While E’s decade-long Love Jones for the funk remains striking, and methodical in virtually the same breath, it has kept neck’s nodding for years, and Erick Onasis keeps this string intact. But perhaps Eazy-E sums up E-Double’s signature sound best “you can call it what you want, either way the shit bump”.