Heavy D’s untimely death shocked the hip-hop community last week. On Saturday, another hip-hop legend suffered a health related incident that could have been fatal. Through his Twitter account, DJ Scratch revealed that Erik Sermon, 42, suffered a heart attack.
“Erik Sermon had a heart attack today. He’s ok but send your prayers,” DJ Scratch Twitted.
Sermon started his career as a member of the group EPMD and later embarked on a solo career and also produced music for top acts in the 1990s.
It’s important for Sermon to have a full recovery, but his health issues should serve as a wake up call to the hip-hop community. In less than 60 days, Sermon, Heavy D, and Rick Ross have all suffered due to health related ailments that could have likely been avoided.
Many hip-hop artists promote the use of marijuana, drinking and living a life of excess through their music. The lack of balance occurs when those artists fail to mention the harm that drugs, alcohol and a constant intake of bad foods can do to the body over a long period of time.
As a result, rappers who should be healthy in their 30s and 40s are dying young or experiencing problems because of how they abused their bodies over the years.
However, there are a few rappers who are promoting healthy lifestyles through music. Stic of Dead Prez recently released a song that encourages exercise and healthy eating. More hip-hop artists should follow Stic’s lead to save themselves and properly inform the hip-hop generation.–amir shaw
“Back On My Regimen” by Stic of Dead Prez
