Erick the Architect gives people a preview of what’s to come
Nobody really knows what to expect when it comes to what the future holds. How should you prepare? What should you expect? Will life ever go back to normal after that? For Erick the Architect, it seems he’s prepared for what is to come. As one-third of the Brooklyn rap-trio Flatbush Zombies, Erick has been rapping and producing the group’s music since 2010. He’s taken a step forward with the introduction of a solo release with Future Proof. The five-track EP comes as a preview of a full-length album coming soon. Featuring all UK artists, Erick reflects on current feelings and the chaos happening in the world.
The EP opens up with “I Can’t Lose.” The production features pitched up vocals accompanied by a piano. The verse uses those vocals as the main melody with an underlying bassline. Erick’s flow mashes well over the track discussing his motivation and feelings of never giving up. “WTF” follows afterwards, taking a more serious direction. With help from Col3trane, they bring attention to the recent brutality against Black people. The chorus echoes vivid lyrics such as, “Brother, don’t go outside there’s murderers left and right. The rivers are running dry They fillin’ em with our kind.” Eventually ending the track with “Any time a Black man in this country stands up for his constitutional rights, he dies.”
“Let It Go” eases the intensity from the previous track with a lo-fi beat lathered with pitched vocals as well as acoustic guitar. FARR takes control of the chorus while Loyle Carner handles the second chorus. Here they all focus on the importance of taking care of yourself mentally and physically, and surrounding yourself with those you love. Sophie Faith’s soulful vocals play right after to start the track, “Die 4 U.” The R&B infused track gives people an Erick the Architect trying to navigate his feelings on his worth and talent. “Selfish” tops off the EP with another soulful piano and bass taking control of the melody. Pip Millett lends her voice on the chorus that melts wonderfully over the track. Again, it focuses on the hardships that come with being Black. Focusing on experiences they face, their emotions as well as the aftermath of all the trauma. Erick sums up the Black experience very well with the phrase, “My people’s more than fed up.”
Erick the Architect told Brooklyn Vegan, “Our world is changing faster than ever and I would hope that we take a second to think about how we can better ourselves emotionally, financially, socially and mentally. There is always more to learn and I don’t think now is the time to deprive ourselves of information.” What is waiting for the world is really unknown, but it’s coming at a rapid rate. Erick reflects on his own life and created his own little roadmap with, Future Proof. With this, he encourages everyone listening to begin creating their own as well.
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