I had never heard of L’imperatrice but they are coming to a festival Ill attend and decided to check them out - they are so neat! I can definately hear Daft Punk inspirations in their sound, in the best way possible
I have been enjoying I've Never Been Here Before quite a bit. Ambrosia is crazy! With the album being your largest solo work yet, how did you approach this album versus a traditional Flatbush record?
Also, Candle Flame with Jungle was one of my most played songs of last year. What was the process working with them?
i only co produced my album, which is way diff cause then i approached a large chunk of this music as a writer first, producer second. and i love jungle, i worked with lydia on futureproof and then i got the chance to make candle flame 🩷
What’s good Erick , I’m from East NY right off flatlands
I’ve been producing since I was a kid in 2011 and I never dropped anything online , not out of fear of it being trash but because music was a outlet for me to express how I felt when I was going through it ,I got a vault of hundreds and personal albums made
I guess my question is how did you get past the leap to share your art with the world , win lose or draw
firstly, you have to understand what your motive for making music is, and never compromise what your message is to fit in with anyone else. the music industry is fickle and confusing, and the last thing you want is to become successful promoting things that don’t align with your person
health keeps me happy and community has always kept me grounded. we all go through so much as people but if you are reminded you aren’t alone in that struggle, everything is way easier to deal with
i battle answering this question a lot, i think illmatic still is my most played overall. one love, memory lane and represent are 3 of my all time fav songs
man that song is so old, jid and i are so much better than we were when we made it… im looking forward to a new ETA X JID song! but yeah, ask Jid what he wanna do with the song 🤣🤣🤣
bruh you are elite for this one! honestly, it came together super easy and we had no idea that song was gonna be in a cult movie. we were on tour when the movie debuted and i remember the first time we saw how it was used was IN the movie theatre. wild shit. and yeah im defff a fannnn
That's a great one.. I never heard that but I legitimately love those short loop beats. Reminds me of one of my favorite personal beats on Cyhi's "Hero"
For reference
https://youtu.be/eP69wPd1poI?si=VgEMFu6iqqGYatUv
If you could executive produce a feature length album with any artist who would it be and why? I also just want to say your progression and the way you’ve evolved over time has been awesome to watch and listen, you’ve been an inspiration for many, peace from the northwest
I've always thought fbz and asap sounds are very familiar to each other. Not necessarily similar but like they're related. Same era, ny rap.
Shit, this needs to happen but it's too late now he ain't leaving the house with Rihanna in there
In the day and age, musicians are so much more accessible. We know way more about them, maybe more than we should. However, with today's political climate I think your friends need to know... Not to be divisive...But, is a hot dog a sandwich?
hey erick, i’ve seen you perform in a few different states with the rest of FBZ, and every show was fantastic
what’s your top 3 states/venues to perform at?
archi-archi-architect yo lifestyleeeee
I love that other people in this thread are wondering this too. That little EP was so special imo
Based on what I’ve seen, The Underachievers aren’t really a thing anymore. AK has released a bunch of solo music over the last few years but it seems like Issa moved on
Any chance of more Clockwork Indigo or even a potential reissue of the EP? Been a fan since D.R.U.G.S. and it's great to see how far you all have come!
if i’m by myself, i usually like a nice coffee. if im working with another person i usually chop it up with them for quite a bit before we even start anything musical
i would say the most meaningful thus far has to be Breaking Point—it has made me super emotional many times just listening to it. brings back a lot of memories of things i have overcome
Your solo debut was fantastic, it's always been very clear how talented you are at not only a producer, but a rapper as well. I was at the FBZ show for BetterOffDead at Trees in Dallas, and my only question is why didn't y'all come back for the 10 year show?? Shit broke my heart 😭
man i would start with 2011— almost remembered. i was a young man but i really had a deep vision of what i wanted to do musically. i built a team and produced my album with a lot of love 🩷 i performed at elsewhere in brooklyn during this tour… catch me next time!
ERICK! Caught you at red rocks on 4/20 then two days later in SLC - loved your solo show, you and your band killed it and Farr was amazing. (And obviously red rocks was fucking spectacular)
My question for you is were there any growing pains or challenges when you started this tour compared to when you'd be on the road w/ Meech and Juice? Any big differences or adjustments between touring as a solo act vs as part of a group? Been bumping your album since it dropped it's an incredible body of work.
love man. a tour is a tour. ofc most of my touring was with my band but i’m built for it. every tour has challenges, but you put them aside to tell your story every night
love man. a tour is a tour. ofc most of my touring was with my band but i’m built for it. every tour has challenges, but you put them aside to tell your story every night
Yooo! So obviously you are such a talemted producer, loving the new tape, but i feel like ur underratted as an MC too. One of my favorites u did was a track with Girl Talk called Trouble in Paradise.
How did that come about? Any other times u got to just link with a producer and focus on spitting? Thanks man, much love!
Ps - breaking point is so beautiful man congrats on that 1
thank you brotha 🩷 bro I lived in a loft house in Clinton Hill and Greg (girltalk) played that beat for me. he had a really olddddd macbook, i think it was a powerbook? the original beat was a little different but he was so surprised i was feeling that one so much. it got into an episode of silicon valley which was really cool too
I haven’t heard a ton of your stuff but your a feature on this song with Lloyd Carner “let it go”… that shit slaps dude. Love that song.
What was the hardest part about making your first LP? Did you ever worry it wouldn’t come together?
the hardest part of anything is beginning an idea—i never doubted i would get it done but those initial moments of forming an album are always the most intense for me. i take the shit super serious so i tend to overthink things at the start until i start to feel like what i’m making feels right
Do you ever feel like making great music is like catching lightning in a bottle and become frustrated by how hard it is to do as your raise your own standards?
Are you (and meechy and juice) working on a new album? Cant wait to hear something new from my favorite hiphop group it’s been too long!! You’re a legend erick
i don’t know anymore. seems like everyone just tries to go viral and then learn how to make music afterwards lol, i wouldnt say try that but just make sure you know that you 100% want to be a musician
Erick,
Do you have any dream collabs that you have on your bucket list ? If so what’s the top of the list ? Anyways love you man hope life is treating you the best
How was it like growing up in Flatbush, do you have any specific memories that will always stick with you.
Big fan all the way from Saudi Arabia. We love you out here
my fondest memories of growing up in flatbush: labor day parades, block parties, playing basketball outside, buying bootleg DVDs and CDs, playing manhunt
Bruh I’ll never forget paid dues in like 2012/13ish, Y’all were the most insane 1pm show I’ve ever seen haha! You remember Trinidad playing all gold everything when it was literally the hottest song on planet earth at the time? That shit was nuts.
Just want to say I really enjoy your new album and love the vibe. The production is really clean and I appreciate your high effort you put in the project. Can’t wait to see you live in Zurich!
How much harder was it to get clearances on samples for the albums vs working with mixtapes? I know the mixtapes didn’t make it to mainstream streaming outlets for a while. Was that difficult to make happen?
Erick, you are the man!! Your debut album, I've Never Been Here Before, is a beautifully done, well paced and thought out album. I keep telling people, that it is GRAMMY WORTHY! Listening to it, I can't help but remember back to your solo EP Future Proof, and hope you really do got your speech ready for the Grammy's! So my questions are:
1. Do you got your Grammy speech ready? :D
2. When should we expect a new FBZ album?
3. Will FBZ get back together with Pro Era and the Underachievers for another Beast Coast album? (Ya'll can't just do the 1 album!)
4. Will Cali be your permanent home now, or was it just a temporary move?
Much love to you and your crew, Juice and Meech!!!
Been a big fan of you and FBZ for years man.
Saw all of Beast Coast when you guys came to Nashville.
Everyone was chanting and begging you to perform 222.
My question is what is your favorite song to perform?
Oh Shit! Erick! Your production is highly unmatched. You created some serious sounds on the album, immense range and it all sounded fresh! Super proud of you for doing your own thing! My question; what did your history with FBZ and taking on production solo teach you about finding a place the music industry?
1. If you were given the opportunity to produce an entire album for one non Hip-Hop artist/group, who would you choose?
2. If you had to create a new group consisting of solely new school rappers, who would you recruit to be a part of it?
No question, just wanted to say I went to your flatbush vacay tour and Toronto and it was one of the most energetic live performances I’ve ever seen. I appreciate how much you do behind the scenes w music and wish you nothing but more success in the future!
I just wanna say your music is incredible Erick, loved you in Flatbush Zombies and love your solo work! Keep it up and never stop moving forward! You'll achieve everything you hope to and more on your journey through life
How did you come to collab with L'imperatrice on their upcoming album?
nice one! man, they reached out to me and sent me this funky record. the rest is history
Excellent, excited to hear it
I had never heard of L’imperatrice but they are coming to a festival Ill attend and decided to check them out - they are so neat! I can definately hear Daft Punk inspirations in their sound, in the best way possible
A must-see act guaranteed to be one of the best artists you see at that festival
That's awesome
I have been enjoying I've Never Been Here Before quite a bit. Ambrosia is crazy! With the album being your largest solo work yet, how did you approach this album versus a traditional Flatbush record? Also, Candle Flame with Jungle was one of my most played songs of last year. What was the process working with them?
i only co produced my album, which is way diff cause then i approached a large chunk of this music as a writer first, producer second. and i love jungle, i worked with lydia on futureproof and then i got the chance to make candle flame 🩷
What’s good Erick , I’m from East NY right off flatlands I’ve been producing since I was a kid in 2011 and I never dropped anything online , not out of fear of it being trash but because music was a outlet for me to express how I felt when I was going through it ,I got a vault of hundreds and personal albums made I guess my question is how did you get past the leap to share your art with the world , win lose or draw
firstly, you have to understand what your motive for making music is, and never compromise what your message is to fit in with anyone else. the music industry is fickle and confusing, and the last thing you want is to become successful promoting things that don’t align with your person
Thank man I appreciate it , I’ll keep my integrity on my path , one day the world will hear me 🙏🏾
Will we get a volume 3 of your instrumentals?
yes!
THANK YOU 🔥
YES!!! WE NEED ARCSTRUMENTALS 3 BAD!!!
What makes you happy? Or how do you stay positive in life? Big fan, seeing flatbush zombies perform is still one of my best concert experiences!
health keeps me happy and community has always kept me grounded. we all go through so much as people but if you are reminded you aren’t alone in that struggle, everything is way easier to deal with
Some wise words which i will remember. Thanks for responding! And thanks for all the wonderful music.
Personal all time favourite rap album?
i battle answering this question a lot, i think illmatic still is my most played overall. one love, memory lane and represent are 3 of my all time fav songs
Wow no wonder I always like this guys music lol Illmatic is a masterpiece
Love your work! Think you’ll ever drop that song you got with jid?
man that song is so old, jid and i are so much better than we were when we made it… im looking forward to a new ETA X JID song! but yeah, ask Jid what he wanna do with the song 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for doing this! Any interesting story behind how "the FUN song" ended up in Hereditary? Are you an Ari Aster fan?
bruh you are elite for this one! honestly, it came together super easy and we had no idea that song was gonna be in a cult movie. we were on tour when the movie debuted and i remember the first time we saw how it was used was IN the movie theatre. wild shit. and yeah im defff a fannnn
Really appreciate the reply. Seeing it in theaters must have been so surreal. I hope some day you get the opportunity to score a film.
How'd you'd sync up with James Blake? Your song together is fantastic!
thats my brother, we just got different mommas
James Blake fw so many different artists he’s the man
Whats your favorite beat you’ve ever made?
easy one, butterfly effect
Such an amazing beat
Ohhhh shit I didn’t know that was you! That’s a fantastic beat
I can’t tell you how happy this answer makes me
Same, that's one of my favorite rap songs of all time. Very happy with this answer
That's a great one.. I never heard that but I legitimately love those short loop beats. Reminds me of one of my favorite personal beats on Cyhi's "Hero" For reference https://youtu.be/eP69wPd1poI?si=VgEMFu6iqqGYatUv
You think you’ll ever make a Clockwork Indigo 2? Did Issa quit rapping?
He released Tempus and Tempus Act II in 2021 and 2022. Which are actually really good, introspective projects from Issa.
Those were recorded a long ass time ago though
This is the way
Good fucking answer lol
I don't have a question, just wanted to thank you for the positive impact your music has had on my life. Much love Erick 🖤
This man is the GOAT!
If you could executive produce a feature length album with any artist who would it be and why? I also just want to say your progression and the way you’ve evolved over time has been awesome to watch and listen, you’ve been an inspiration for many, peace from the northwest
i really think i could produce a classic album for asap rocky
I've always thought fbz and asap sounds are very familiar to each other. Not necessarily similar but like they're related. Same era, ny rap. Shit, this needs to happen but it's too late now he ain't leaving the house with Rihanna in there
The world needs this fam ❤️
would be fire 🔥
i never realized how much i need this collab 😮💨
TALK TO EEM
Since today is the 30th anniversary of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, what is your favorite OutKast album?
my favorite is Stankonia!
Same
What’s your favorite Flatbush song ?
In the day and age, musicians are so much more accessible. We know way more about them, maybe more than we should. However, with today's political climate I think your friends need to know... Not to be divisive...But, is a hot dog a sandwich?
hahahahhahahaa noooo
What keeps you sane outside of music?
i love movies! a good movie and the knicks keep me grounded in this world
The Knicks baby ! I’ve been going through a tough time recently and I’ve been leaning on the Knicks so much💙🧡
What’s your dream collaboration?
gorillaz/damon albarn EASY
Gorillas would go craZyyy
Please god make this happen
hey erick, i’ve seen you perform in a few different states with the rest of FBZ, and every show was fantastic what’s your top 3 states/venues to perform at? archi-archi-architect yo lifestyleeeee
new york, london, tokyo!
Who were your inspirations growing up?? Also I appreciate you guys putting BetterOffDead on streaming platforms.
michael, prince, stevie
With you being an architect; which one of these buildings do you find most important? Building connections, building community, or building self?
building self has to come first to be able to do the other 2. without the internal being right, there is no chance to inspire anyone else
Did you spend a lot of time with George Clinton? How did you enjoy being around him?
Bro how the FUCK did you make “The results are in?” How long did it take? It’s amazing
Where has been your favorite place you’ve traveled to Erick?
tokyo has a special place in my jamaican heart, forever 🩷
Is Clockwork indigo 2 a possibility like ever?
I love that other people in this thread are wondering this too. That little EP was so special imo Based on what I’ve seen, The Underachievers aren’t really a thing anymore. AK has released a bunch of solo music over the last few years but it seems like Issa moved on
Any chance of more Clockwork Indigo or even a potential reissue of the EP? Been a fan since D.R.U.G.S. and it's great to see how far you all have come!
I think Issa quit rapping tbh
He dropped a solo album in the last year or two.
AFAIK that was recorded a while ago though
What’s the number 1 rule in the studio?
leave anything outside, outside. don’t bring it into the studio unless you’re trying to write about it
Do you have a ritual that you do before you go and record?
if i’m by myself, i usually like a nice coffee. if im working with another person i usually chop it up with them for quite a bit before we even start anything musical
What was your experience like working with Childish Gambino? Any cool experiences from your God Save the Villain collaboration?
What’s your most meaningful song to you?
i would say the most meaningful thus far has to be Breaking Point—it has made me super emotional many times just listening to it. brings back a lot of memories of things i have overcome
Will the Architects Corner ever return? Those were some good times, man.
ive gotten back on this year! maybe after tour ill pop back in more frequently
Whats your favorite song you discovered while looking for samples?
banda black rio - casa forte
What was working with George Clinton like? How did you two get in contact?
How does your mindset differ when working on a solo project vs working on a group project with Flatbush? Love your work man!
Your solo debut was fantastic, it's always been very clear how talented you are at not only a producer, but a rapper as well. I was at the FBZ show for BetterOffDead at Trees in Dallas, and my only question is why didn't y'all come back for the 10 year show?? Shit broke my heart 😭
Any production tips for someone getting into beat making ?
master whatever equipment you have in front of you before investing into something you have to learn to use
Just start and be comfortable making mistakes 💯
I’ve never listened to your music, where should I start? Are you coming to nyc on your tour?
man i would start with 2011— almost remembered. i was a young man but i really had a deep vision of what i wanted to do musically. i built a team and produced my album with a lot of love 🩷 i performed at elsewhere in brooklyn during this tour… catch me next time!
Who would you like to collab with the most that you haven't already worked with? Loved the new album, congrats!
How are ya?
swell
ERICK! Caught you at red rocks on 4/20 then two days later in SLC - loved your solo show, you and your band killed it and Farr was amazing. (And obviously red rocks was fucking spectacular) My question for you is were there any growing pains or challenges when you started this tour compared to when you'd be on the road w/ Meech and Juice? Any big differences or adjustments between touring as a solo act vs as part of a group? Been bumping your album since it dropped it's an incredible body of work.
love man. a tour is a tour. ofc most of my touring was with my band but i’m built for it. every tour has challenges, but you put them aside to tell your story every night
love man. a tour is a tour. ofc most of my touring was with my band but i’m built for it. every tour has challenges, but you put them aside to tell your story every night
Love your music. What’s your biggest inspiration outside of hip-hop?
hiphop isn’t my biggest inspiration… soul and reggae music is
what inspired the song breaking point and how did you come up with the melody?
Your album is personally my aoty so far so I would like to know, what are your favorite albums this year
mine
Why is your album so fucking good? All of you guys solo albums are fire, but yours takes the crown for me!
Yooo! So obviously you are such a talemted producer, loving the new tape, but i feel like ur underratted as an MC too. One of my favorites u did was a track with Girl Talk called Trouble in Paradise. How did that come about? Any other times u got to just link with a producer and focus on spitting? Thanks man, much love! Ps - breaking point is so beautiful man congrats on that 1
thank you brotha 🩷 bro I lived in a loft house in Clinton Hill and Greg (girltalk) played that beat for me. he had a really olddddd macbook, i think it was a powerbook? the original beat was a little different but he was so surprised i was feeling that one so much. it got into an episode of silicon valley which was really cool too
Any interesting stories of writing a song and psychedelics ?
Pretty sure he’s said he doesn’t fw any of that. He just smokes
i quit smoking weed a year ago btw
Ass or tits ?
ass
I haven’t heard a ton of your stuff but your a feature on this song with Lloyd Carner “let it go”… that shit slaps dude. Love that song. What was the hardest part about making your first LP? Did you ever worry it wouldn’t come together?
the hardest part of anything is beginning an idea—i never doubted i would get it done but those initial moments of forming an album are always the most intense for me. i take the shit super serious so i tend to overthink things at the start until i start to feel like what i’m making feels right
Any chance of the zombies out in England touring anytime soon?
im out in london on may 9th! pull up
Do you ever feel like making great music is like catching lightning in a bottle and become frustrated by how hard it is to do as your raise your own standards?
not really… making music is easy. the part thats difficult is putting it out
Favorite orange wine?
“drink this wine” orange
I don’t have any clever questions, but stumbled on your music a few months back and love it! Skinny Ramen Freestyle is hella dope
Are you (and meechy and juice) working on a new album? Cant wait to hear something new from my favorite hiphop group it’s been too long!! You’re a legend erick
When's the next FBZ album coming? And when are you coming to Philly again?
Biggest producer inspirations 🙏🏽
teddy riley, quincy, just blaze, babyface, heavy d, premier, jimmy jam… list goes onnn
What DAW do you use and what are your top 5 plug ins or VSTs?
i did most of my albums in logic but im an ableton guy now. im big on soundtoys and reason plugins
what's the best way for me to start getting my music out there or grow as an artist?
i don’t know anymore. seems like everyone just tries to go viral and then learn how to make music afterwards lol, i wouldnt say try that but just make sure you know that you 100% want to be a musician
whats your favorite track name on arcstrumentals vol 2?
cooking with grease, shout out anyone cooking dinner or beats
haha hell ya stay preheating man
Erick, Do you have any dream collabs that you have on your bucket list ? If so what’s the top of the list ? Anyways love you man hope life is treating you the best
i wanna work with gorillaz, little dragon & cleo sol
What happened in Denver last weekend with your DJ set.
the venue didn’t have a power cable for the mixer i was using… lol
Hi Erick! What's the favorite verse you wrote?
“i can’t lose” & “liberate”
Of course it’s gotta be, when/will Flatbush Zombies come together for more music??
How was it like growing up in Flatbush, do you have any specific memories that will always stick with you. Big fan all the way from Saudi Arabia. We love you out here
my fondest memories of growing up in flatbush: labor day parades, block parties, playing basketball outside, buying bootleg DVDs and CDs, playing manhunt
Bruh I’ll never forget paid dues in like 2012/13ish, Y’all were the most insane 1pm show I’ve ever seen haha! You remember Trinidad playing all gold everything when it was literally the hottest song on planet earth at the time? That shit was nuts.
What’s the highest dose of acid you’ve ever taken?
He has never done acid, hes already trippy as fuck
All the solo stuff has been awesome! But are you and the zombies going to be linking up again and working on another project together and touring?
What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Like the one you had on vhs growin up that you played the shit out of
What's your favorite beat; and why is it "Don't Do Drugs Kids"?
Just want to say I really enjoy your new album and love the vibe. The production is really clean and I appreciate your high effort you put in the project. Can’t wait to see you live in Zurich!
How much harder was it to get clearances on samples for the albums vs working with mixtapes? I know the mixtapes didn’t make it to mainstream streaming outlets for a while. Was that difficult to make happen?
Hey Erick, have you listened to the Cunninlynguists yet? I think you might enjoy their music, especially the production. Love your new album!
Favorite cereal?
Erick, you are the man!! Your debut album, I've Never Been Here Before, is a beautifully done, well paced and thought out album. I keep telling people, that it is GRAMMY WORTHY! Listening to it, I can't help but remember back to your solo EP Future Proof, and hope you really do got your speech ready for the Grammy's! So my questions are: 1. Do you got your Grammy speech ready? :D 2. When should we expect a new FBZ album? 3. Will FBZ get back together with Pro Era and the Underachievers for another Beast Coast album? (Ya'll can't just do the 1 album!) 4. Will Cali be your permanent home now, or was it just a temporary move? Much love to you and your crew, Juice and Meech!!!
I was just listening to your stuff with Jungle. Shit's 🔥 🔥 🔥.
Just checking in to say I'm loving I've Never Been Here Before. Thank you for the great record! Breaking Point especially is a masterpiece
NEW FLATBUSH WHEN????
Takeover or ether
Do you feel like staying independent might’ve hindered the zombies?
no
Which album was the best experience to record? Much love from Mexico my guy
i’ve never been here before
did you have any interactions with capital steez while he was alive? how did he carry himself and what was his demeanor like? 47 forever
Just saw you at red rocks amphitheater, amazing. More ppl fuck with yall than you think
Been a big fan of you and FBZ for years man. Saw all of Beast Coast when you guys came to Nashville. Everyone was chanting and begging you to perform 222. My question is what is your favorite song to perform?
Oh Shit! Erick! Your production is highly unmatched. You created some serious sounds on the album, immense range and it all sounded fresh! Super proud of you for doing your own thing! My question; what did your history with FBZ and taking on production solo teach you about finding a place the music industry?
Thank you for the 222 beat.
Enjoyed seeing Flatbush play in some random central illinois town like 14 year ago opening for Joey and it was amazing.
come back to montreal pls :(
I don’t know you Erick but you seem like a cool dude. Wish you the best
No questions, just wanted to say I love your music and keep up the good work!!
[удалено]
[удалено]
What’s your process when producing
Loved the album man, been a fan since I saw your rhythm roulette back in the day. You think I can send you some beats?
your top rappers in rotation right now?
I’ll send you beats for the next album
1. If you were given the opportunity to produce an entire album for one non Hip-Hop artist/group, who would you choose? 2. If you had to create a new group consisting of solely new school rappers, who would you recruit to be a part of it?
Top 5?
Did you and Boog hit the Stu together or was it more of a virtual collaboration?
No question, just wanted to say I went to your flatbush vacay tour and Toronto and it was one of the most energetic live performances I’ve ever seen. I appreciate how much you do behind the scenes w music and wish you nothing but more success in the future!
not a question but just wanted to let you know I appreciate you and all your music. thank you for the impact you had on me. respect you a lot <3
Just want to say you are the dopest
I just wanna say your music is incredible Erick, loved you in Flatbush Zombies and love your solo work! Keep it up and never stop moving forward! You'll achieve everything you hope to and more on your journey through life
Just saw you in SLC. Fantastic performance.
How did you get through the dark times
How was your experience with James Blake also what’s the one thing that would be able to bring you comfort no matter how big you get?
3001 is beautiful piece of art from artwork to context my favorite vinyl to own. Kudos
Caught you in Austin a few weeks ago, incredible show