New Releases category interest

Today, Erick the Architect—the visionary rapper, producer, and founding member of Flatbush Zombies—releases the deluxe edition of his debut solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before. The expanded project builds upon the original album's introspective storytelling and genre-blending production, delivering five new tracks that deepen Erick’s personal and artistic journey. The deluxe album is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Singles "Beverly Drive" and "CA$HMERE TEARS" garnered significant acclaim, delivering a powerful glimpse into Erick’s journey through reflective storytelling and strikingly vivid portrayals of his life experiences. "Beverly Drive," praised as "one of his most thoughtful solo tracks to date" by HotNewHipHop and described by Consequence as "unapologetically earnest about where he came from and where he feels he’s destined to be," has solidified Erick's reputation as a raw and introspective voice. Meanwhile, "CA$HMERE TEARS" has deeply resonated with listeners, blending Erick’s nostalgia with an homage to the late 90s and early 2000s New York City—the era and energy that shaped his artistic identity. These two singles continue to build momentum for Erick’s deluxe release, embodying the emotional and cultural weight of his journey and setting a strong foundation for his next creative chapters.

Erick discussed “CA$HMERE TEAR$” and the deluxe album edition with SPIN, read more here: https://www.spin.com/2024/11/erick-the-architect-cashmere-tears-interview/ 

Stream I’ve Never Been Here Before Deluxe HERE

In a unique twist, “Beverly Drive” was initially unlocked through Erick’s just-released I’ve Never Been Here Before video game. Styled after classic side-scrolling arcade games, the game features 8-bit versions of several tracks from the album. Players who completed the game were rewarded with an early listen of “Beverly Drive”. The game, which debuted at Erick’s 2024 tour, is still available to play online for free and sold as a limited edition cartridge compatible with Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Gameboy SP, and Analogue Pocket. It was created by Alex Constante. https://game.erickthearchitect.com/

Erick the Architect also unveils an exclusive live session video for “Beverly Drive” and “CA$HMERE TEAR$.” Filmed within the unique setting of SAME OLD, a renowned LA-based vintage and contemporary furniture store, the performance highlights Erick’s immersive sound in a space dedicated to design excellence. Surrounded by iconic furniture from some of the world’s most celebrated 20th-century designers, Erick’s live band, featuring background vocalists, drums, guitar, harp, keys, and horns, brings his storytelling to life in an intimate and visually striking setting. This collaboration with SAME OLD complements Erick’s creative vision, celebrating artistry that bridges past, present, and future.

Watch “Beverly Drive” and“CA$HMERE TEAR$” Live Session HERE

Released in February 2024, I’ve Never Been Here Before quickly garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike, with Consequence calling it “one of the strongest hip-hop albums of the early year” and Billboard celebrating its inventive approach as “a stunner of an album.” Building on the original’s powerful storytelling and genre-bending sound, the deluxe edition extends this journey with five new tracks, including the reflective “Denise’s Last Son” featuring BLK ODYSSY. In this song, Erick honors his mother, Denise, whose belief in his potential shaped his life and artistry, with BLK ODYSSY adding a soulful depth to this tribute to Erick’s upbringing, neighborhood, and musical roots. Erick brought the album to audiences with electrifying live performances on KEXP and WNYC’s Soundcheck, delivering standout renditions of “Parkour,” “Ezekiel's Wheel,” “Beef Patty,” “Shook Up (Feat. FARR),” and “Liberate” on KEXP, and a more intimate performance of “Ezekiel’s Wheel,” “Beef Patty,” and “Liberate” on Soundcheck. The WNYC session highlighted I’ve Never Been Here Before’s introspective themes of social commentary, personal loss, and finding freedom through vulnerability.

In a recent feature with Okayplayer, Erick the Architect stopped by the lounge to explore their vast record collection and dive into a conversation about his musical influences and inspirations. Digging through vinyl gems, Erick shared insights on the records that shaped his artistry and the sounds that continue to drive his creativity: https://youtu.be/R_PoxV7TMxA?si=27zIMrPvgb3lTu1C

I’ve Never Been Here Before is a deeply personal exploration of fearlessness, Black resilience, and beauty in darkness, themes that Erick masterfully weaves into a genre-defying mix of hip-hop, soul, dub, and psych. Created over several years in his Los Angeles home studio, the album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Joey Bada$$, Westside Boogie, George Clinton, Channel Tres, Kimbra, Lalah Hathaway, RÜDE CÅT, Boy Boy, Pale Jay, and FARR, with production from James Blake, Linden Jay, and T Minus.

Praise for I’ve Never Been Here Before: 

"A winding, perilous, and deeply personal body of work that celebrates [Erick's] mastery as both a storyteller and conductor of his own authentic sound" - Rolling Stone

“One of the strongest hip-hop albums of the early year” - Consequence

“Is this one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory?” - HotNewHipHop 

"A stunner of an album" - Billboard

“Is this one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory?” - HotNewHipHop 

"A stunner of an album" - Billboard

“Dynamic, thoughtful and flat out incredible…it’s a hip hop album, but it’s so much more” - This Song Is Sick

“For a debut, the Zombie turned solo artist has skillfully weaved himself a coat of many colors; it’s Brooklyn-by-way-of-L.A., Flatbush grit meets sunny psychedelia” - Bandcamp, Essential Releases

I’ve Never Been Here Before - Track List:

I Am Still

2-3 Zone (prod. James Blake)

Parkour (prod. James Blake)

Breaking Point ft. Baby Rose, RÜDE CÅT andamp; Pale Jay

Mandevillain

Ezekiel's Wheel ft. George Clinton

Jammy Jam

Ambrosia ft. Channel Tres

Shook Up ft. Joey Bada$$ andamp; FARR

Beef Patty ft. Boy Boy (prod. James Blake)

Colette

Instincts ft. Westside Boogie

Neue Muse

Leukemia / AM ft. Kimbra

Too Much Talkin  (prod. James Blake)

Liberate ft. Lalah Hathaway

 

Deluxe Tracklist

Beverly Drive

CA$HMERE TEAR$

Denise’s Last Son ft. BLK ODYSSY

GRITS

Boxes In My Basement