Posted by Stepping out with his highly awaited debut EP entitled ‘Future Proof’ as a solo artist is the founding member and main producer of Flatbush Zombies, Erick The Architect.
Comfortably layered between blissful sounds that remind you of those distant summer days with your friends, he weaves messages of significance over tainted samples; Erick’s ability to build a clear and cohesive project hasn’t gone unknown, which proves rather fitting with his name. Searching for an answer through messages of empowerment, compassion, and humanity, he manoeuvres through an assortment of textures to see how we as beings can ‘Future Proof’ ourselves from today’s societal challenges.
Spread across five tracks with assistance from a boast-worthy line up of artists including Loyle Carner, Col3trane, FARR, Sophie Faith, Linden Jay and Pip Millett, we journey through an array of emotions that each tell their own narrative.
Kick starting the project with ‘I Can’t Lose’, this self-assured and empowering track sets the tone for what is yet to come. Glazing the steady-paced beat with his refined pen, wheel-up worthy punchlines and punching flow, we seamlessly travel into the ambient sounds of ‘WTF’ alongside Col3trane that explores the injustice’s that Black people face on a daily basis.
Painting vivid pictures in your mind, it’s pre-released tracks like ‘Let It Go’ that awaken a feeling of freedom when you listen, opening with the infectious hook; “Free your mind, live your life, feed your soul / Give your time, see your fam, keep em close / Because you never know when it could all be gone / Just let it go, let it go, let it go”.
Gracing us with a laid-back and nonchalant verse from one of the UK’s most treasured artists Loyle Carner – this collaboration is top-notch! Closing out the EP alongside Sophie Faith, Linden Jay and lastly Pip Millett, their distinct and heart-warming vocals balance out Erick’s eloquent delivery and striking bars as he ends what’s been a refreshing and gracious listening experience.
8/10
Words: Elle Evans
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