Flatbush Zombies member Erick the Architect has announced his highly-anticipated debut solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before, out February 23rd. As the latest preview, the rapper has shared the new single, “Shook Up,” featuring Joey Bada$$ and FARR.
The 16-track LP delves into deeply personal themes of Black resilience and fearlessness, soundtracked by intertwining sounds of hip-hop, soul, dub, and psych. Linden Jay, T-Minus, and James Blake served as producers, with Westside Boogie, George Clinton, Channel Tres, and Kimbra contributing features.
After years of collaboration, “Shook Up” is the first track to see Erick and Joey Bada$$ unite as a rap duo. In a press statement, Erick said, “I’ve always admired Joey’s ability to tell stories and he came to mind as soon as Linden and Romeo played me the demo of the record. I loved bringing both of these worlds together, as I’m a huge fan of FARR as both producers and writers, and ‘Shook Up’ is the perfect marriage of hip-hop and soul in a way only we could create. I feel like we can all relate to songs about relationships, especially ones that pose a question: ‘Lust, or life? You can choose.’”
Joey added, “Collaborating with my good friend Erick on ‘Shook Up’ was a creative whirlwind that felt like catching lightning in a bottle. This single is more than a song — it’s the fusion of our distinct styles, a testament to the endless possibilities when kindred minds that like to push boundaries meet.”
A fusion of styles is correct, as the track sees the quartet playing to their strengths by creating smooth, jazz-centric sounds with sultry vocals describing new love. Stream it below.
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The latest single off I’ve Never Been Here Before follows the release of “Ambrosia” featuring Channel Tres and “Parkour,” the latter of which features production from James Blake. In 2021, Erick released the five-track EP, Future Proof.
To mark the 10th anniversary of their BetterOffDEAD mixtape, Flatbush Zombies are heading on the road for a brief run of shows this November and heading into December. See the itinerary below, and get tickets here.
I’ve Never Been Here Before Artwork:
I’ve Never Been Here Before Tracklist:
01. I Am Still
02. 2-3 Zone
03. Parkour
04. Breaking Point (feat. Baby Rose, RÜDE CÅT, and Pale Jay)
05. Mandevillain
06. Ezekiel’s Wheel (feat. George Clinton)
07. Jammy Jam
08. Ambrosia (feat. Channel Tres)
09. Shook Up (feat. Joey Bada$$ and FARR)
10. Beef Patty (feat. Boy Boy)
11. Colette
12. Instincts (feat. Westside Boogie)
13. Neue Muse
14. Leukemia / AM (feat. Kimbra)
15. Too Much Talkin
16. Liberate (feat. Lalah Hathaway)
Flatbush Zombies Tour Dates:
11/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere Zone One – Flatbush Zombies afterparty DJ set
11/30 – Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore
12/01 – Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore
12/03 – Boston, MA @ Big Night Live
12/15 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
