Diversity is one of the most important tools in an artist’s arsenal. A musician’s ability to morph into something out of their comfort zone is key to displaying the wide range of emotions art can portray. Some artists force it but when it comes naturally, it is one of the most mesmerizing listening experiences you’ll journey through. In the case of Erick The Architect, acclaimed multi-hyphenate and member of hip-hop mainstay Flatbush Zombies, it comes as natural as breathing and eating. Although on his solo debut, I’ve Never Been Here Before, his natural abilities are more akin to Stonehenge, inexplicable and miraculous. The 16 tracks presented here have the artists at their most free, allowing their loftiest ideas to settle into earth’s atmosphere for an LP built around its unpredictable structure.
I’ve Never Been Here Before is an accurate title considering this is a solo debut although there is a deeper meaning here. While being known as a producer, Erick took a back seat in shaping the sonics of this album and allowed artists like James Blake, Pale Jay, and Linden Jay to shape the arrangements here. His rapping and songwriting have noticeably improved. Although Erick was already a phenomenally diverse vocalist, allowing others to handle the sonic direction of his debut gave him the freedom to put his whole heart into these lyrics. We are introduced to a new side of an artist we already felt such a kinship to as Erick sounds like a new artist on every track. Shockingly, this doesn’t take away from the cohesiveness of the album. I’ve Never Been Here Before bounces around while seamlessly intertwining pure hip-hop tropes with Erick’s idea of the genre’s future. A fearless tactic to use on a debut, but Erick has made a career out of making the impossible seem easy.
Seamlessly intertwining genres, the hypnotic album structure draws you in while Erick’s slick flows and infectious songwriting keep you around. The structure of this album is as breathless as the verses that drive it. Flow and cadence are key elements in hip-hop and Erick has enough of it to share. Despite the A-list collaborators on here, the shine is never taken away from Erick. Rather, his chemistry with others is put to the test and it passes with flying colors. Whether it’s the wonky keys and off-kilter vocals of the James Blake-produced single “Parkour” or the danceable bounce of “Ambrosia”, Erick sounds right at home. His songwriting has reached new heights as well and he pens infectious hooks that jump out of your speakers.
The deployment of Erick’s diversity doesn’t feel forced until a little later in the album. While songs like “Beef Patty” and “Colette” are strong songs on their own, they feel like the black sheep of this LP. A reason for the artist is to show that he can flow over just about anything. While that is true, the sonic direction of these two songs seems to divert from the cohesiveness the album worked so hard to build. Erick didn’t take too long to get the album back on track. Even “Neue Muse” sticks out compared to the other tracks but is still able to feel at home due to its experimental nature. Even at its weakest, I’ve Never Been Here Before showcases Erick’s artistry in a bright, colorful new light.
A debut solo record from an already established artist is more pressure than a regular debut, not for Erick The Architect though. I’ve Never Been Here Before is one of those albums an artist works their whole life to create. Erick shrugs off the pressures and delivers a stunning LP that portrays his full artistry without diverting from the message of the album. I’ve Never Been Here Before is an album that deserves your undivided attention. An artist only gets one debut, and Erick took this opportunity to build a strong case for himself as one of Hip-hop’s most prized contributors. Breaking new ground while nodding to the past is just another day in the life of Erick The Architect.
