Erick the Architect from Flatbush Zombies reminisces about his BlackBerry keyboard.
Erick the Architect, a key figure and main producer for the iconic Flatbush Zombies, has made waves across the globe. He’s graced stages from Kimmel to Fallon, rocked Coachella, and teamed up with a diverse range of artists, including Joey Bada$$, Rza, James Blake, and even hardcore punk band Trash Talk. One of his most surprising collaborations came when he appeared after Tim Cook’s final WWDC presentation to rap about apps, setting the stage for his latest single, “No Doubt (I’m In Love),” which blends disco and reggae vibes.
This new track, crafted by Yeti Beats and Federico Vindver, marks a notable departure from the darker, boom-bap sounds that fans typically associate with Erick. This evolution showcases his willingness to experiment and broaden his musical horizons, even as he reminisces about the days of physical phone keyboards and the GameCube. Interestingly, he was among the few who invested in the Nokia N-Gage, a decision he likely reflects on with a mix of nostalgia and regret.
What is your most indispensable tool?
A moleskine book and a pen.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
I usually go for Dropbox first so I can access the thousands of files I have stored floating around on the internet somewhere.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I miss typing on my phone with a physical keyboard like I used to do with a BlackBerry.
What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
ESPN, Behance, MyFonts, Fanatics, Topps, eBay, Discord, UPS, FedEx, Whatnot, Plex.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
15.
What is your happy place online?
Uh… the screen that says “Your order has been placed” when you buy something online.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
iPod 4th generation.
Which was the most disappointing?
The N-Gage gaming phone.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
Resident Evil 4 for GameCube. I played this game so many times until my eyes were bloodshot red, and my fondest memory was the huge TV that I played it on. The TVs back then were so big they were practically furniture. When it came time to move it, you needed like four people to lift those big tube TVs. Anyhow, I love that game, and I think I’m probably one of the best at it!
Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
I’m not really a fan of virtual reality and putting things over my eyes to augment my reality… sorry to anyone who is obsessed with those things!
What is one thing you wish you had created?
I wish I had created the song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s such a ridiculous song in the most beautiful way. I can’t compare it to any other piece of music. If I did, I’d have to reference a ton of different songs to make this one. I think if I were the creator of it, people would have no idea what song to expect from me, and that’s pretty cool.
What creation are you most proud of?
If I had a child, my answer would be that — but since I don’t, I would have to say the project I released in 2011 called “Almost Remembered.” It was the catalyst for all of the music I eventually learned how to create, and it gave me the confidence to continue to pursue being a producer and artist. I considered myself an amateur back then, but it was the most creative I’ve felt to date in terms of experimenting with new sounds.
Which are you least proud of?
I don’t want anyone to google the name of the thing I am least proud of hahaha.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mom told me that everybody has a season, and although it may not be your season now… You have to consider that when it is, that season may last forever. Be patient and wait on it.
What is your current obsession?
Comic books.
What do you do when you need to focus?
Turn my phone off or pretend I don’t have one anymore.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
Again, turn my phone off or pretend I don’t have one anymore.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
I take walks without my phone all the time, and I use my digital audio player that isn’t connected to the internet whatsoever. I can focus on the music entirely and not be distracted by incoming texts, emails, or social media.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
I bought a bunch of records at VinylCon! a couple of months ago, and I’ve been collecting Absolute Batman and Invincible comics.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
Food and anything you like to collect.
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
“The man with too much on his mind.”
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
