“I’ve had dreams of accomplishing what I have now in my youth— and to be able to witness that kind of accomplishment in real time is truly a blessing."
- Erick The Architect
Erick the Architect’s debut solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before, features a star-studded lineup of guest artists including Joey Bada$$, George Clinton, Westside Boogie, and Lalah Hathaway. With James Blake contributing production on several tracks, I’ve Never Been Here Before masterfully blends hip-hop, soul, dub, and psych, creating a fresh, genre-defying sound.
I’ve Never Been Here Before is a 16-track, deeply personal and introspective project that explores themes of fearlessness, beauty in darkness and unity. Several years in the making, Erick crafted it in his Los Angeles home studio. The result is a statement-making collection of razor-sharp songs from an artist set free by being his authentic self, and embracing the vulnerability that comes with it.
One of the standout tracks, Ezekiel’s Wheel, features the legendary George Clinton and dives deep into themes of Black resilience and cultural pride. It’s a powerful song that brings together Erick’s unique vision with Clinton’s iconic presence, making it a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers. Another key track is Liberate, featuring Lalah Hathaway. This track embodies a message of freedom and healing, with Hathaway’s vocals elevating the emotional depth of the song to new heights.
The buzz surrounding this album is real, with early love from Rolling Stone, Billboard, XXL, and more singing its praises.
“A stunner of an album.”
– Billboard
To read more about Erick and I've Never Been Here Before, visit Erick's website at erickthearchitect.com.
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