Music Essentials: Erick Arc Elliott (of Flatbush Zombies)

One third of one of East Coast’s most exciting contemporary rap groups, Flatbush Zombies, Erick Arc Elliott not only contributes his share of barbaric rap tactics but is also deemed the group’s sonic architect. Having both feet firmly planted in the “New New York” rap scene and the equally subversive “Beast Coast” movement, Flatbush Zombie’s are taking hip-hop to new dimensions and they have  Elliott to thank for that. Connecting music with poignant disposition, Erick provides ghostly instrumentals that journeys through odes of G-funk, jazz influences and rugged, lo-fi boom bap. Away from Flatbush Zombie’s erratic delivery, Erick is prepping for the release of his solo effort Been Here Before LP where he contemplates déjà vu and psychological concepts. Pairing his production with acute rap style, we’re only expecting the finest head-jolt rhythms with metaphysical philosophies, and with that, we were enticed to see what the artist holds in his Music Essentials. Alongside his must-have production tools — the M-AUDIO AXIOM AIR 25 and Apple Macbook Pro — comes a number of musical muses, rarities and dead-stock goods that outline the artist’s dynamic persona. Highlights include Michael Jackson VHS tapes, BOYZ n the HOOD snapback and the hard to obtain ’80s GALAXIAN Home Arcade system. Yes, very rare indeed.

Photo Credit: Verena Stefanie Grotto