Surrounded by stacks of keyboards, rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erick Elliott, better known as Erick the Architect, sits tapping rhythms on the floor. “Music, to me, is as natural as breathing,” he says. His debut album, I’ve Never Been Here Before, dropped in February 2024 to critical acclaim. However, Elliott prides himself on staying close to his roots and being a voice his fans can trust. “I’m the artist that’s going to give you the truth, and I’m going to be genuine,” he states matter-of-factly.
Laying the Foundation
Elliott started making music at fourteen and purchased his first drum machine, a Roland MV-800, hoping to emulate his idol. “I knew RZA used that drum machine,” he says.” I just wanted to be like him. And I was so influenced by Wu-Tang and all the stuff that was coming out of Staten Island at that time.”
Although pursuing a career as a rapper is more common today, it was a far less conventional goal when Elliott set his sights on it, yet he remained committed to his craft. “I became really infatuated with making music as a kid,” he remembers. “I just wanted to make beats.”
"I make music primarily to speak to those who need to know they’re never alone in their journey, in their life."
Even now, he revisits the lessons he learned during those formative years. “My favorite part of growing up is, like, the first time you figure out how to do something: how to sample or how to play a chord. Those are the parts that I go back to when I’m frustrated with music.”
World Building
Elliott’s moniker, Erick the Architect, nods to his favorite film, The Matrix. “In the movie, the architect is the guy watching all the screens,” he explains. “And that’s kind of what I do—build worlds.” Architecture demands expertise, thoughtful planning, commitment, time, and financial investment. “Making a record is the same,” he explains. “So that’s where I got it.”
Through his music, Elliott also builds relationships with his audience, inspiring them to chase their dreams and overcome fear. “I’ve been that person with doubt. I make music primarily to speak to those who need to know they’re never alone in their journey, in their life,” he shares, underscoring his mission to offer comfort and encouragement to others.
“I wanted to tell a story about my neighborhood, where I came from, and what made me think I could pursue being an artist.”
The Blueprint
The track “Beverly Drive” references the intersection of significant places in Elliott’s life. The idea for the song started to take shape while on a family vacation in Jamaica. “I was recording a voice note on my phone. And you know how it gives you the location of where you are?” he asks. “It said Beverly Drive. I was like, ‘Wow, there’s a Beverly Drive in Jamaica. This is crazy.’ I moved to Los Angeles, and there’s a Beverly Drive here.”
The connections don’t stop there. “My dad used to work at this hotel called the Beverly Hotel, and I lived on Beverly Road in Flatbush,” he explains. “It was like all these things were telling me; as soon as I get home, I need to make a story that encapsulates all those things.”
Known for his lyrical prowess, Elliott creates art that resonates with his listeners. “Beverly Drive” speaks to the impact of past choices. “The track talks about someone who had to go through stuff to achieve what they wanted,” he explains. “I wanted to tell a story about my neighborhood, where I came from, and what made me think I could pursue being an artist and do it professionally and not just as a hobby anymore.”
“This track is my way of giving back to my neighborhood, the community, and the people who supported me my whole career."
Bringing It Home
The track’s music video was filmed in the Brooklyn neighborhood where Elliott grew up. He takes pride in remaining unchanged even after success. “A lot of times artists can’t go back to their neighborhoods, whether it’s because they don’t feel accepted or they feel awkward,” he says.
“I’m still hanging out with friends I’ve known my whole life. So, shooting the video and having friends who go that far back meant more to me than anything. Because that’s not normal.”
Elliott’s music is deeply personal, and he strives to uplift the people and places that shaped him. “This track is my way of giving back to my neighborhood, the community, and the people who supported me my whole career,” he emphasizes. “To still be friends with and have respect from people who’ve seen you grow up, that’s a blessing. I think that’s the thing I’m most proud of about the song.”
