Striking a balance between strong lyricism and a captivating music is not easily accomplished in contemporary hip-hop. Many rappers opt for one or the other, which often means sacrificing money and fame in order to portray complex and thought-provoking lyrics, or sacrificing quality lyricism for a soundtrack that will appeal to the majority.
Flatbush Zombies, an up-and-coming Brooklyn-based hip-hop group, challenges this theory by incorporating both incredible lyricism and brilliantly mastered beats into their music. The group will perform at the WOW Hall on Friday, April 22; doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets went for $25, but sold out in a frenzy.
The trio pulls inspiration from rappers like Eminem, Notorious B.I.G. and Wu-Tang Clan, and their style embodies a voice of conviction similar to Tupac yet maintains the rhythmic flow of an act like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. In fact, Flatbush Zombies recently reworked a Bone-Thugs song, “Notorious Thugs,” into their own “Glorious Thugs.”
Members Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick “The Architect” Elliot have been longtime friends, but officially started making music together in 2010 when producer-rapper Elliot brought them together musically through his solo pursuit.
The group has been rapidly expanding in popularity since 2012 with its first live performance and release of a video to their hit “Thug Waffle.” The Zombies have since released two mixtapes, an EP and collaborated with other New York artists such as The Underachievers, Wu-Tang’s RZA and Action Bronson. The group has even booked shows at prominent music festivals like Coachella, Paid Dues and Pemberton.
But the recent release of Flatbush Zombies’ latest album, 3001: A Laced Odyssey, signifies the first time their music is officially associated with a label. When 3001 was released last month, it immediately became a monumental commercial success as it reached the top of the U.S. iTunes charts on its release day.
The album will undoubtedly have you bopping to the beat while simultaneously trying to decipher the complex lyrics about spiritualism, drugs, culture and the members’ personal lives. The 12 tracks boast an impressive stylistic duality; some are relaxed and slightly psychedelic like “Fly Away,” while others represent the boldness that Flatbush Zombies are known for, like “Bounce.”
Aside from the Flatbush Zombies’ clever references and lyrical discussion about their earlier music, even the title to their new album is a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey. This inventively clever and unique hip-hop group will make for one hell of a concert that’s not to be missed.