Erick the Architect has dropped a new track off his forthcoming debut solo album I’ve Never Been Here Before, on February 23rd. “Ezekiel’s Wheel,” featuring Parliament-Funkadelic George Clinton, encapsulates Erick’s unconventional musical odyssey, weaving together his diverse influences of soul, funk, and reggae, and fueled by a determination to challenge conventional expectations of a hip hop artist. The song explores metaphors in the Biblical story of Ezekiel’s wheel, in which God arrives on a chariot drawn by four living creatures, and speaks to the unknowable powers we sometimes call upon to push us through a fight or struggle. The track is a nod to Erick’s time growing up attending church with his family in Flatbush, Brooklyn, which partly led him to become a musician.

“’Ezekiel’s Wheel’ speaks on my initial discovery of being both a fan of music and the desire to become a musician. I had an eclectic taste as a kid for soul, funk and reggae music more than I ever wanted to be an MC. I was raised in church so reading the bible was a practice that provided value and faith. RÜDE CÅT and I became close friends over the years, both growing up in church with west indian parents in NYC—the song really spoke to both of our upbringings. The song felt psychedelic, and who better but George Clinton to compliment that musical space. My mom was a big Parliament fan so I always heard his voice in my house. I had the song on ice for a bit before George and I even met at a photoshoot, but I always had him in mind. It’s an extreme honor to work alongside him. He has an incredible legacy and is easily one of my favorite artists of all time.” — Erick the Architect

“I met Erick while at the shoot for the Funkadelic x Market collab and we instantly clicked. Dude’s got that next funk! Erick invited me to add some Pfunk to ‘Ezekiel’s Wheel’ – it was a natural process and I’m stoked by the final outcome.” — George Clinton

Erick the Architect’s debut album I’ve Never Been Here Before is a deeply personal body of work divided into 4 parts, exploring themes of fearlessness, Black resilience, beauty in darkness, and unity. Additional features on the album include Joey Bada$$, Westside Boogie, Channel Tres, Kimbra, Lalah Hathaway, Rude Cat, Boy Boy with Production by James Blake, T Minus, FARR

Erick the Architect
I’ve Never Been Here Before
Track List

I Am Still
2-3 Zone (prod. James Blake)
Parkour (prod. James Blake)
Breaking Point ft. Baby Rose, RÜDE CÅT & Pale Jay
Mandevillain
Ezekiel’s Wheel ft. George Clinton
Jammy Jam
Ambrosia ft. Channel Tres
Shook Up ft. Joey Bada$$ & FARR
Beef Patty ft. Boy Boy (prod. James Blake)
Colette
Instincts ft. Westside Boogie
Neue Muse
Leukemia / AM ft. Kimbra
Too Much Talkin (prod. James Blake)
Liberate ft. Lalah Hathaway

pre-order I’ve Never Been Here Before by Erick the Architect HERE