The rapper-producer combination holds immense power in Hip Hop, and Erick The Architect’s skill in translating his vision into sound as the beatmaker and lyricist of Flatbush Zombies for over a decade and a half exemplifies this. As the final member of the Brooklyn trio to release a solo album, Erick takes the helm on lyrical matters with a team including James Blake, T-Minus, and other studio experts assisting in bringing his vision to life.

Released through Architect Recording Company, “I’ve Never Been Here Before” unveils an introspective side of the 35-year-old artist that fans have glimpsed in his past work. Yet, the tracklist offers cuts reminiscent of the group’s signature style, resulting in a contrast that defines the 16-song double album. However, this back-and-forth arrangement leads to some coherence issues. The album navigates themes of love, gratitude, emotional growth, and memories of Erick’s late mother, reaching a celestial peak on tracks like “Instincts” and “Liberate.” Here, Erick reflects on his journey with lines like “All them salty tears, are now tears of joy” and “Used to think I hate my voice, I’m glad I spoke it,” set against warm, soulful instrumentals. While Erick’s songwriting shines in the introspective sections, tracks like “Shook Up” and “Colette” hew closely to the Flatbush Zombies’ style, somewhat diluting Erick’s solo effort. Lyrics on songs like “Ambrosia” and “Neue Muse” further deviate from the album’s core themes, with tracks like “Beef Patty” feeling out of place among the rest.

Despite these inconsistencies, “I’ve Never Been Here Before” leaves a positive impression, thanks to Erick’s thoughtful and playful sides. Tracks like “Mandevillain” and “Jammy Jam” strike a balance between the two, while the album’s runtime, just over 50 minutes, ensures it never feels burdensome. Featuring collaborations with Joey Bada$$, George Clinton, and others, the album leaves a lasting impression, despite its disparities. Its calmness and introspection resonate, even as the pace fluctuates, leaving a lingering impact long after the music fades away.