GET TO KNOW...: Erick Arc Elliott

[caption id="attachment_68540" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Photo by Joann Gomez- Music Looks Like This[/caption]

I love me a Brooklyn guy. I do. Something about their "swag" (I totally hate that word...NYC ruined it for me..but it applies here) is very appealing. They kind of just do whatever they want, however they want, and are completely unapologetic about it. That is one of the attractive qualities about this artist. Erick Arc Elliott is unapologetic about who he is and the craft that he puts out to the people. It is very much him and very much amazing. The first time I saw Erick perform was at the legendary Southpaw (RIP) a few years ago. He was one of the special guests opening for Idle Warship. His performance was one of the most memorable that evening. Just the way he commanded the stage and kept the audience's attention with his delivery really made him standout. He just has this way of making you want to listen and engage. That is pretty dope to me.

 

[caption id="attachment_68541" align="aligncenter" width="476"] Photo by Joann Gomez- Music Looks Like This[/caption]

Erick Arc Elliott is not your typical, around the way, kind of guy. His hands are in so many creative pots and could probably stand to do a few more. He is 1/3 of the Flatbush Zombies (an amazing group if you are not familiar), a graphic artist, producer, emcee, he paints, probably cooks and does magic tricks also. I mean...I told him that he is a true reflection of the Jamaican stereotype (I could only say this to him because I am of the same lineage and our people know how to work hard. It is in our blood). The way Erick breaks down his thoughts and the reasons behind why he makes certain moves and how project titles are chosen are not what you would expect from someone his age. He is mature in his movements. He is wise in his approach. Everything that Erick does is calculated even when it doesn't seem like it. He's brilliant.  Between his solo projects Almost Remembered and Renvoi, you are sure to get just an inside peak of his genius.

[caption id="attachment_68543" align="aligncenter" width="574"] Photo by Joann Gomez- Music Looks Like This[/caption]

When Vickey asked me if I would be down to interview Erick, I don't remember if she got all of the words out or even finished her sentence. As I said, when I saw him rock that show at Southpaw a few years ago, I was completely blown away. So of course I jumped at the chance. After setting things up his manager, my good friend Joann (Music Looks Like This) and I met up with Erick down by the South Street Seaport. Joann knows all of the cool people and knowing that she was friends with Erick actually helped to ease my nervousness about meeting the Brooklyn emcee. So after walking around, taking photos, and just breaking the ice, Erick and I sat and chopped it up a bit. Check it out.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/yju4xfPAqig[/youtube]

*sigh*

There is no reason for a gifted person like him to not be known by you. And maybe you do know him and I'm just late. It is all good. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to finally get a chance to share with you guys why I think this young man is special. Erick is one of those artists that you can naturally gravitate towards because his energy is just that magnetic. You can feel it when he steps into a room. Raw lyrics, dope production, spectacular delivery, energetic aura, creative movemenets...I mean...I can go on and on about why you should get to know him, but this time I will let you figure that out for yourself. You can keep up with Erick on literally everything: website, soundcloud, twitter, facebook, bandcamp, and tumblr. I'm sure there are others. Man...just type his name into google and have a party. Keep up with this guy. He is definitely one you should get to know.

 If you haven't had a chance to check out his music, press play. I LOVE this joint!

Special love and thanks to my girl, Joann Gomez of Music Looks Like This. She is one of the most amazing visual artists I've ever met. Also, and as usual, thanks to my man 50-grand, Broady Brown of The Nocturnal Charm for editing the video and making me look like I know what I'm doing. I appreciate y'all.

Till next time....Peace.