Erick Arc Elliott (known as the Architect) has spent the past decade as one-third of the beloved NYC crew Flatbush Zombies, leaving a collective legacy as one of the most energized live acts in hip-hop. Solo, Elliott's built a discography as one of the most versatile producer-rappers of all time. They've never signed the paperwork, so the books are written differently; nevertheless, the Architect's paving his own waves no matter what. On this episode, Erick chats with Michael about the moments that brought Erick from label marketing rep to underground legend to festival act. The two also reminisce on 2010s blog rap, and decode the concepts behind Future Proof, Erick's new EP and album and a framework for survival and self-improvement.