Enhanced through the utilization of psychedelic drugs, Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick “The Architect” Elliott, contribute to the introduction of the third eye perspective within the "beast coast" hip-hop scene. Under the influence of the pseudo-scientific concept of "Indigo" or "Indigo Children," Flatbush Zombies believe in a reborn self-perspective that has risen from the grave of their pasts. Therefore, metamorphosing like "butterflies" into open-minded revived "zombies."
Flatbush Zombies became popular upon the release of their inaugural music video for the single “Thug Waffle” in 2012. This was accompanied by the release of their first mixtape “D.R.U.G.S.” or “Death and Reincarnation Under God's Supervision” later that year. Afterward and antithetical to American patriotism, the group released their second mixtape “BetterOffDEAD” on 9:11 P.M. on September 11, 2013. In collaboration with The Underachievers, a similar duo within the arts, they generated a single, titled “Butterfly Effect.” Which subsequently, lead to their first EP “Clockwork Indigo” released on October 18, 2014. Four singles later, this past Friday Flatbush independently released their first LP on titled “3001: A Laced Odyssey."
Since the release of their first mixtape, Flatbush Zombies have on multiple occasions expressed how the medium of film has influenced their art. Emerging from classic zombie films to the more applicable titles of “A Clockwork Orange” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” it’s obvious their inspirations are not derived from the singular aspect of music from which they reside. Additionally, the three members have expressed personal interest in black activist films such as "American History X," "Friday" and "Menace II Society."
Although these films are illustrious "blacktivist" films which coincide with their lyrical narrations, but on an idiosyncratic and unpredictable level, Dumbo is recognized to be as influential within their works. Particularly expressed by Meechy Darko, "Dumbo"'s ‘drunken elephant’ scene is what altered his state of perception between reality and the ‘indigo’. In a Pitchfork interview with Eavvon O'Neal in 2012, Meechy Darko stated that "Dumbo" was his favorite of all time and that the “drunk elephant scene tripped me the fuck out.”
The members of Flatbush have come to the realization that their message, on the surface, has allocated themselves within the genre of ‘drug music’. This aspect brings back into question that, is it possible to subdue preoccupations during a production of art while placing oneself entirely within the medium? Even Alfred Hitchcock, a legend in cinema, was void of accomplishing this aspect. Not to say that it is a task to be conquered, but to draw the parallels between and possibly understand as to how great works of art are created. Flatbush Zombies respond to this stereotype by explaining:
"[We] will always rap about the things we do every day and that's just who we are, but people need to understand that our music goes deeper than that."
This shows that film, in correlation to music, is one of the most influential mediums of art today. Flatbush Zombies believe their music tells a narrative of its own, nearly identical to that of a film. It maintains a consistent motive and cause that is "infectious" to the youth of today and is capable of altering the perspectives of anyone willing to open their minds ‘eye’ to its message. The relations between film and music are extremely identifiable within the Flatbush Zombies’ works to the point that it nearly constitutes a singular medium in which art can be expressed graphically.
