The “blog era” commonly refers to a period of hip hop history between 2007 and 2012 when blogs were the centerpiece of hip hop and its discussion, breaking names such as Nicki, Cole, Wiz, and Chance. Flatbush Zombies emerged from the era as Brooklyn and the 2010s’ answer to the Wu-Tang Clan. Their most enduring work, BetterOffDEAD, has all the trademarks of an iconic mixtape from the era: features from Action Bronson and Danny Brown, anthems that make for perfect stoner fodder, and a grassroots passion that permeates through every track. Joy is felt on every note, as is anger and the community that forms from it.
In celebration of its tenth anniversary, BetterOffDEAD was finally found on streaming services after a decade of absence. Flatbush Zombies also took the mixtape on the road, playing it not quite in its entirety, but close enough to allow any hip hop head who peaked in 2013 to relive their glory days.
Opening the night were Remy Banks and Marlon Craft. Craft brought a live band with him, a rarity in the world of hip hop these days. “He’s like if Jack Harlow was good!” said Gio, the photographer responsible for the beautiful images below. Very true, Gio.
Flatbush Zombies raided the stage with a childlike fervor, as if they’d been transported straight from 2013. “AmeriKKKan Pie” slammed the crowd, who reacted dutifully for the reaction of the show. Making their way through a setlist of BetterOffDEAD favorites, as well as a few selections from their larger catalogs. Erick the Architect also performed the live debut of “Shook Up,” the single from his upcoming debut album. The track features Joey Bada$$, who took to the stage to perform the track, along with his own “Survival Tactics,” the New York classic from 1999, which features the now-deceased Capital Steez. The crowd shook with pride only a decade of memories could foster, it took the night from a party to a celebration.
