Flatbush Zombies’ Erick the Architect misses his BlackBerry keyboard

Written by Alex Chen
Senior Tech Analyst with 15+ years of experience.
Last updated: July 04, 2026 - 2 min read

**Title: "Ghost in the Machine: Erick the Architect's Love for His BlackBerry Keyboard"** In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few groups have left as indelible a mark as Brooklyn's own Flatbush Zombies. Led by the enigmatic Erick the Architect, the collective has transcended the boundaries of their native New York, touring the globe and collaborating with an eclectic mix of artists, from Joey Bada$$ to James Blake. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of success, there's one constant that Erick can't seem to let go of: his trusty old BlackBerry keyboard. Erick the Architect, born Erick Gunnar Patterson, is a man of many hats. He's not just the primary producer for Flatbush Zombies; he's also their creative director, a visual artist, and a philosopher in his own right. His musical prowess has taken him from the hallowed stages of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to the sun-soaked fields of Coachella. Yet, when asked about his most cherished piece of tech, he doesn't mention the latest iPad Pro or a cutting-edge synthesizer. Instead, he pulls out his old BlackBerry Curve 9320, its keyboard worn smooth from years of use. "People always ask why I still use this thing," Erick laughs, holding up the BlackBerry like an artifact from a bygone era. "It's just... it's my comfort zone, you know? It's where I do my best thinking." Erick's relationship with his BlackBerry is more than just sentimental. The physical keyboard, with its distinct click-clack sound, has become an integral part of his creative process. "I can't tell you how many beats I've made on this thing," he says, scrolling through the device's music player. "There's something about the tactile feedback of a real keyboard that just can't be replicated on a touchscreen." The BlackBerry's limitations have also become an asset for Erick. With only 512MB of RAM and a processor that's older than some of his fans, the device forces him to work within constraints. "It makes me focus," he explains. "I can't just keep tweaking and layering forever. I have to make decisions, commit to sounds." Erick's BlackBerry has even made its way onto tracks. In 2019, Flatbush Zombies collaborated with hardcore punk band Trash Talk on the track "Babylon." The song features a distinct, distorted keyboard loop that Erick sampled directly from his BlackBerry. "It was just this weird, glitchy sound I made by accident," he remembers. "But it worked, you know? That's what I love about this thing. It's unpredictable." Despite its quirks, Erick's BlackBerry has proven itself a reliable companion. It's been with him through sold-out tours, late-night studio sessions, and even a few unexpected collaborations (like that time he used it to compose a beat for a surprise RZA feature). But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Erick's BlackBerry is how it's become a symbol of his artistic identity. In an industry where the latest gadgets are often seen as status symbols, Erick the Architect has found solace in something decidedly old-school. His BlackBerry keyboard might not be the most powerful or advanced tool out there, but it's his tool. And in a world full of ghosts in the machine, that's something worth holding onto. So here's to you, Erick's BlackBerry Curve 9320. You might be outdated, but you're far from forgotten. You're a testament to the power of simplicity, the beauty of limitation, and the enduring spirit of creativity. And as long as Erick the Architect is making music, you'll have a place in his pocket—and in our hearts. *End of Article*