Beast Coast
Beast Coast is an American hip hop supergroup and collective based in Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2012 by the members of the rap groups Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers.[1][2] The collective unites artists known for their raw lyricism, boom-bap production, and themes of consciousness, psychedelia, and urban life, drawing from New York's underground rap scene.[3][2] Key members include Joey Bada$$, CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, and Nyck Caution from Pro Era; Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice, and Erick Arc Elliott from Flatbush Zombies; and Issa Gold and AK from The Underachievers, with additional contributors like Powers Pleasant on production.[2][3] Beast Coast first gained prominence through informal collaborations and a 2013 North American tour, but solidified as a supergroup with the release of their debut studio album, Escape from New York, on May 24, 2019, which featured singles like "Left Hand" and "Coast/Clear" and debuted at number 29 on the Billboard 200.[4][3][5] The group has been credited with reviving East Coast hip-hop's golden era influences while blending them with modern elements such as cloud rap and horrorcore aesthetics, influencing a wave of Brooklyn-based collectives and emphasizing creative independence and brotherhood.[2] Following their 2019 Escape from New York Tour, Beast Coast has maintained a lower profile, with members pursuing solo and group projects, though the collective remains a landmark in 2010s New York rap.[6][3]Formation and Background
Origins of Constituent Groups
Pro Era, one of the foundational groups of the Beast Coast collective, was established in 2011 in Brooklyn, New York, primarily by rappers Capital STEEZ and Joey Bada, along with early collaborators like [CJ Fly](/page/CJ_Fly) and Powers Pleasant. The collective emerged from the local underground hip-hop scene, emphasizing progressive themes and self-production through their independent label, Pro Era Records. Their breakthrough came with Joey Bada's debut mixtape 1999, released on June 12, 2012, which featured contributions from other Pro Era members and showcased a revival of 1990s East Coast rap influences, earning widespread acclaim for its lyrical depth and production.[7][8] Flatbush Zombies formed in 2010 in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, consisting of rappers Meechy Darko and Zombie Juice alongside producer and rapper Erick Arc Elliott.[9] Operating independently via their label ElectricKoolAde Records, the trio drew from psychedelic and horror-inspired aesthetics in their early work. Their debut mixtape D.R.U.G.S., released on July 27, 2012, marked their initial rise, blending dense, introspective lyrics with atmospheric beats, while their follow-up BetterOffDEAD in September 2013 further solidified their presence with 18 tracks exploring themes of mental health and substance use.[10][11] The Underachievers, a duo from Flatbush, Brooklyn, were founded in 2011 by rappers AKTHESAVIOR (formerly AK) and Issa Gold.[12] They quickly aligned with the burgeoning Brooklyn scene, releasing their debut mixtape Indigoism on February 1, 2013, through the independent label Brainfeeder, which highlighted spiritual and psychedelic elements in hip-hop.[13] This project, featuring production from members of the extended network, established their breakthrough and fostered early ties to Pro Era through shared performances and thematic overlaps in conscious rap.[14] These groups shared roots in Brooklyn's vibrant 2010s hip-hop underground, influenced by the wave sparked by A$AP Mob's innovative style and independent ethos, which encouraged cross-pollination among Flatbush and Bed-Stuy artists without formal affiliations until later.[15] This environment of DIY labels and local cyphers laid the groundwork for their eventual collaborations.Establishment of the Collective
Beast Coast was formed in 2012 as a hip hop collective uniting members from the Brooklyn-based groups Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers, building on their longstanding personal and musical ties from shared neighborhoods and early collaborations such as the 2013 Beast Coastal Tour.[1][6][16] The formation aimed to recapture the energetic brotherhood of their initial joint tours while revitalizing New York hip-hop by fostering unity among its diverse talents, moving beyond nostalgic revivalism to create a collective voice for contemporary Brooklyn rap.[17][18] The collective's supergroup phase was advanced in March 2019, when Pro Era's Joey Bada$$ revealed plans on Instagram, teasing a 27-date "Escape From New York" tour produced by Live Nation and the release of their first collaborative single, "Left Hand," to build momentum for joint performances across North America.[18][4] This was followed by a more detailed reveal in May 2019 through social media posts, interviews, and a press release, where members emphasized the project's role in representing Brooklyn's interconnected rap scene and countering fragmentation in the genre.[19][17] At its core, Beast Coast operated as a streamlined supergroup of 10 core members—key artists from the three groups—under a unified banner to blend their distinct styles into cohesive projects, with production primarily handled by Flatbush Zombies' Erick Arc Elliott (also known as The Architect) and Pro Era's Powers Pleasant, alongside executive oversight from Tyler Dopps.[20][17] The album Escape from New York, their inaugural release, was distributed through Columbia Records, marking the collective's structured entry into major-label hip-hop.[19][21] To promote the launch, Beast Coast participated in initial events like a revival of BET's Rap City basement cypher on May 10, 2019, hosted by Big Tigger, where multiple members delivered a 10-minute freestyle session to showcase their chemistry and nod to classic New York rap traditions.[19]Members
Pro Era
Pro Era, founded in 2011 by Capital STEEZ and Powers Pleasant, with Joey Bada among its founding members, serves as one of the foundational groups within the Beast Coast collective, contributing a core contingent of rappers and producers known for their boom-bap influenced style rooted in [New York](/page/New_York) [hip-hop](/page/Hip_hop_music) traditions.[25] The key active members from [Pro Era](/page/Pro_Era) in Beast Coast include Joey Bada, CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, and Powers Pleasant, who continue to be active as of 2025.[22][23] Joey Bada$$ acts as the central leader and primary vocalist, organizing collaborations and delivering verses that anchor many tracks, such as on the collective's debut album Escape from New York (2019), where his leadership helped unify the supergroup's vision.[24] CJ Fly contributes as a skilled rapper, providing intricate lyricism on songs like "Left Hand," emphasizing storytelling and technical flow that complements the group's ensemble dynamic.[25] Kirk Knight serves dual roles as a rapper and producer, handling beats for several tracks on Escape from New York, including co-production on "Coast/Clear," which blends gritty samples with modern production to define the collective's sound.[26] Nyck Caution adds energetic rap verses, often highlighting themes of perseverance, as seen in his features on "It Ain't Easy," bolstering the group's youthful, introspective energy.[25] Powers Pleasant functions primarily as a producer and occasional hype man, contributing to the album's overall sonic architecture with drum patterns and mixing that enhance the collaborative tracks, ensuring a cohesive East Coast aesthetic across the project.[27] These members' inputs have been pivotal in Beast Coast's output, focusing on group synergy rather than individual spotlights.Flatbush Zombies
Flatbush Zombies, a key component of the Beast Coast collective, consists of three core members: rappers Meechy Darko and Zombie Juice, alongside Erick the Architect, who serves as both rapper and primary producer.[28][29] These artists contribute a distinctive horrorcore-psychedelic style to the group's output, blending dark, introspective lyrics with experimental production that infuses collective tracks with atmospheric, mind-altering elements.[27] Within Beast Coast, this approach is evident in songs like "Traphouse Vulcan" and "Hoodie," where the Zombies' gritty, hallucinatory flows complement the broader ensemble's energy.[30] Erick the Architect plays a pivotal role as the primary producer for Beast Coast's debut album Escape from New York (2019), handling executive production duties and crafting beats for multiple tracks, including "Left Hand" and "Far Away."[30][31] His production emphasizes layered, psychedelic soundscapes that align with the Zombies' thematic influences, drawing from horror motifs and altered states to create immersive backdrops for the collective's collaborative verses.[32] Meechy Darko and Zombie Juice, meanwhile, deliver raw, narrative-driven raps that ground the group's sound in Brooklyn's underground ethos, often exploring themes of mental turmoil and resilience.[24] As of 2025, all three members remain active within Flatbush Zombies and the Beast Coast framework, with no reported departures; their ongoing social media presence and performances, such as their set at Outbreak Fest in 2024, underscore their commitment to the collective's legacy.[33][34] Their contributions continue to highlight Beast Coast's emphasis on innovative, genre-blending hip-hop rooted in New York City's rap traditions.[35]The Underachievers
The Underachievers, a core duo within the Beast Coast collective, consist of rappers AKTHESAVIOR (also known as AK) and Issa Gold, both hailing from Flatbush, Brooklyn.[36][12] Formed in 2011, the pair draws heavily from their Indigoism philosophy, a self-developed spiritual framework emphasizing enlightenment, consciousness expansion, and motivational self-realization through psychedelic and introspective lenses.[37][14] AKTHESAVIOR serves as the primary visionary lyricist and producer for the group, infusing Beast Coast contributions with abstract, motivational narratives on personal growth and higher awareness, often layered over his own atmospheric beats.[24] His production style, rooted in psychedelic hip-hop, aligns with the collective's experimental edge while promoting themes of spiritual elevation. Issa Gold, the occasional producer and consistent rapper, complements this with raw, motivational flows that explore inner strength and cosmic connectivity, reinforcing the duo's role in Beast Coast's conscious rap contingent.[38][39] As of 2025, AKTHESAVIOR and Issa Gold remain the active members, maintaining their ties to Pro Era through the shared origins of the Beast Coast supergroup, with recent releases such as their April 2025 EP confirming ongoing activity.[38][40] Their Indigoism-inspired approach continues to motivate Beast Coast's thematic depth, focusing on empowerment and spiritual resilience rather than mainstream tropes.[14]History
Early Collaborations and Build-Up
The foundations of Beast Coast were laid through a series of informal collaborations among Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers in the early to mid-2010s, beginning with the 2013 Beast Coastal Tour. This joint tour, headlined by Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era alongside Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers, spanned multiple cities and showcased their shared Brooklyn roots through high-energy performances that emphasized lyrical prowess and live instrumentation.[41][42] The tour not only fostered personal bonds among the artists—such as smoke sessions and verse-sharing—but also introduced them to broader audiences as a cohesive unit from New York's underground scene.[17] Musical features further solidified these connections, exemplified by the 2013 track "My Jeep" from Joey Bada's *[Summer Knights](/page/Summer_Knights)* EP, which featured contributions from [Flatbush Zombies](/page/Flatbush_Zombies)' Meechy [Darko](/page/Meechy_Darko), [The Underachievers](/page/The_Underachievers)' Issa Gold, and [Pro Era](/page/Pro_Era)'s Chuck Strangers. Produced over a soulful sample, the song highlighted their collective chemistry with playful, introspective bars about cruising through [Brooklyn](/page/Brooklyn) life, marking one of the earliest multi-group crossovers. Additional joint appearances, such as [Pro Era](/page/Pro_Era) and [Flatbush Zombies](/page/Flatbush_Zombies) on the 2017 Smokers Club 4/20 festival bill alongside Joey Bada, continued to build visibility through festival stages that celebrated hazy, alternative rap vibes.[43] By the mid-2010s, these interactions gained momentum amid a shifting New York hip-hop landscape, where Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers positioned themselves as torchbearers for a progressive, lyric-driven sound in response to the rising dominance of trap and mumble rap from the South. As Joey Bada$$ reflected, their approach avoided mere nostalgia, instead pushing forward with innovative blends of boom bap, psychedelia, and live elements to reinvigorate the city's scene.[17] This buildup through tours and features created a cultural synergy, drawing fans eager for authentic East Coast representation and setting the stage for deeper alliances.[44]Debut Album Release
The development of Beast Coast's debut album, Escape from New York, spanned late 2018 into early 2019, with production primarily handled by Erick the Architect and Powers Pleasant, and Erick the Architect serving as executive producer alongside Tyler Dopps. The project features 13 tracks blending trap and boom bap elements, showcasing the collective's collaborative energy through multi-artist posse cuts and layered verses from its core members across Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers. Released on May 24, 2019, via Columbia Records, the album marked the supergroup's first full-length effort as a unified entity.[17][20][30] Standout tracks highlight the album's strengths, including the opener "It Ain't Easy, It Ain't Easy," which features verses from Flatbush Zombies, Nyck Caution, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly, and AK, evoking the raw energy of New York hip-hop. Key cuts like "Left Hand" and "Snow in the Stadium" demonstrate the group's chemistry with intricate flows over hard-hitting beats. These selections emphasize Beast Coast's focus on New York-rooted lyricism and group dynamics, with no external features to keep the spotlight on the collective.[45][29] Upon release, Escape from New York debuted at number 29 on the US Billboard 200, selling 16,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and signaling strong fan support for the supergroup format. Critics praised the album for reinvigorating East Coast hip-hop through its raw, ensemble-driven approach, with Pitchfork noting its success in capturing "the joy of rap as a team sport" and moving beyond traditional boom bap constraints. The project earned a 6.5/10 from Pitchfork and positive reviews from outlets like Complex for its energetic production and authentic Brooklyn camaraderie.[46][20][17] Promotion for the album included the release of music videos for lead singles like "Left Hand" and "Coast/Clear," which visually captured the group's gritty New York aesthetic through street scenes and ensemble performances. A notable cypher hosted by Big Tigger in a basement setting showcased freestyle bars from multiple members, building hype ahead of the drop. Live support came via the Escape from New York Tour, a nationwide run starting July 23, 2019, in Seattle, featuring full-group sets that highlighted tracks from the album alongside constituent group material.[24][47][28]Activities After 2019
Following the release of their debut album Escape from New York in May 2019, Beast Coast's planned momentum was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread cancellations of live music events and tours across the industry in 2020.[48] Although the collective had successfully completed their Escape from New York Tour earlier that year, the global health crisis halted further group engagements, preventing any immediate follow-up performances or promotional activities. Sporadic appearances resumed post-pandemic, including a notable back-to-back set at the 2022 Smoker's Club Festival in San Bernardino, California, where members from Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers effectively reunited on stage, evoking the spirit of their collaborative roots.[49] By 2025, Beast Coast had not released any new material as a collective, with the group's focus shifting toward individual pursuits amid the challenges of coordinating multiple artists. Members prioritized solo endeavors, such as Flatbush Zombies' EP now, more than ever in June 2020, which addressed themes of resilience during the early pandemic months, and Joey Bada$$'s third studio album 2000 in July 2022, marking his return to full-length projects after five years.[50] These releases highlighted the creative independence of the constituent groups, allowing them to explore personal narratives without the logistical demands of a supergroup effort. As of 2025, Beast Coast remains inactive as a performing and recording unit, with its members deeply engaged in their respective careers under Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers. The pandemic's interruption of live collaborations, combined with the success of solo outputs, has contributed to this dormancy, fostering a looser affiliation rather than structured group activities, though Joey Bada$$ has reflected on the collective's enduring influence in recent interviews.[51]Artistry
Musical Style
Beast Coast's musical style is characterized by a fusion of boom bap foundations with psychedelic and trap elements, creating a dynamic sound that draws from the collective's New York roots while pushing beyond traditional East Coast revivalism.[20] Producers like Erick Arc Elliott (known as The Architect) and Powers Pleasant emphasize heavy sampling, often incorporating pitched-up vocal samples and jazz/funk influences to layer intricate beats that balance gritty percussion with atmospheric textures.[52][53] This blend is evident in tracks featuring booming 808 basslines alongside hazy synths and piano-driven melodies, avoiding over-reliance on auto-tune in favor of raw, live instrumentation.[54][53] The collective's production techniques highlight aggressive flows and layered vocals, with multiple rappers delivering condensed, high-energy verses over bass-heavy backdrops that evoke a sense of urgency and swagger.[52] Songs often feature up to nine members trading bars in a cypher-like format, fostering group dynamics where individual styles intersect without overpowering the track's cohesion—technical precision from Pro Era affiliates pairs with brooding trap cadences from Flatbush Zombies, all unified by psychedelic flourishes.[20][54] This rotating feature approach creates a conversational energy, with vocal manipulations and melodic choruses adding depth to the otherwise hard-hitting arrangements.[53] The sound evolves from the distinct sonic identities of its member groups, integrating Pro Era's crisp, sample-driven boom bap with Flatbush Zombies' trap-infused psychedelia and The Underachievers' ethereal, lush instrumentation into a cohesive collective aesthetic.[52] For instance, Pro Era's emphasis on athletic, precise flows merges with the Zombies' dark, hazy production and the Underachievers' atmospheric vibes, resulting in album tracks that feel both nostalgic and forward-looking through executive production by Tyler Dopps and Erick Arc Elliott.[20][54][55] This unification is achieved via blistering beats and subtle funk elements, prioritizing live-feeling dynamics over synthetic polish.[53]Themes and Influences
Beast Coast's lyrical content emphasizes themes of brotherhood and collective unity, drawing from the supergroup's origins in Brooklyn's interconnected rap scenes. Members frequently explore personal growth and the challenges of navigating fame while maintaining authenticity, as seen in reflections on the power of the present moment and intimate collaborations that foster vulnerability. This sense of camaraderie serves as a counterpoint to individual struggles, highlighting the strength found in their shared New York roots across neighborhoods like Flatbush, Bed-Stuy, and Mill Basin.[17][20] A recurring motif is the idea of escaping provincial boundaries, metaphorically represented by the title of their debut album Escape From New York, which critiques the limitations of their hometown while celebrating its cultural heritage. Spirituality and consciousness play a significant role, influenced by the Underachievers' "Indigoism" philosophy, which incorporates psychedelic exploration and mystical enlightenment to address self-realization and societal disconnection. These elements blend with broader reflections on mental introspection, often tied to psychedelic experiences that promote awareness and resilience. Anti-commercial sentiments emerge through a rejection of mainstream trends, prioritizing raw, unpolished expression over polished hits, evident in their emphasis on lyrical depth over viral appeal.[20][37] The collective draws heavily from Golden Age hip-hop pioneers, evoking the raw lyricism and ensemble dynamics of Wu-Tang Clan, alongside production innovators like J Dilla and MF Doom for their sample-based introspection. Conscious rap forebears such as Nas and Common inform their socially aware narratives, focusing on urban life's complexities without overt preachiness. Psychedelic rock influences, channeled particularly through Flatbush Zombies' hazy, mind-expanding aesthetics, add layers of surrealism reminiscent of experimental sounds beyond traditional rap. Overall, Beast Coast positions itself as a revival of East Coast authenticity, using album interludes and verses to assert a progressive stance against diluted industry norms, reclaiming hip-hop's roots for a new generation.[17][20]Discography
Studio Albums
Beast Coast's debut and only studio album to date is Escape from New York, released on May 24, 2019, through Columbia Records.[30] The project features 13 tracks with a total runtime of 46 minutes and 36 seconds, showcasing the collective's collaborative spirit through multi-artist verses and no external guest appearances beyond the group's members.[56] Production was handled primarily by in-house talents including Erick the Architect (Erick Arc Elliott), Powers Pleasant, Sam Wish, and Tyler Dopps, blending boom bap elements with trap influences to highlight the supergroup's New York roots. The tracklist emphasizes ensemble performances, with songs like "Left Hand" and "Distance" featuring rotations of rappers from Flatbush Zombies, Pro Era, and The Underachievers. Key tracks include:| Track No. | Title | Featured Artists | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It Ain't Easy | Nyck Caution, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly, AKTHESAVIOR | 3:39 |
| 2 | Meditate | Joey Bada$$, Issa Gold, Meechy Darko | 3:28 |
| 3 | Odetto | Erick the Architect | 2:32 |
| 4 | Distance | Zombie Juice, Joey Bada$$, Kirk Knight | 3:01 |
| 5 | Free the Robots | Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers | 4:51 |
| 6 | Left Hand | Joey Bada$$, Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution | 4:40 |
| 7 | Live from NY | Beast Coast | 2:48 |
| 8 | Problemz | CJ Fly, Zombie Juice, Issa Gold | 3:31 |
| 9 | Snow in the Stadium | Erick the Architect, CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, Joey Bada$$, Issa Gold, Meechy Darko | 3:22 |
| 10 | Far Away | The Underachievers, Zombie Juice | 3:01 |
| 11 | Roaring 40s | Beast Coast | 3:52 |
| 12 | Desperado | Erick the Architect, Joey Bada$$, Nyck Caution | 3:52 |
| 13 | Coast/Clear | Beast Coast | 4:00 |