The last few years have not only been interesting for the Indian and desi hip-hop scene but also for a new generation of emerging artists. There has been an ongoing revolution of sorts in not only how we consume music but also in the way that music is being produced. This new generation of artists is not afraid to tread the music industry waters by themselves. They are out there, they are creating music within the four walls of their houses and they are relying solely on their talent to take them far.
One such emerging artist who has recently caught our attention is the young hip-hop talent ZZ. Growing up in New Delhi, the rising artist found his passion for music through constantly exploring various cultures and inspirations, absorbing everything from movies such as Taxi Driver to music from A Tribe Called Quest and Kanye West. It is these influences that shine through in his emotional and melodic take on hip hop and how he has channelled the development of his sound.
In 2020, ZZ moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music and quickly made inroads within the hip-hop scene, collaborating with artists such as FRVRFRIDAY, 24kGoldn, Guapdad 4000, Kodie Shane, and music video director LONEWOLF. In the same year, he also dropped his first single, DEGENERATES, which reached #7 on Apple Music India’s chart.
What sets ZZ apart from others is the honesty and vulnerability in his music as well as his ability to tap into his introspective side as he connects with his audience. Whether it be dark, moody, or light and fun, it is the way he pens down his emotions that truly connects with those listening. To add to his immaculate lyricism is the fact that he is responsible for mixing all his own vocals and also produces everything himself.
His latest is the single u no body 2 me from his upcoming album that is sure to position the Indian artist as a global talent, where he blends hip-hop bravado with afrobeat inspired flows. Sonically the track has a danceable, yet moody vibe. The self-produced beat coupled with ZZ’s vocals seamlessly alternate from sultry to snarling, complemented by a tailor-made feature from rising artist REVII.
The track reveals the strong chemistry that the two share, as it lyrically explores being done with taking people’s BS, while the rap floats on the afrobeat style production effortlessly. To go with the track is a minimalist, black-and-white music video that captures ZZ’s essence and the song’s nighttime appeal.
Check him out here.
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