Published: June 05, 2009 1:20 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Review June 2009 Edition
Zo
Zo
When we first introduced this next artist to the pages of Junior's Cave, Zo simply amazed us with his masterful lyrical skills and storytelling abilities. In this new spotlight, Zo continues to excite Junior's Cave with his skills. Recently, he completed a new project and it is that project that is the focus of this interview. Enjoy!
Isaac: It is a pleasure to have you back on Junior's Cave Online Magazine. What I first wanted to ask you was how has 2009 been so far for you as an entertainer?
Zo: 2009! Wow! (Laughs) it's been a great year! I've had the pleasure of being involved with some great people this year. I launched idashonline.com. I host an advice column called "THE EXPOSE'". And I released the "SUPER SERIES VOLUME 1 MIXTAPE". Volume 2 is completed and about to be released.
Also, I hooked up with an artist from Australia (MURPH DERTY) on a mixtape called "THE NETWORK". Needless to say, it's been a busy year! The most exciting part will be releasing my solo album "THE JERK". I'm currently working on the video for the lead single "I'M A JERK"!
The entire album was produced by the Track Strarz. I just love the energy the fans are giving me! It's been a blessed year!
Isaac: You recently completed work on a new album. What can fans expect from this album that is different than the previous album?
Zo: "THE JERK" is a look at Zo. The father, the gangster, the lover, the gentleman, and the jerk! It's a real honest portrayal of me. This will actually be the first "album" from the IDASH family. We have done sooo many mixtapes, guest appearances, etc. that now lots of fans feel like they know me from those songs. I hope this album can shed some light on the why, who, what of Zohezie feel me?
Isaac: One of the tracks that I am really digging is My Sunglasses. Could you elaborate a little about this track including the sample and what was the inspiration for making this joint?
Zo: I actually am known for my sunglass game (laughs). I accessorize well (laughs). Lots of fans say they never see me without a pair of shades on; it's "my thing". The song has a sample of Corey Hart's song "I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT".
The original song is about stalking a love interest, but my version is about only me being able to see what I see through these lenses. I'm in the club and… well you have to hear it!
I've been getting a lot of great response on it! It bangs too (laughs).
Isaac: Elaborate on the concept behind "THE JERK"...
Zo: This song is the ANTHEM for doing you! For being comfortable in your skin, for daring to be different! If you walk that path, I applaud you and continue on with it! I've been called a jerk so many times it's not funny (laughs).
I'm about as blunt and honest as they come which leads me into some very interesting predicaments. Yet, I refrain from going along with crowd. "IM A JERK" is the freedom to do just that! To be yourself, being a jerk isn't a bad thing it's the new in! SO EVERYBODY SUPPORT THE JERK!
Isaac: You have your own online community on the Ning server. What can fans expect from this community? What was your main goal for creating this community?
Zo: IDASHONLINE.COM is a place where you can be you. A place where we embrace you back! It's a very intimate experience. It's me really connecting with the fans, friends, and family that I love so much. You will find all of IDASH there, Reag and Hash, rare mixtapes you can download for free; we don't charge for mixtapes on idashonline.com --we do them for the fans!
We interact with every member, and we are growing rapidly. We have a live radio show that will podcast on there and we will be launching IDASHTV in the next month, all the shows on there will be live… FOOL, YOU BETTA COME ON IN! It's free to join and you get an exclusive song when you join!
Isaac: Who have been your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Zo: BIG PROOF of D12 (EM'S HYPEMAN)… P showed me this is real. I've traveled with him, worked with him, and learned from him. His influence for me was in his energy and ability to connect with people just being himself. He was a beautiful soul for that. He would show me the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was so genuine.
His honesty was remarkable! I had actually worked out a deal with him for distribution, not many multi-platinum artists give new artist that chance. It's hard when you lose a mentor, a business partner, and friend in one blow. But, I know the experience has proved priceless! The most important lesson I learned from P was to be you to a fault (laughs). Rest in Peace, P!
Isaac: At this moment, whom would you love to collaborate with and why?
Zo: Right now I'd like to work with EM, T.I., Wayne, and 50. I like the harsh look at themselves they offer fans. Creatively, Eminem is unmatched, both T.I. and 50 are so honest with there experiences that you feel like you are therewith them (laughs).
What can you say about Wayne? He is definitely on another planet. I think we would make some ground breaking new genre maybe (laughs). We all have "knowing who we are as individuals" in common; the out come would be nuts!
Isaac: For new fans, how would you describe your style?
Zo: I'm a cross between George Jetson and Picasso, Michelangelo and Mozart, Tupac Shakur and Barack Obama!
Isaac: Hit us up with when should the new album be out and ready for fans to purchase?
Zo: It's crunch time now so fans should be seeing me everywhere soon. The release date is JUNE 23TH 2009! YOU HEARD IT HERE 1ST!!! SUPPORT THE JERK! YOU will be able to find it on ITunes, Rhapsody, idashonline.com, local mom and pops spots as well.
Zo: My partners Reag and Hashous Clay of IDASH, LynnWoo, Big Bo, Gino Excel, Big Boy, Blake Wardell, Shad Bailey (Dr. Soul), Jigalo Joe, Sly Stone, Man, Ball, LadyBug, Baxter, Boldy and The ConCreatures, Murph Derty, Free Cosa Boy CJ, Lethal, Mike Mike and THANK ALL THE FANS! I LOVE YOU ALL!
Isaac: Leave us with your final thoughts and any shameless plugs….
