As disfunction and chaos in 2020 spewed across the U.S., Cleveland recording rap artist ZAQ1st releases an album ‘Last Days Dance’ that relates to the current culture.
Listen to ‘Last Days Dance’ on YouTube
With 13 tracks on the album, ZAQ1st paints a picture of pandemonium in American society while many of us cope by suppressing conversations about what’s happening and falling into the turn up. He encourages hope for stronger communities and takes listeners through experiences that have caused many of us pain and ultimately lead ZAQ to where he is now.
I BEEN BROKE SO I BEEN KNOWN TO SPREAD LOVE BECUASE THAT DON’T COST A THING | AND SPEAK ABOUT HOW WE IN CHAINS BUT DON’T THINK WE ENSLAVED | AND HOW THEM SCHOOL BELLS TELL US WHEN WE CAN MOVE IN SYSTEMS MADE TO INTRUDE- A CONQUEROUS INSTITUTE. | I F*** WITH RAPPING ABOUT BI***S BUT THIS IS A DIFFERNT MOOD | CAN’T HELP IT I GOTTA SPEAK ON IT
– Track #2 “Hellz (Shallow Waves)”
Listen to ‘Last Days Dance’ on Apple Music
‘Last Days Dance’ is a portrayal of how we’ve carried on with injustice, Trump’s presidency, and not knowing our rights. ZAQ1st mentioned in an interview the importance of understanding what’s happening and having tough conversations.
“The album represents what’s happening right now in the world and what we’re doing to cope with it. There’s two sides to the concept of the album and you notice that on the cover photo. I want people to take the time to educate themselves to really understand what’s going on in our society. The other side to that is recognizing bad habits or coping methods and let’s talk about it.”
Listen to ‘Last Days Dance’ on Spotify
BTS
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, ZAQ1st says his mom made the best out of what they had. Not understanding what she was going through at the time allowed him to enjoy childhood but as he got older he became reckless and needed to chill out. His uncle, member of the popular rap group Bone Thugs and Harmony, and Kanye West were key influences on developing his passion for the pen.
Performing live on stage- back when that was a thing- in front of an audience passing him the blunt is a memory ZAQ1st says he’ll never forget. But from then to now, ZAQ says his creative process requires more focus and intent.
“I don’t write what I don’t have. Nothing good comes out of me rushing to write something. The biggest difference in my process now is that I take my time- some of the best songs I’ve written have come from being in situations that cause me to reflect on who I am/was. What hindered my artistry then was that I wasn’t ready to read my diary to the world, and I think a lot of us artists feel that way for a while.” – ZAQ1st
As he strives to create music with cinematic appeal, ZAQ1st says one of his biggest goals is to have his music featured in movies and shows. His charismatic personality makes him enjoyable to talk to and will help him leverage relationships while he emerges.
He’s a graduate from Kent State University and teaches children currently and is in the process of turning ZAQ1st into a business outside of just music. He’s open to educating others and ultimately creating a comfortable living out of doing what he loves.
‘Last Days Dance’ is a collaborative project with a lot of dope features and hands that helped to create it. 4 AM NORI | KAJE | JAYARE | FINAL BOOGIE & MORE
What to expect
- Fire new visuals for ‘Last Days Dance’
- Developing my brand with USIC Brands
- New EP
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