If you have not heard of Don Zio P, its time you wake up and get in tune with this rising hip hop visionary. Hailing from Middletown, Connecticut, Don Zio P is making a name for himself and his brand Young Tatted Homies, with his unique raspy and melodic voice that distinguishes himself from the common sounds of the current industry. The rapper is taking full advantage of new age digital aesthetics, producing music videos like “Look Like” and “Colored Skies“, which transport the viewer into distorted fusions of color containing similarities to works coming from prolific mind of A$AP rocky. However, it is not to be misunderstood, this artist is a trailblazer following only the path that he is paving for himself, staying true to his music and desire to produce music for his rapidly expanding fan base.
His latest track, “Stoned and Faded” is released on Soundcloud today as a tribute to our beloved Mac Miller, one year from the date of his passing. In defining the meaning of track, the CT rapper writes:
“This song is about a girl who is fed up with a guys lifestyle and he gets caught cheating. He tells the story explaining basically it was what it was but he doesn’t love those other girls…its a burning in love story but the guy is suffering just as much as the girl is with the pain.”
Dailysteeze had the chance to speak with Don Zio P in an exclusive interview on the set of the music video for this brand new track. This rapper’s intro into the hip hop industry was no regular occurrence, and certainly a story worth telling. Check out the new single and interview below!
What made you want to become a rapper?
Making music happened on an accident. I was in Canada at a McDonalds and a group of girls thought I was a famous rapper because of my tattoos and my style. They asked to take a picture with me, and after the incident it got me thinking. On the ride home, I told my boys I think I’m gonna go home and make a song. Two weeks later, we had a party to promote the track and two weeks later we made a music video. Eight weeks later I was being hit up by record labels, and ended up signing.
What label was that?
Republic records hit me up, a man by the name of Steven Victor. He was vice president of Republic Records at the time, and now VP of Def Jam. I am now signed with Victor Victor records.
So was it a quick process to get to where you are you are now?
Very quick to start out, since then no. I have learned a lot about how to move industry wise, learn your sound, learn who you are as an artist and how to find your fan base. Things labels don’t exactly teach you.
Since you have been creating music, finding your sound and identity as an artist, what artists have influenced your creative process?
I can name three right off the top: MGK, A$AP and Wiz
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I don’t like to speak into the future. I like to build in the moment, but I want to build my brand and story giving an identity to my state and while staying true to my music. I am not focussed on social media image or fame. I’m trying to build my music and I want to connect with the fan base that fucks with me and follows my vision.
Can you talk to us about your brand and what it means?
My brand is Young Tatted Homies (WTH) Its whatever that catches with us and connects you to our music. It might be tattoos, drinking Titos like me, smoking weed or just digging the music. It’s everybody worldwide who feel like they a Young Tatted Homie.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
TWO THINGS
ONE: Invest in yourself, if you don’t believe in yourself your not going anywhere without putting money behind yourself. The person next to you wont believe in you, the person across the street won’t believe in you. You gotta back yourself.
TWO: Find the producers if your a rapper. If your producing, dm artists and get your beats out there, you never know who will blow up. Some artists aren’t even that fire, but the beat is. Anyone can do it if they do it the right way.
What are you doing different from other artists that is unique and staying true to you?
I don’t sound like what’s going on right now. A lot of guys are using auto tune auto heavy, copying popular styles. I get it. It’s what helps you blow up in the moment. My sound is a lot different. I feel like I have an old sound, I have a raspy voice mixed with and a high melody voice which separates me and gives me my own lane. The good thing about that is if you make people identify you as that, the tough thing is its harder to catch on. Once were gone were gone.
Stay tuned for the release of Don Zio P’s upcoming music video release, with behind the scenes studio footage, interviews with the film directors and more here at Dailysteeze.com only!
