Interview: From Black’n out to Steppin’ in, Zach89 is ready to take this industry for a ride!

Posted December 11, 2011 by Yolanda Danae' in Features

photo by Trina Charles TC Photography

You’ve all seen him on MTV’s, Runs House with fellow group members of Team Blackout. But who you don’t know is Zach89 after the show is over. Check out this exclusive interview with Zach89 and learn a little about the man on the rise!

Tell readers a little about yourself

I go by the name Zach89. I’m a member of Team Blackout from MTV’s Run’s House and I’m from Queens, NY.

Is it safe to assume that the 89 in your name comes from the year you were born which would make you 21/22?

(laughs) Yup that is correct. I was born in 1989. I’m 22.

Cool, so when is your birthday?

June 11th

Gemini, Nice! So a lot of readers were first introduced to Team Blackout on the hit reality show, Runs House. How did you become a part of the group?

Yup Gemini all day! (laughs) But yeah as far as Team Blackout goes, me and JoJo met in 1st grade. So we go way back (laughs). We actually started rapping together when we were like 13. We used to do rap battles in our school and that’s when he saw that I could rap and he wanted to start a group. Then we went from there.

WOW!! That’s a long time that you’ve known one another! Were you ever nervous about going into this with your friend? You know how it can be sometimes, friend’s start a band, the band doesn’t work out then the friendship is over.

(laughs) Yeah that is a long time. That’s very true. That can happen but that never crossed my mind when me and Jo started to do music together. I was just happy that he had that much belief in me and I was just excited to have someone I could rap with (laughs).But there’s a lot of history in our friendship so I feel like we good no matter what.

That’s a very positive way to look at it. Having been friends with someone for most of your life, you tend to learn a lot about that person. I’m glad you guys are on the same page with this music and share similar if not the same visions of just how far you want it to go. But now, I see that you are doing your own thing… you just dropped a video for your song, “My Baby” that was featured on our site a couple of weeks ago. Tell readers about the songs central theme and how the video relates to it.

Yeah you know it’s best to always think positive. We definitely share similar visions in what we want to accomplish. But yeah the “My Baby” video dropped recently. I’m proud of it. Thanks for posting it on the site. I appreciate that for real. In the song, I talk about relationships and how it’s crazy nowadays. It seems like everyone is playin’ one another. It’s hard to find someone of substance. In the video, I’m in the crib practicing drums and the girl I’m talking to pays me a visit and you know I spit my little game to her and then we go from there. It gets real sexy (laughs) I also wanted to pay homage to Biggie. So in the video I get my Big Poppa swag on (laughs)

(laughs) Yes it does indeed get sexy! I won’t give it all away, so readers can watch for themselves. But you did a really good job! You have a real talent and I’m a supporter of anyone doing something positive with their gifts. Is a solo career something you’re pushing for?

(laughs) You know it! I think everyone can enjoy it. Girls be showing me love for that video and the dudes be like, “Yo, who’s that chick you were with in the video?” So it’s a win win for everybody (laughs) Shout out to Sasha Morales! And thanks a lot. That means a lot. Yeah my solo career is my main focus right now.

Yes, the girls have been showing a lot of love, especially the ones that have reached out to me about the video! They’re going crazy over you; how do you respond to so much love?

(laughs) Ay, well that’s what’s up. I’m flattered by it. I just stay humble and do me. I appreciate all the love.

Focusing on going solo, are there any artists you look forward to working with or want to work with?

Yeah most definitely. I mean I’m pretty much down to work with everybody new and old. I respect anybody out there that’s on their grind and making it happen. It’s hard out here.

I respect your humbleness, that’ll be what takes you far in this industry. I’m sure when they (the girls) see you, they’ll do just about anything to get your attention. If anything, what would you say is the wildest thing you’ve ever done to get a girls attention?

Why thank you! (laughs) Hmmm…you know, I actually stay pretty cool and laid back when it comes to that. I don’t be wildin’ out really when it comes to getting a girl’s attention. When I used to dorm in college, the girl I had a thing for had a bad cold or something and I surprised her by making soup for her and brought it to her room, but then I ended up eating the soup (laughs)

(laughs) Well the thought was lovely, but you eating the soup? (laughs) I bet she remembered you for it. But you’re just about finished your time in college, do you have any plans as to what you want to do afterwards? Or is focusing solely on your music your goal at the moment?

(laughs) Ay, she was thankful but she said she wasn’t hungry so I wasn’t going to waste it. It was perfectly good Progresso soup (laughs)

Progresso huh? I guess you’re right (laughs), couldn’t let it go to waste!

Yeah you can’t go wrong with Progresso (laughs) But yeah, I’m about to graduate in two weeks! Thank God (laughs) Yeah my plan is to make a lot of noise in the music industry. I’m going all the way in.

Fantastic! So more music is what fans can expect from you in 2012?

Yeah a whole lot more music in 2012! Get ready! I’m going to be putting out a lot more mixtapes, videos, do more interviews, everything! I take this seriously and they can definitely expect to see me perform.

Do your thing! I’m anxious to see you go further with this! I do notice that many artist make their way into the industry with such a strong sense of who they are, but once they’re in, they lose what it is that got them noticed in the first place. I guess what I’m asking is if you can see yourself ever altering your style to fit into the silhouette that many artists are trying to fit into.

I’m excited about the New Year for sure. You got a point, but I’ma always stay true to me. I know how I want to portray myself as an artist and what message I want to put out there to the people.

That’s what I’m trying to hear! Like I said, I’m excited about seeing your career progress! Any final thoughts?

Thanks again for your support. Shout out to my whole team that’s helping me put my plan into motion! Download my mixtape, “RapZhody” on Datpiff.com! Follow me on twitter.com/Zach89 Facebook.com/Zach89Official Youtube.com/ZachTv14 Thanks to all the fans that have been supporting me! It’s only the beginning so be on the lookout for new music, videos, and performances from me! Big Ups to Grindahz.com!

There you have it, my exclusive interview with the talented Zach89! Make sure you follow him on Twitter, Like his page on Facebook, and stay posted on his YouTube for new videos. Also, be sure to download his new mixtape. As always, leave your thoughts!

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