We were lucky to catch up with BBOY ZERO recently and have shared our conversation below.
BBOY, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Of all the communities I’ve been in contact with, hip-hop is the one I identify the most with. The street dance community embraced me with open arms as a 10-year-old kid. As long as you can contribute to this mural of hip-hop in some meaningful way, you are welcome.
I released my first album during George Floyd’s murder and the resurgence of the BLM movement. I realized that the black community has given me everything I love, through this subculture I identify with so heavily. In that moment my mission became clear: provide opportunities for artists to share their stories. While I like writing/MC’ing, I would rather be responsible for the music that provides another artist to tell their story, because so many stories–black stories–have been silenced.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I go by Zero (BBOY ZERO on streaming services). I’m a producer, MC, & hip-hop head originally from Indy but currently based in Nashville. In high school, I helped cofound Indy’s first and only street-dance-focused studio, 31svn Street Dance Academy, and am on the roster of All Smiles Studios, a creative production team made up of artists, producers, video/photo professionals & sound engineers.
I got into hip-hop through breaking 8 years ago. My parents took me all across the midwest for classes and competitions, until we and my mentor, Keegan “Seoul” Loye, started 31svn. It’s also where I got my stage name– I had a zip-up hoodie over my face that gave me “zero” identity, and the name only gained more personal meanings as I grew with it.
I’ve been learning Logic Pro X on my own ever since I copped a copy in early 2019. Since then, I’ve released 2 solo albums, and executively produced 2 others (“STOCKHOLM” – Breeo, and “disposable” – the inevitable), on top of various singles both behind the mic and behind the boards.
I classify my “sound” as “alternative hip-hop”. I love what’s happening in each region, and every corner of the culture has seen dope advancements in the past decade. Some of my current inspirations as a beatmaker include J Dilla, Romil Hemnani, Kanye West, The Alchemist & Kenny Beats. These producers all have something in common that I tap into–they have a universal appeal without pandering to an audience, or changing their sound. If people come to me for beats, they know that I have a style no one else can replicate, and that’s what hip-hop is at its core.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I started at 16 and was blessed to have help from my family who continue to support me to this day. They provided money for basic essentials in any home studio. Minus the occasional holiday gift or loan, I’m adamant about using my money from selling beats & royalties to immediately reinvest into myself. I am the business, and if I want a bigger checks to turn this into a full-time gig, I know I need to keep reinvesting in myself. In a way, it’s a form of business self-care.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Chris “MayDay” Rucks has an incredible bible of sorts for hip-hop producers, called “Don’t Make Beats Like Me”. Each of the 24 chapters gave me valuable information as a fresh producer, while also boosting my confidence while networking and selling my product.
You can’t be a fan of alternative hip-hop/culture without giving Virgil Abloh (R.I.P.), Kanye West, and Rick Rubin their flowers. any interview content from them is a must.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bboyzero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bboyyzero/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BBOYZERO
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/12RxQLuXDIqVoEtz6tVLJd Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/bboy-zero/1512823873
Image Credits
Izzy Alexander Grace McGovern Keegan Loye