Bliss by Zacari
Zacari found his passion for music during junior high in Bakersfield, CA. During middle school Zacari’s interests in music would vary from genre to genre. He was always a student of hip-hop but wasn’t bashful through his emo phases. He’d skim through a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s soundtrack and find backpack gems. Other times he listened to Taking Back Sundays, My Chemical Romance, or was banging his head in a rock band. His family was arguably his biggest inspiration at the time: his mom played a variety of instruments including the harmonica.
Zacari’s passion led him to the guitar and his church’s band around the seventh grade. He made cover songs for John Mayer, folk music, blues music and was a part of his high school's jazz band. Zacari continued to lead his church’s band throughout high school, until his fascination with wolves called him to Alaska. Once he graduated high school, Zacari began his summer job in Katmai National Park, seeking adventure as a lone wolf.
The following three summers he worked in a lodge west of Anchorage, Alaska. Unbeknownst to the world, Zacari was in the kitchen outside the lodge, cooking up his own euphoric vibe. Music stuck with him, culminating in his track “Lone Wolf,” which pays homage to an encounter he had with a lone wolf in Alaska.
After gaining a different perspective, he eventually made his way into the music industry while couch surfing in Los Angeles. Zacari’s latest single “Bliss” is a unique R&B, hip-hop song showcasing his range. His song explores the dichotomy of reaching success in music and is another spectacular performance between him, and Isaiah Rashaad. Lines from Rashaad such as, “Nigga, I just been fuckin' these hoes, rockin' these bitches. Fillin' my quota, me and my daughter. Me and my woadie, bitch, quit trippin' off me and that powder, me and my power, “help highlight the overall theme through Zacari’s song.
Top Dawg Entertainment isn’t letting up with the releases. After Kendrick Lamar’s final album with the label, Mr. Moral and The Big Steppers, TDE doesn’t show any signs of disarray. In fact, TDE appears primed and poised after dealing with Kendrick Lamar’s transition. The recent releases of Doechii, Ray Vaughn, and Reason are encouraging for TDE’s future. Zacari is another promising artist amongst TDE’s talented roster who’s pushing R&B‘s boundaries. If you still think Zacari was a woman who featured on Kendrick Lamar’s “Love,” you're hindering yourself. Stream Zacari and diversify your music. “ButterFlight,” “Don’t Trip,” and “Bliss” are excellent places to start.