Hip-Hop artist Zak Downtown has been making big moves, performing with the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Chiddy Bang, Hoodie Allen, Outasight, T Mills, and even Swedish DJ duo Dada Life. Now he’s prepping for the release of his newest mixtape “Downtown Delinquents” with the music video for his single “Clap Your Hands.” We got the opportunity to ask Zak a few questions – check out his answers, as well as the new video, after the jump.
Growing up in New York City public schools, Zak Downtown was immersed at an early age in the hustling-bustling, trendsetting NYC culture. Surrounded by other creative and entrepreneurial minds, he uses the NYC inspiration to create an inner drive towards achieving his goals. Zak is creating his own niche in hip-hop with tracks that have electric infused beats and others that pay homage to his New York City roots. His songs can find their way on the playlist for the party and the after hours.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw_oDpbo73A&hd=1[/youtube]
TCS: It seems like you got into music at a relatively young age. When did you realize that you wanted to do it as a career?
Zak: I knew working a 9-5 was out of the question. I always loved making music, so I put two and two together. BONG.
TCS: You’re from NYC, where there’s constant stimulation. How did the city shape your taste in music? How has that influenced the music you make?
Zak: NYC means everything to me. I had the chance to go away to college, I didn’t. I get homesick if I go away for longer than like a week. Being surrounded by people with so many different cultures is probably the main influence of my music. I chill with so many interesting people from different walks of life, but everyone here in NYC is hustling to get theirs. That’s the main drive behind my music.
TCS: One thing I know is that musicians are never JUST musicians – What are your other hobbies and interests?
Zak: Shit. For the past year it really feels like the only thing I’ve thought about is music. That being said, I can hoop a bit and I used to be pretty good at soccer. I actually played on a team that got to play in a tournament in Ghana repping the US when I was a senior in High School. Crazy trip. I’m also a fan of naps but I haven’t got to take one in a while. I’m also interested in people who are doing unique things, whatever it may be. Just something can stimulate my mind.
Listen and Download “Clap Your Hands”
Clap Your Hands (prod. DJ Fresh Direct) by Zak Downtown
TCS: I notice you’re a huge fan of shades. How many pairs of sunglasses do you have? Do you have a favorite pair?
Zak: Me and a few boys of mine kind of have been sharing glasses for years. Or I just take them and forget to give them back. So I can’t really keep count but there is always a new pair somewhere. I had this black pair of Superfutures that I lost at a show in Michigan that were my favorite. Someone got lucky.
TCS: If you could put together a “dream team” to collab on a song with, who would be in it?
Zak: I’m a fan of doing really interesting collabs with artists from all different types of genres. Something like production from Holy Ghost. Or some sort of collab with Dipset, little uptown downtown mix up.
Hope y’all enjoy the “Clap Your Hands” video and get ready for the new mixtape “Downtown Delinquents” coming Nov 28th. 10 original tracks produced by DJ Fresh Direct and a few other local producers. And features from Hoodie Allen, Master Shortie and Murda Mook.
TCS: Thanks for chatting with us Zak. You can check out Zak Downtown on Facebook, Follow him on Twitter @ZakDowntown, and listen to the rest of his tracks on his SoundCloud.
