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The ZYG 808

“If I make the room PHUNKY, I’m Playing my position.”

The ZYG 808 (pronounced 'Zee Why Gee' Eight-0h-Eight) is a world-class, Grammy nominated producer, composer, performer, and recording artist of Afrobeats, EDM, and Hip-Hop. A leading figure in the Southcoast Thump & Soul music movement; he is definitely doing his part to bring the good vibes music to the people.

From coming on the scene at the age of 7 as an Afro-percussion session player, to headlining the Boston Jazz Fest at age 11, to becoming a Grammy nominated hip-hop artist and producer at age 15; we have gotten to watch the evolution of The ZYG 808 as a rising musical force. A creator of music ranging from feel good, ambient grooves and flows to energizing, hardcore, club banging beats topped with old-school style MCing and lyrics, or rawly mellow vocalizing. The ZYG 808’s sound can be described as a genre-bending blend of Afrobeats, rock, hip-hop, and jazz.

When he’s not rocking the mic at a show; The ZYG 808 loves the background side of making music. He is a staff producer for Polyphonic Studios, working with edm, Afrobeats, rock, folk, and hip-hop artists. He is the drummer for The GroovaLottos, and DJs dance parties; blending soul, pop, hip-hop, edm, and Afrobeats at various venues, events and festivals. “No matter the mic, turn tables or behind a drum kit/ The ZYG 808’s about keeping the room lit.”

“Music is how I connect with people. Melodies, grooves, beats, and stories play in my head all of the time. Other people continue to make incredible music. I feel a need to share it all, bring the good vibes, and get folks dancing and feeling right.”

Awards

2018 Grammy Nomination - Best Rap Performance ("El Concerto") 2018 Grammy Nomination - Best Rap Performance ("The Explanation")


Tags

"Part of why I say I'm an Emcee and not a rapper is that I view hip-hop as a branch of a musical and oral tradition from the African Diaspora and not just a trend or a fad."
Primary Instrument

Drums

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

The ZYG 808 is a master drummer, teaching beginners to advanced players basics as well as funk, jazz, and afro-Latin styles. A former student of the late Eddie Ray Johnson and Martin Vasquez, The ZYG 808 headlined the Boston Jazz Fest at age 11 and payed his first studio session at age 7.

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Mama's Hamper –...

Polyphonic Studios Records
2022

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Beat Lounge Notes

Soul Poets Records/ Liberation Multimedia, LLC
2021

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BoOMBAPJAZz

Soul Poets/ Liberation Multimedia, LLC
2019

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At The Party

Soul Poets/ Liberation Multimedia, Llc
2018

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Flippin' - by Soul...

LM3/ Song Keepers, LTD
2017

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Videos

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