Zelakhan

Zelakhan has been pursuing his dream of becoming a heavy-weight in the world of Hip-Hop and entertainment since the age of 14.This Cleveland, Ohio based artist is currently working with platinum selling producers: 4th Disciple (Wu-Tang Clan, Killarmy and Sunz of Man) and DJLord Jazz (Lords of the Underground.) Inspired by artists such as Nas,Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, N.W.A, Outkast, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Slick Rick, Run DMC, KRS-1 and Big Daddy Kane, Zelakhan has created his own unique style of emceeing. Strapped with a witty flow and a remarkable ability to tap into the listeners deepest emotions, Zelakhan is ready to show the world that he can be a pioneer in the Midwest Hip-Hop movement which is currently overlooked by the East Coast, West Coast, and the Dirty South. Zelakhan has released several projects which include; City On My Shoulders (2008), Lyfe Movement The Underground Railroad (1998), Hoodfactor The Factz (2002) and Money & Muscle Vol 1 (2003). He has recorded songs with Killah Priest, Islord of Killarmy and The Hillside Scramblers. He has also been the opening act for KRS-1, Raekwon & Ghostface, Killarmy, Lil Flip, Cappadonna, Ludacris, Keith Murray, Murder Inc., Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man, Big Daddy Kane, Killah Priest, The Roots, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Capone & Noreaga and Joe Budden.  Zelakhan was nominated for 2006 Ohio Hip Hop Awards ‘New Artist’ and 2008 Ohio Hip Hop Awards ‘Best Male Artist’ and ‘Best Lyricist’. He is also featured on Z107.9fm where you can hear his intros for on-air personalities Tropikana and Jay Fresh.  He has been featured in The Lake County News Herald and The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Where can we hear your stuff?
Z107.9fm (cleveland, ohio)
www.rebelarmyradio.t83.com

How did you get that name?
My first name is Lozell.  I was going by Zel back in the day.  I called myself Minister Zelakhan in a cypher in reference to Louis Farrakhan and everybody in the room went crazy.  People been calling me Zelakhan since then.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Spending 2 months in Staten Island, NY with 4th Disciple and Wu-Tang Clan. 4th invited me to come stay with him in Park Hill a while back.  I’ve opened up for almost every major artist that performed in Cleveland but this was the biggest of my accomplishments because I recorded in my first multi-million dollar studio for the first time.  I was learning the ins and outs of the industry first hand.
What has been your most difficult challenge?: Coming from a forgotten market such as Cleveland, Ohio.  We don’t get the exposure like the other markets get.  Labels and scouts don’t come to Cleveland looking for artist.

What makes you different?
I think the passion I express makes me different from alot of artist today.  Alot of this new music is watered down and recycled.

What projects are you working on?
Working on an album with Phoenix Jones called G.O.D. (Grind Or Die)…Also working on a solo mixtape called Money & Muscle Vol. 2 with DJ Jack Da Rippa….Also working on my solo Debut called Carpe’ Diem.  All these projects will have production from Yonny, LT Moe, 4th Disciple, Kickdrums, Matlock, Lord Jazz and Mauly T

Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Painesville, Ohio.  Shout out to Homeworth Ave.

How Long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing since I was like 9 or 10 but started recording at 14

What artists inspire you?
Nas, Jay-Z, Andre 3000 and Big Boi, Alicia Keys, Sade, 2Pac, Biggie, Kanye, 50, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, T.I., Wu-Tang Clan, Ludacris, Dr. Dre and Snoop, Lil Wayne

How would you define your style of music?
Street Realily Hip Hop..It all comes from the heart.  I run with the feelings and emotions that I go through on a daily basis.  I’ve seen everything from the projects to the college dorms so I have a wide range of creativity.

What teams are you affiliated with?
Black Lion Movement, Team Tuck, Tek Set

Who are some artists that you have worked with?
4th Disciple from Wu-Tang Clan/Killarmy, DJ Lord Jazz from Lords of the Underground, Killah Priest, Timbo King, Islord, Yonny

Who would you like to collab with?
Nas, Jay-Z, Outkast, T.I., Raekwon, Ghostface and Method Man, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole, Beyonce, Ciara, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Mick Boogie, Young Chris and State Property, 50, Young Buck, Scarface, Lil Wayne

Where do you see the future of music?
In my hands!!  Cleveland, Ohio got next.  It’s our turn.  Everybody has had their turn.  It’s time for Cleveland and the rest of Ohio to unite and get this cake like the South doing right now.

Where do you see yourself in 1 year?
ALIVE! Getting paid off this game whether it be with a major or indie.  No matter when, where and how, the money gotta be right!

Describe yourself in one word.
KING
Any shout outs?
The Siler, Stokley, Walling, Noble, Ware and Jones family tree.  PVC, Bula, The Land, Columbus.  4th Disciple, Paulie Rhyme, Lord Jazz, Yonny, Shugabooga, Optiks, Sound Techs, DeApp at Ohio Sound Lab, Nikki Swift, DJ Jack Da Rippa, G-Spot, Tropikana and Jay Fresh from z107.9fm, Rebel Army Radio.

Email: [email protected]

www.myspace.com/zelakhan

Management Contact Info: [email protected]

www.myspace.com/zelakhan