Zanu - Heathens

Texas-based artist Zanu starts journey toward becoming greatest showman with new album ‘MackingAintDead

 

HOUSTON, TX – You can get a lot more out of what you want in life if you know how to mack. That’s the sentiment behind the new album “MackingAintDead” from Texas-based artist Zanu. The Hip Hop project with heavy influences of R&B and Afrobeats is the culmination of two years’ worth of work from this up-and-coming young artist. At only age 22 he’s starting to garner attention throughout the South, and with this new album, is primed to leave his mark on the national stage.

 

“I want to be more than just an artist and entertainer,” he said. “I want to be the greatest showman there is. I want to redefine what an emcee is in modern day Hip Hop. I want to put on the greatest show the world has ever seen. I came from a lineage that knew nothing but excellence. My granddad came from the villages of Ghana and became a diplomat. My mom is a doctor and my pop is a businessman. My older sister is out here making moves with her life, just like me. I’ve trained in music for more than 10 years and I believe I got what it takes to be the best – to be one of those larger-than-life-artists. This is an album from a winner’s perspective. It’s an album about being the best in the room – the king. You want to learn how to win? Listen to the man born winning. Listen to the man born macking. Because “Mackingaintdead” man. My music comes from the perspective of unapologetic royalty, excellence, and bravado. I’m changing the world and I’ll look good as hell while doing it.” 

Zanu said he started his journey as a musician when at the age of 7 he began learning how to play the piano. At age 8, he started dancing and by age 11, he was rapping and writing his own music. He grew up listening to Hip Hop and R&B, as well as Afrobeats – all of which find their way into his music in one way or another. This is especially true of his album’s debut single, “Heathens,” which already has more than 15,000 streams since its release less than two months ago.

“It’s a fun vibe that my producer friend helped out with by adding some bells and high hats,” Zanu said. “We made it three years ago and I sat on it because I didn’t have the right lyrics for it. Then I was chilling one day and having fun and just started rapping. I was calling my friends heathens because we’re out here trying to get shit done and looking good doing it. We were always getting paid because we’re always on top of our shit. Girls want to be with a boss – with a heathen. You can be a boss without trying to be the hardest in the room. I don’t want to be the token black guy in the crowd. I’m running just as good as anyone else, or even better. All of that came together on this song.”

 

Zanu said he’s excited for new fans to get a taste of his music and ultimately, he has aspirations of creating music that will be known throughout the world. He wants to bring a new vision of Hip Hop that people have never heard before – something that breathes new life into an already lively genre.  

To listen to Zanu’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://artist.landr.com/music/672985545939 

https://www.instagram.com/callmezanu/  
https://twitter.com/CallmeZanu

Views: 33

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Kamaiyah
Saturday, Mar 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ohgeesy
Friday, Mar 27 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

realmuzik posted a discussion

Who is Brittany Nicole – and Why You Should Know Her Now

Brittany Nicole doesn’t fit into a single lane. She’s a visual architect, a creative polymath, a storyteller who moves seamlessly between pen, lens, and mic. From childhood runways with Wilhelmina Models to commanding the frame behind the camera, Brittany has always operated at the intersection of image and impact. Her next move is no different, she is already making…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Elevation (1st Fridays) with Renoir & Hannah Lee at Golden Ratio, Oakland

April 3, 2026 at 9pm to October 3, 2026 at 1:45pm
FRIDAY, APR 3 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:DJ Kincaid Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by renowned DJ and crate-digger…See More
Wednesday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Aintwidit Brings Miami Energy to the Streets with New Single “Zelle”

Miami, Florida rap group Aintwidit is continuing to build momentum with the release of their new single “Zelle”. Representing the raw energy and entrepreneurial mindset of the city, the group has spent over a decade grinding in the music industry while building their brand under their independent label Aintwidit Recordz. Comprised of members Mike Dangerous, Chico Peso, and El Don,…See More
Wednesday
An event by Editor's Pick was featured
Thumbnail

Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Renoir at Cornerstone, Berkeley

April 4, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm
SATURDAY, APR 4Hot 8 Brass Band - Big Tuba Tour 2026at Cornerstone, Berkeley Doors 7 PM. Show 8:00 PM PDT >> BUY TICKETS…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted an event
Thumbnail

Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Renoir at Cornerstone, Berkeley

April 4, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm
SATURDAY, APR 4Hot 8 Brass Band - Big Tuba Tour 2026at Cornerstone, Berkeley Doors 7 PM. Show 8:00 PM PDT >> BUY TICKETS…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Kevin Nelson posted an event
Thumbnail

Macbeth: A New Modern Verse Translation by Migdalia Cruz at Magic Theatre, San Francisco, CA

March 18, 2026 at 8pm to April 5, 2026 at 4pm
Migdalia Cruz’ new version of Macbeth cuts to the grief and core of Shakespeare’s classic like you've never seen before!Director Liam Vincent brings the scene to 1970s New York in this queer telling.Featuring Sarah Nina Hayon as Lady Macbeth and Catherine Castellanos as Macbeth. The rest of this stellar cast includes Nora el Samahy, Juan Amador, Kina Kantor, Danny Scheie and Brian Rivera.See More
Mar 10

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service