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: 39

▶ 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

Jack Harlow
Friday, Sept 18 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ravi Coltrane
Saturday, Sept 19 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Kruder & Dorfmeister
Friday, Sept 25 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Erykah Badu
Sunday, Sept 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Lyrics Born
Friday, Oct 2 @ The Chapel, SF

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

ScHoolboy Q
Friday, Oct 16 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

ScHoolboy Q (WIN TICKETS) at Fox Theater, Oakland

October 16, 2026 from 7pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT.  Friday, October 16, 2026 ScHoolboy Q 10 Years of Blank Face LP@ Fox Theater, Oakland Doors: 7:00 pm | Show: 8:00 pm This event is all ages.>> BUY…See More
14 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
18 hours ago
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

A.O. C.entral C.ommand Turns Tour Controversy Into Conversation With New Single “R&B”

Hamilton, New Jersey artist A.O. C.entral C.ommand is putting a clever spin on relationship debates and viral tour controversy with the release of his new single, “R&B.” After 16 years of professionally making music, the independent artist continues to find creative ways to turn real-life conversations into records that listeners can debate long after the song ends.Released under The Agency Headquarters, “R&B” was inspired…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
An event by PapaLoDown Agency was featured
Thumbnail

UNDISCOVERED SF Golden Hour Night Market at Victory Hall, San Francisco, CA

October 24, 2026 from 4pm to 10pm
For its tenth anniversary, UNDISCOVERED SF is bringing the night market vibes back for the first time since the pandemic. In partnership with Victory Hall, formerly known as the iconic nightclub 330 Ritch, this year's themes "Golden Hour" and "Made With Mahal," make an intimate but electric return. With DJ sets by Hoochi, Vieux Carre, Boogie Brown, and performance by The Top Chefs of Live on The Stoop. Then step inside Victory Hall for a special exhibition honoring the history of 330 Ritch, the…See More
Monday
PapaLoDown Agency updated their profile
Monday
PapaLoDown Agency and Postman Ali are now friends
Monday
PapaLoDown Agency posted an event
Thumbnail

UNDISCOVERED SF Golden Hour Night Market at Victory Hall, San Francisco, CA

October 24, 2026 from 4pm to 10pm
For its tenth anniversary, UNDISCOVERED SF is bringing the night market vibes back for the first time since the pandemic. In partnership with Victory Hall, formerly known as the iconic nightclub 330 Ritch, this year's themes "Golden Hour" and "Made With Mahal," make an intimate but electric return. With DJ sets by Hoochi, Vieux Carre, Boogie Brown, and performance by The Top Chefs of Live on The Stoop. Then step inside Victory Hall for a special exhibition honoring the history of 330 Ritch, the…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Lyrics Born (WIN TICKETS) at The Chapel, SF

October 2, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT.  Friday, October 2The LB Baby TourLyrics Born  The Chapel SF (all ages) Doors: 8:00PM | Show: 9:00PMTickets & info: https://tinyurl.com/y2ubfyyb…See More
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Tracey updated an event
Thumbnail

Lyrics Born at The Chapel SF 10/2 at The Chapel, San Francisco

October 2, 2026 from 9pm to 11:30pm
Lyrics Born brings The LB Baby Tour to The Chapel on Friday, October 2nd. With SundaY.See More
Oct 1

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service