I am the first of three siblings with the same three initials, Z.C.C. When my siblings were born, my parents began coining us with nicknames like z1, z2, and z3 which are still being used to this day. Being the oldest, I was given the nickname "z1".

In my youth, I clung to the name as it seemed to be a testament to the type of person that I was developing into; a person who was known for being creative and constantly in deep thought. Peers would make comments about me being "zoned" out. As I began validating myself in my youth, the nickname made all the more sense because if spelled out, 'z1' spelled 'zone'. It stuck, I haven't changed that much since, so I guess that's who I am.

Although this page is dedicated to my gifts as a producer, I do perform at churches, local events and events dedicated to the elements of hip hop.

As I mentioned on the Soundclick page for my group DPA, the Internet has totally changed the reach of your typical local artist. Artists can now reach to people clear across the planet with what they want to present to the world and it can be received without the middleman; stores, labels, managers, etc. It makes the world that much smaller.

I'm of the more independent artist mindset, so I'm not pressed to sign a recording contract with any particular label. Personally, I'd rather maintain my creative freedom by executing projects myself and if need be, turning down projects because they don't fit with the message or type of content that I, as an artist, am trying to be consistent with. With labels, sometimes you can't make that type of decision. So, I'd rather stay away from them altogether.

I've been making beats since '95 when I came home from UMES. My mom got me a Gemini mixer because I expressed an interest to be a DJ for the local artists in the MD/DC/VA area. I didn't really pursue that dream like I should have but as I was looking for turntables at pawn shops, I picked up a drum machine and it was all over after that.

From '98 to '02, I slowed down with making beats as I focused more on school and my career. After completing my Bachelors in Information Systems Management and a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Howard University's School of Divinity, it became apparent that my dreams could be realized. One of those dreams included being a producer/lyricist because I've always had an ear for beats and I've never really stopped writing lyrics. So, I'm doing what I can to inspire someone else so they don't give up like I almost did.

DefJux, DeepSpace5 artists, J-Dilla, Waajeed and Bling47, Pete Rock, Premier, Theory Hazit, JULZ, GreyMatter, Madlib, 9th Wonder, Kev Brown, OddiSee, SymbolycOne, IllMind, OhmegaWatts, Tranqwild, SUNZ, OhNo, J'neiro Jarel, Cream of Beats, Kakophoni

Mom & Pop record shops with used vinyl, Capital City Records, DJ Hut, bookstores, open mic spots, Chuck & Billy's, churches, family reunions, cookouts, MD/DC/VA foremost, after that, no place in particular.

Yamaha DJX keyboard, Roland R-70 drum machine, Kawai Q-80 sequencer, Portastudio 8-channel mixer, Numark TT-1625 turntables, a bunch of used vinyl, tape decks with tapes, downloaded sound bites, beat break records, bass guitar. PC, Steinberg Nuendo & Wavelab, Waveflow, and for convenience and simplicity, Moonfish (a compact, 3-track phrase loop sequencer created by BramBos).

I haven't started selling my beats just yet but I am interested in getting them out to artists who have higher standards for their lyrical content much like I do. If you like what you've heard and you have no problem maintaining the level of integrity with lyrical content that I do when you use the beat, we might be able to hook something up. I'm making this available only for a short amount of time since I do plan to eventually start selling beats, although the integrity issue will still hold. As a dedicated lyricist, I cater what I do to those that are of likemind; if you don't hear me mouthing off, cussing on or sounding ignorant on my own songs, don't expect me to allow someone else to tarnish the name/legacy that is associated with my beats. I'm about elevating this culture, not contributing to it's downfall.

Contact me if interested; Christian artists especially.