Baby Zé wasn’t always known as an artist. That might have been his ultimate goal, but moving to Atlanta in 2017 as a videographer and photographer was the first step in Baby Zé’s grand plan— to submerge himself in the world of music and soak up as much knowledge as possible. With his signature, self-described swag rap/trap rap style, the DC-raised artist began making music in 2018, and it’s been history ever since.
Now, Baby Zé is welcoming a new chapter in his career: one that will open the floodgates for everything there is to come as an ever-developing artist truly steeping himself in his craft. His new single “TAKEOFF” is not only an upcoming release fans can get excited for; it’s a milestone, a landmark. Hip Hop Vibe had the pleasure of speaking with Baby Zé about his visions, goals, and the story behind “TAKEOFF”, his single to be released soon. Read our conversation below!
Where does your musical inspiration derive from?
My inspiration started with basic instrumentation on the drums and piano. I was in a concert band in high school and [played] some instruments in elementary school. These days, it’s just the music of today. My musical influences have ranged from Chris Brown, to Da Baby, to Meek Mill, to Beyonce— just to name a few.
What age and year were you really moved to be involved? How long have you been in the industry?
2017. 2017 was my first move to Atlanta. I actually ended up moving after being around in the studio everyday in my hometown… then everybody up and moved abruptly. So I made a decision to get in where I fit in and moved to ATL as everyone’s videographer/photographer, just to be around. I wasn’t an artist yet, but I knew that’s what I wanted to be. Nobody knew except me. I just knew I had to continue to be around other musical creatives in order to soak up knowledge and learn the craft. I started creating and learning music in 2018, but I don’t feel like I really entered the industry until just recently— maybe 2021. Everything before was just preparation.
What is “TAKEOFF” about?
[It’s] a song conveying my takeoff into the industry, into this new season of actually pushing my music harder than I have before. “Takeoff” into a new and improved sound.
What are your long term goals?
Ultimately, I’m interested in making music that can cross over audiences. I think that’s one of my long term goals, along with maybe starting a label & retaining as much musical control and ownership as possible in my career.
When you are not in the studio and/or working, what are some things that you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies?
My life literally consists of working, [being in the] studio, roller skating, eating good, and riding dirt bikes. That’s all.
What advice do you have to youth who want to pursue a career in music?
Stay true to you and really work on getting in tune with yourself before you get into it, because it’s really easy for your peace to get disturbed or to lose yourself throughout this process.
Why is giving back to the community important when you have reached a point in your career where you are able to give back?
You’re always able to give back. I think the most necessary form of giving back is knowledge, and I don’t think that you need success for that. The goal for me is to spread knowledge across my community. Knowledge is the foundation for growth. Growth is what we need to prevail inside and outside of our community. I feel like that’s our biggest threat these days. That’s why it’s important to me.
Is there a motto or quote that you live by?
“If you want it. Work for it. Its that simple.”
Keep your eyes out for Baby Zé’s upcoming single “TAKEOFF” to be released soon, as well as his discography available on all streaming platforms and Youtube! Be sure to follow him on Instagram @ItsBabyZe and Facebook, Baby Zé Music, to keep up with his life and music!
