Straight out of Inglewood, California, ZKAE is an artist shaped by grit, ambition, and an unshakable belief that there’s always a way forward. His story isn’t polished or pretended — it’s rooted in real streets, real risks, and the everyday hustle of trying to build a better life for himself and the people around him.
Growing up in Inglewood, ZKAE spent most of his time outside, learning life as it came. Hustling wasn’t a choice — it was survival mixed with vision. Every move was about elevation, about finding ways to get ahead while staying optimistic in environments that don’t always reward patience. That hunger, that constant push for more, still lives in his music today.
Music didn’t become a serious pursuit until later. At 25, what started as curiosity turned into passion. ZKAE stepped into the booth just to play around, but quickly fell in love with the creative process. Then came the grind — learning the business, pushing records, and chasing the feeling of letting the world hear his sound. The artistry hooked him, but the hustle made it real.
His influences are as broad as his taste. Raised on everything from classic rock to hip-hop, ZKAE never boxed himself into one genre or sound. His music shifts with his emotions — and that’s what makes it stand out. Some days, life brings out the pain records. Other days, he’s locked into money music, focused and driven. And then there are moments where it’s all about energy — letting loose, turning up, and embracing the raw, unapologetic side of himself. That versatility isn’t forced; it’s instinctive. His sound adapts because his life does.
Most of ZKAE’s catalog was built from the ground up at home alongside his producer, Ricky (prodRXR). For three years, they recorded in the house, learning, experimenting, and perfecting their chemistry. That dedication paid off when they secured their own studio — a space where creativity has no limits. Now, they’re locked in back-to-back sessions, sometimes recording day after day, fueled by having full control over their sound and process.
Inglewood remains the heartbeat of everything he creates. Raised on the Hyde Park side, on Stepney Street, ZKAE came up with his brothers, hustling and surviving real-life situations on the block. Those experiences weren’t easy, but they built resilience. That block saw struggles, lessons, and growth — and making it through those moments is something he carries with pride.
His most recent release, Top Dawg, is a four-track EP that captures his mindset right now — confident, hungry, and unapologetic. It’s a statement project, showing both his edge and his growth, and setting the tone for what’s next.
And what’s next is consistency. ZKAE isn’t slowing down. He’s holding himself accountable to releasing at least one EP every month this year — no excuses, just execution. It’s a bold commitment, but one he’s serious about delivering for the listeners who’ve tapped in and stayed locked.
Above all, ZKAE gives credit where it’s due. He shouts out his producer Ricky (prodRXR) for always pushing him to give his best on every track, even on days when motivation runs low. That pressure, that belief, and that partnership have been crucial in shaping his sound — because you never know which record will be the one.
