Coming out of Banning, California—a small Inland Empire town where everybody knows everybody—zaya1hunnit’s story feels personal, lived-in, and unapologetically real. As the youngest of seven kids, he grew up watching hard work happen in real time. His parents made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. His mom ran a daycare around the clock, constantly surrounded by kids and responsibility, while his dad put in long hours as a mechanic and worked trash routes with Burtek. Even with exhausting schedules and plenty of ups and downs, they showed up every day. That example stuck.
Being the youngest also meant being the rebel. zaya1hunnit doesn’t shy away from that. He was the one always testing limits, getting into trouble, and figuring life out the hard way. But that same energy—the restlessness, curiosity, and refusal to sit still—would later find direction through music.
That shift happened at 15, when his uncle moved in and brought a studio with him. What started as messing around after school quickly turned into something serious. He’d spend hours in that space, experimenting, learning, and watching his songs get better almost overnight. Somewhere in that process, it clicked. Music wasn’t just fun—it was something he actually loved.
His taste growing up shaped the artist he’s becoming. He was locked into street records from artists like Gucci Mane and Mike Jones, but at the same time, he was drawn to melody and performance, studying Chris Brown and even trying to dance like him. That blend still lives in his sound today. He doesn’t box himself in. He can rap when it’s time to talk his talk, then slide into melodic R&B when the mood calls for it—pulling from influences like Don Kennedy and Ty Dolla $ign while still keeping his own identity intact.
Most of zaya1hunnit’s current music comes straight from the grind. Alongside his close collaborator LV BABYY, he records primarily in their home studio, locking in whenever LA studio sessions aren’t possible. It’s hands-on, intentional, and built on chemistry rather than convenience.
Outside the booth, his upbringing was simple but active. Sports parks were the main meeting spots—playing football, riding bikes, or just hanging out in the cut with friends when there was nothing else to do. Those everyday moments now sit quietly behind the music, shaping the tone without needing to be explained.
Right now, his momentum is undeniable. His latest release, “Talk Crazy” (produced by LV BABYY), is gaining real traction and buzzing heavy. And he’s not slowing down. New music is already lined up, including upcoming features with Leeky2X, Tru Carr, and The Game. His next drop, “Ballin Next 2 You,” is set to push things even further.
Gratitude stays at the center of it all. He gives major respect to ProdByLVBABYY, who played a key role in helping him sharpen his craft and lock in his sound. His family gets love too, for standing behind him and believing in the vision from day one. And one thing he makes clear—LHR isn’t a solo act. It’s a collective. Xerian, Keon, and LVBABY are all part of the foundation.
