By Carlos Cureno
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Obviously, there is something dope going on in Houston. In back-to-back On The Rise features, Houston wins out. Also, the last two On The Rise Video of the Week features are from Houston’s scene. This week, the focal point belongs to That Boy Zarius.
Keeping it simple, That Boy Zarius has his Who The Fuck Is This? mixtape campaign. The answer to that question is That Boy Zarius and he is beginning to take over the game. He is succeeding with the mixtape title track, as the video has already gone viral.
Experiencing so much success, That Boy Zarius recently spoke to Hip Hop Vibe in the latest On The Rise interview. The success of his new campaign was the focal point of the conversation. He would also discuss what the newfound success has felt like for him.
Read the entire interview below:
Why do you feel Who The Fuck Is This is the perfect title for your new campaign? I feel like the name Who The Fuck Is This is a perfect title because it’s the question that people ask when they listen to my music for the first time and don’t know who I am. So, it’s a response to that question when you hear the songs or see my pictures and videos. I’m answering your question. I’m responding to you by showing you my different styles and the versatility in my songs and music.
Were you surprised that so many people caught onto your music? No, because I always knew my music would gravitate to people because its different. It was just a matter of time.
You have been grinding for a long time, so what does it feel like to see a few of your videos go viral back-to-back? It feels good to know that my hard work is beginning to pay off. It’s telling me I’m on the right track and that I have momentum that require I keep grinding , keep striving, and stay motivated and continue to work harder to make more dope authentic music for my fans.
There seems to be a lot of new energy in Houston bubbling into the mainstream, is this a proud moment for you? For me yeah, because here in Houston it’s really about the culture and keeping the style of Southern hip hop alive as it was created by my predecessors who came before me . With that said, it’s also hard for anything that’s different to catch on with the people here.
So, what I like to call the “New Houston movement” is breaking out guys like me that are very versatile and more mainstream than the traditional sounding artist and who get to have a chance to inspire a whole new style of hip hop here in Houston.
Because you are coming up in the game, do you see yourself teaming up with an established name for a future single? Yeah, of course. That’s a part of music and growing as an artist. Collaborating with other artists to make new dope visuals and music for audiences. It’s like a rite of passage. I can see myself working with artist like Future, Jeremih, Chance the Rapper, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Kevin Gates, Wiz khalifa, Kanye West.
With the summer now in full swing, what is your next offering to your growing fan base? Doing a lot more shows which has helped me in gaining exposure,more visuals for my songs and keeping the music constantly coming out and staying interactive on and off social media with the fans. Interaction is the key.
What has been one of your major keys to success? Being myself first of all. Making sure I stay in my own lane and not worry about anyone else or letting things change me from what I believe and like to do. Always staying hungry for my dream, constantly figuring out what the next step will be and then setting out to accomplish it. Having a team that I can count own, people around me who believe in me and what I’m doing and staying positive through all obstacles that I come across. And God of course, that’s all I need to go ham.
Can you let the people know where they can find you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat? You can find me on Instagram and Twitter, @ThatBoyZarius. Facebook page: That Boy Zarius, Snapchat: ThatBoyZariusTv. You can download or stream my music on Soundcloud: That Boy Zarius.
Definitely visit my website at “www.tbzonline.com ”
Watch “WTFis This?” by That Boy Zarius below:
Follow Carlos Cureno on Twitter @DjayyCharliee.
