By age 12, Montae, the older sibling, started creating music and eventually dropped out of high school to pursue his career full time. Trézy later joined his brother, and the duo became Zulus.
Denver-based Montae and Trézy Martin are hip-hop duo, Zulus, and they are here to get the party started. Their third album, “This Is Not a Drill,” is designed to be an escape from reality—a much needed mental break during these particularly hard times.
By age 12, Montae, the older sibling, started creating music and eventually dropped out of high school to pursue his career full time. Trézy later joined his brother, and the duo became Zulus. With Montae producing and Tre writing lyrics, Zulus began as a rap group and began to change their sound with the collaboration of Capital K, No Breaks, and Dayvon (cousin of the Martins). Their second album, “Heroes & Villains,” was released in 2020 in collaboration with Capital K. Since then, Zulus released their most popular single, “Roller Coaster,” and followed it with their newest album, “This Is Not a Drill.”
“Zulus” comes from their bantu ancestry. In their earlier music, the Martin brothers spoke to the effects of white-washing history in education through hip-hop beats and thoughtful lyrics. Zulus’ 2019 work, “Attack of the Zulu,” lacked the production of their current music yet delivered a punch through hard work and determination. Their latest work is more party, less seriousness, in an effort to give listeners a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.
For Zulus, having a main message isn’t always necessary. “Roller Coaster” is one fine example of their success. “It’s a feel good song, a hype song, a get lit song. It’s for going to the club, going to a party, in the car with your friends, vining with your friends.” In lieu of a message, the duo sends out good vibes and provide listeners with an escape from reality.
Influenced by artists including Travis Scott, Drake, Ice Cube, Biggie Smalls, and Rich The Kid, the group incorporates old school hip hop rhythms with fresh pop rap for a sound uniquely their own. “Listening to other artists for inspiration means you don’t have the motivation to make songs,” Zulus says. “We are our own inspiration. We want to be as individual as possible. We master and mix and all of that.”
When it comes to creating their music, Zulus has set roles: Montae is the producer and lead rapper; Tre is a lead rapper. They are joined by No Breaks, a performer and secondary rapper, and Capital K, who brings it together and adds some production to the mix. “I make the beat and the words are already in the beat. It’s their job to add the wavelengths in their mind to pull them out,” explains Montae of their songwriting process. “Writing a song can take an hour or a day; it depends on the song.”
Having outgrown the limited hip-hop scene of Denver, Zulus are looking to reach fans across the U.S. and the globe. Recalling the first time they heard themselves on the radio, Zulus are excited to share the special moment. “It was a crazy experience. We grew up listening to that station. Then getting to be on it is a crazy feeling and experience.” As if they needed another reason to keep the momentum going, that moment solidifies their motivation to create hype music for all to enjoy.
Make sure to stay connected to Zulus on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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