Today we’d like to introduce you to Zainab Abdul-Malik. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Originally known as Zaetheone, the artist was born Zainab Abdul-Malik in Saint Louis in 1994. Inspired by local artist, the young Abdul started producing and recording. Her debut mixtape, Sunny, arrived in 2020 and was later followed by a string of releases. Shining a spotlight on her experience with drugs and romance, Zaetheone displayed a talent for dreamy melodies, combining the spirits of contemporaries like The Internet and Anderson Paak. In 2021, she released the V-Day Tape Vol 2 mixtape, which featured fellow Saint Louis rappers like Jay Coast and YP23. Interested, Body, and Timeless a collection of previously unreleased tracks, was issued at the end of the year.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a lonely road but one with a light at the end of the tunnel. I came into music like the girl on lifetime trying to make it in the big city, unaware of the treachery that is humanity. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft and teaching myself the importance of vulnerability. No one is going to put in the work for you. I started making beats on an old desktop, I remember carrying it around to people’s houses just for them to sit there and play games. When I finally crafted my first tape, I recorded everything myself, I even learned how to promote myself and ended up landing myself as a headliner for Tonina Saputo at the 420 Festival. My hardest battle was with depression and when I broke my arm in 13 different places. It really set in with me that I didn’t want to waste this life. I was bedridden with no friends no nothing. I couldn’t wash my hands and there were nights when I would scream out in pain just because of the pressure and throbbing. I’ve always felt alone but god forbid I die in tears alone. If all I have is my thoughts and my feelings then my music is the home and space I gave them to be seen and appreciated.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in lyric writing as far as this year. I began my music career as a beatmaker, most of my stuff I put out is actually produced mixed, and mastered by me at home in my living room. I’d say I’m known by other artist as the hook master or the melodic majesty!
I’m really proud of my growth honestly most artist agree with me when I say we are embarrassed by some of our old music. Going back and hearing the mistakes make me smile, now it’s a special feeling when I know how to make my music sound better.
What set’s me apart is everything, this is my journey what makes me relatable is that truth that I give you in my music.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have a mentor and I’m only going to give one piece of advice. Facilitate that space you want to be in and stop asking for handouts. Literally, if you don’t have it then I believe you just didn’t really want it enough.
Pricing:
- Hooks-$120
- Graphic Design-$75
- Interviews-$Free
- Collabs-Negotiable
Contact Info:
- Email: zaetheonebooking@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/zaetheone
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaetheone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zaetheone
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/zaetheone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zoobytheone
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zaetheone
Image Credits
Zaetheone
