In recent years, Zach Zoya has been perceived as one of the most promising newcomers in keb rap. A few singles and a mixtape produced by High Klassified later, we were still waiting for the consecration of one of the most promising talents among Quebec’s young creatives. The release of Spectrum, a six-track EP, was announced in a dithyrambic manner by several major English-language music outlets, including Complex and HotNewHipHop. Zoya clearly doesn’t disappoint on this new recording, where he uses his know-how with finesse. Juggling as usual between singing and rap on trap productions, he unveils a refined and diversified opus. Zoya has perhaps the most pleasant voice on the Quebec hip-hop scene. His rapping has a Kendrick-style intonation, and his singing has a tremolo similar to that of the big names in R&B in the late 1990s. In addition, his sparing use of the Autotune colours the pieces with a trap sauce as needed. It’s only a matter of time before he makes a name for himself outside the province and can surround himself with producers and collaborators who will do even more justice to his talent. The excellent “Patience”, on which Zoya collaborates with several distinguished producers, illustrates his ability to write deeper lyrics, and is the culmination of the EP. But he misses the mark on “Slurpee”, the last track, which has no chemistry with the others and seems to break the dramatic thread of his work. The rapper’s versatility and variations in flow on Spectrum are highly appreciated, a testament to his evolution as a lyricist and artist. We’re now ready for Zach Zoya to take the next step: an album where he would impose his artistic vision, and where he would string together the grand lyrics and vulnerable moments. Rarely have we seen a more natural English-speaking rapper in Quebec. It’s up to him to show that he has what it takes to rub shoulders with the biggest names in Uncle Sam’s country.
Latest 360 Content
What to watch Rock/Soul/R&B/Ambient/Electronic
Chauffeur et Parlak – “The Napoli Run”
By Stephan Boissonneault
Concert review indie/Pop/Soul/R&B
Arlo Parks’ infectious, festive melancholy at the Beanfield.
By Luc Tremblay
Concert review Folk/Americana/Electronic/Classical/classique/expérimental / contemporain/Jazz/indie
Montreal Anti-Jazz Police Festival at URSA – Day 1
By Frédéric Cardin
Interview classique/Classical
Piano Symphonique | Julia Mirzoev, Braden McConnell & Antoine Rivard-Landry
By Varun Swarup
Album review Rock/Psychedelia 2024
Single of the Day: Magick Brother & Mystic Sister “The Hierophant”
By Stephan Boissonneault
What to watch Caribbean/Rock
The Bolokos – feat. Fanswa Ladrezeau – Kouté Pou Tann
By Stephan Boissonneault
Album review expérimental / contemporain/Rock/Experimental / Contemporary 2024
Cell Press – Cages
By Alexander Quiquero
Concert review Classical/classique
Opera McGill Presents Semele: An Ambitious Evening with the Gods
By Elena Mandolini
Interview Electronic
In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats Experience Strives for Human Connection through VR
By Salima Bouaraour
Album review Pop/Rock/Experimental / Contemporary/expérimental / contemporain 2024