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the story

Zachary Aaron Klein, also known by his initials, ZAK, is an RnB/ Urban Pop Artist from the San Francisco Bay Area. He was born on May 2nd, 1994 in New York. His hometown is Menlo Park, California.

ZAK

Through his electric blues sound, colorful visuals, and unique story from birth, Zak brings a dynamic punch to each and every song.  Prolific & self-defining, the California Artist has stopped at nothing to claim his own style and self started clothing brand.  Check out this 1 minute introductory video on Zak.
click here to view video.
zak_poster_2

the story

 “I’ve recorded about 400 records since I was 14. It’s been a 12 year journey of me just trying to figure myself out.  I started off as a very passionate DJ/ Producer in high school, and in those was getting paid solid money to do not only private parties, but barmtitzvah’s, weddings, birthdays etc. I was very into Electronic music at that time, but since the age of 7 or 8 was an avid RnB/ Motown Record lover.  So I started easing rap into my House songs that I was producing at that time. EDM was the coolest thing in the world in 2007 and I was totally swept up by the trend. By 18 I transitioned into rapping, and created my  first mixtape under my initial stage name, ‘Proph3cY’. At that time, I feel like it was a crucial step to becoming who I am, but in reality, I was starry eyed rapper who just had so many insecurities. I knew I had potential though.   When I moved to LA in 2016, a lot changed. I discovered deeper parts of who I was, and in that process, discovered my real voice.  ‘Zak’, was just a true representation of who I really was, and it felt right, so it became my official name. It was perfect because what I wanted to be called”.
The young artist’s primary message revolves around “building yourself” through thick and thin – symbolized by his label and clothing brand “Levels”. Whether it’s his distinguished  tone or unforgettably colorful lyrics, Zak is inspired by making timeless, lovable records.

the story

 “I’ve recorded about 400 records since I was 14. It’s been a 12 year journey of me just trying to figure myself out.  I started off as a very passionate DJ/ Producer in high school, and in those was getting paid solid money to do not only private parties, but barmtitzvah’s, weddings, birthdays etc. I was very into Electronic music at that time, but since the age of 7 or 8 was an avid RnB/ Motown Record lover.  So I started easing rap into my House songs that I was producing at that time. EDM was the coolest thing in the world in 2007 and I was totally swept up by the trend. By 18 I transitioned into rapping, and created my  first mixtape under my initial stage name, ‘Proph3cY’. At that time, I feel like it was a crucial step to becoming who I am, but in reality, I was starry eyed rapper who just had so many insecurities. I knew I had potential though.   When I moved to LA in 2016, a lot changed. I discovered deeper parts of who I was, and in that process, discovered my real voice.  ‘Zak’, was just a true representation of who I really was, and it felt right, so it became my official name. It was perfect because what I wanted to be called”.
The young artist’s primary message revolves around “building yourself” through thick and thin – symbolized by his label and clothing brand “Levels”. Whether it’s his distinguished  tone or unforgettably colorful lyrics, Zak is inspired by making timeless, lovable records.
zak_poster_2

Watch the Zak (Proph3cY) Documentary
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Watch the Zak (Proph3cY) Documentary
Watch Now

early years

On May 2nd 1994, Zak was born in New York City. The medical term “congenital complex syndactyly” was never something his parents never thought of or even thought of, but on the day Zak was born, it was hard to miss.  Zak’s fingers were webbed together on his right hand,  and it would require 3 surgeries to allow his hand to operate functionally, before leaving him with just 3 fingers. The incident inspired his former stage name “Proph3cY”.
“I used to jam out with my brother on the ukulele. This is long before I picked up guitar. In middle school, I was in the band for a little bit and I started to play the trumpet because I loved jazz and it was easy for my hand as well, but luckily from a young age I found I could always strum strings too. That definitely made me feel more capable. I think proving to yourself that you can use your body well, and doing things you thought your couldn’t is extremely important- disability or not. Playing guitar, football, kayaking, basketball-  it doesn’t matter, just prove to yourself that you’re more than capable. To anyone out there with any kind of disability, you have to prove to yourself that you’re a capable  human being. If not with your body, then with your mind and spirit”
“My high school experience was very diverse. There were definitely a lot poor kids growing up in tough neighborhoods, and there were also insanely rich silicon valley kids, all in the same melting pot. It made me realize that everyone had their problems and they were all just personal issues in the end. Either way, there turned out to be kids who are now really making something of themselves and becoming great/self-accomplished people, and there are those struggling (mostly with themselves). It didn’t matter how much money anyone had because the weak ones are falling and the strong ones are moving up. Those who wanted their life to mean something are finding a way”.

High School- Present

At 15, Klein’s older brother showed him various different House Artists that eventually inspired him to produce his own music, starting off with Mashups and EDM. These productions quickly evolved into hip-hop once he discovered his true love for writing lyrics. That same year he placed Top 5 as a finalist in the Great American Song Competition for his song “3 Digits”, discussing his hand from the moment he was born, and how it’s impacted his ability to face certain realities growing up as a child. The competition featured over 10,000 entries from amateur songwriters around the world. He placed finals once again the following year for his hit song titled “The Interview.”
Realizing his passion for MC’ing and producing Hip Hop instrumentals, he continued producing his own music in his dorm room closet. After finishing his freshman year at Chico State, Klein spent the 2013 summer in Los Angeles where he assembled the rest of his first all Hip- Hop compilation titled “9 Months,” a 12-song mix tape discussing college experiences, emerging self- identity, and life endeavors. He would eventually return to LA in 2016. After 4 1/2 years he moved back to San Francisco where he currently lives now. 
Heavily influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Allen Stone, J.Cole, Jon Mayer, Andre 3000, Biggie, Anderson .Paak, etc., Zak has  combined many different styles and attributes to create his own unique sound.
“Life is no better than the quality of person you allow yourself to become. I’m grateful to see who I’ve become. It requires relentlessly pushing forward to love yourself ” – Zak.
                             
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