What inspired you to make music?
My love for music goes back as far as my memory goes. Now I believe it stems from genetics. I never new until last year that I came from a musical family going back generations. Music was suppressed in my family in resent generations but something inside of me called me towards it.
How is the Against All Odds Tour so far?
Tour has been going great! I am truly grateful to be able to hit the road and do what I love doing most!
Do you have a favorite city to perform in?
The home town of Elko always shows out and shows love!
We've watched you sign with True Rhythm is that correct?
No official signing in still 100% independent. I collaborated with them to book this tour. They are all very great friends of mine and I love working hand in hand with them. I’m sure there will be more collaborations in the future.
How have things excelled since starting to work with them?
They helped me book my first ever headlining tour so I would say things have been great since working with them.
Are their any specific goals you want to reach with your career?
In all honesty I want to go as far as I possibly can. No limits. Hopefully the music will reach the whole world
Do you have any highlights of your career so far?
So many highlights so far. Reaching top five on the itunes latino charts is one but the biggest highlight is connecting with fans across the world through my music.
Is their any advice you'd give to upcoming artists?
Believe in yourself even when nobody else does. Work on your craft everyday and always know you have room to improve on your music. Be patient nothing happens over night. Every “over night success” put in over 10 years of grind into their craft. Never expect a hand out. You have to earn everything in this game. And finally stay humble. I’ve seen a lot of rappers think they are too good to put in the work and market themselves out of pure arrogance. And they have stayed in the same exact place they started in because of it.
Is their any good tips on tour?
Get your rest and stay hydrated.
Anything you'd like to add before closing up?
Go check out my music on all digital platforms! And go check out my website for all official merchandise!
Where can we keep up with your latest updates?
I post content on my social media daily @illzakiel and if you want a closer look at everything including behind the scenes and extra unreleased music go to Patreon.com/illzakiel
I heard you have an album coming out in November can you tell us more about it and when its dropping?
The album is called “El Loco” and is a musical journey through my internal battle between good and evil. To make this fun and creative I created this as if I had multiple personalities disorder. Without giving away too much just know I’m wilding the fuck out on this project. Pushing my lyrical abilities further then I ever have before. If I had to compare this to any of my work I would say it’s something like my 3rd album “Mentally ILL” on steroids. The album will drop in November. The released date is tba so make sure to follow my social media to stay updated on everything.