L-R- Jadakiss, King ZZ, and Nino Man
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
For Zaire Malik Brown, known artistically as King ZZ, a recent moment in Harlem may prove to be a turning point in his career. The Poughkeepsie native, now living in New York City, found himself face-to-face with hip-hop heavyweights Jadakiss, a Yonkers legend, and Nino Man—and instead of asking for a picture, he took a risk that many aspiring artists only dream about.
“I told my friend before we even got there, if I see Jadakiss, I’m rapping for him no matter what,” King ZZ explained. That opportunity came during a Harlem block party earlier this month, celebrating the one-year anniversary of Dynasty Commodities, a dispensary. What started as a casual outing quickly turned into a high-pressure moment. After initially being pushed back by security while trying to get close, King ZZ stayed patient, observing the environment and waiting for the right opening.
Nearly 45 minutes later, he made his move.
“When more people started taking pictures, I figured I’d get my picture and just start rapping,” he said. The bold approach caught both artists off guard—but in a good way. According to King ZZ, Jadakiss reacted with his signature “stank face,” a sign of approval in hip-hop culture, while Nino Man “was rocking with me the whole time.” The interaction ended with handshakes, laughter, and a sense of validation that words couldn’t fully capture.
“It felt like approval from a legend I grew up listening to,” he said. “I was like, did that really just happen?”
While the moment didn’t immediately lead to viral fame or a record deal, King ZZ says it shifted his mindset. “It showed me that if I keep working and make my music undeniable, people are going to feel it,” he explained. “You never know who’s watching or who might believe in what you do.”
His journey into music is rooted in lived experience. Growing up between Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and later spending time in the DMV area, King ZZ says his environment shaped both his sound and his message. He speaks openly about witnessing trauma, loss, and survival—realities that fuel his music rather than define it. “Music is how a lot of us express ourselves and try to make a way out,” he said.
In today’s digital era, he also credits social media for leveling the playing field. From recording songs at home to uploading videos online, King ZZ has spent years building his craft independently. “Now it’s easier to get more eyes on your work if you stay consistent,” he noted.
Despite drawing inspiration from artists like Tupac, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne, King ZZ emphasizes originality. “I’m not rapping as a character. I’m just me,” he said. “What sets me apart is my authenticity.”
Looking ahead, his goals are clear: more opportunities, more exposure, and eventually, a place among the greats. But if Harlem proved anything, it’s that King ZZ is willing to take his shot—no matter who’s watching.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.
