Baby Zé Is Laying The Groundwork with Latest Single “Takeoff”

DC-raised artist Baby Zé might only be laying the groundwork for his artistry at this stage of his career, but he’s welcoming this chapter of new beginnings with open arms, as listeners can observe in his new single, “Takeoff”. The song speaks on the launch of Baby Zé’s career as an artist.

When he first moved to Atlanta in 2017, Baby Zé was originally a videographer and photographer, focused on learning as much as he could from his surroundings in Atlanta. It wasn’t until 2018 that he began making music. Until then, it was all about planning and soaking up knowledge. Only now does he consider himself a part of the music industry, his eyes set on the next step. We recently spoke with Baby Zé about “Takeoff”, his career, and his goals in the following interview. Read our conversation below!

What is “Takeoff” about?

[It’s] a song conveying my takeoff into the industry, into this new season of actually pushing my music harder than I have before. “Takeoff” into a new and improved sound.

Where does your musical inspiration derive from?

My inspiration started with basic instrumentation on the drums and piano. I was in a concert band in high school and [played] some instruments in elementary school. These days, it’s just the music of today. My musical influences have ranged from Chris Brown, to Da Baby, to Meek Mill, to Beyoncé— just to name a few.

What age and year were you really moved to be involved in music? 

2017. 2017 was my first move to Atlanta. I actually ended up moving after being around in the studio everyday in my hometown… then everybody up and moved abruptly. So, I made a decision to get in where I fit in and moved to Atlanta as everyone’s videographer and photographer, just to be around. I wasn’t an artist yet, but I knew that’s what I wanted to be. Nobody knew except me. I just knew I had to continue to be around other musical creatives in order to soak up knowledge and learn the craft.

How long have you been in the industry?

I started creating and learning music in 2018, but I don’t feel like I really entered the industry until just recently— maybe 2021. Everything before was just preparation. 

Where are you in your career now?

The beginning. Ground level. Building a foundation. 

What are your long term goals? In the next 5 years?

Ultimately, I’m interested in making music that can cross over audiences. I think that’s one of my long term goals, along with maybe starting a label and retaining as much musical control and ownership as possible in my career. [In the next 5 years, I want] to work my way up to be a B-list then A-list artist, [work with] multiple charities, [have] my own farm, sell out tours, earn awards, and get features. 

Why is giving back to the community important when you have reached a point in your career where you are able to give back?

You’re always able to give back. I think the most necessary form of giving back is knowledge, and I don’t think that you need success for that. The goal for me is to spread knowledge across my community. Knowledge is the foundation for growth. Growth is what we need to prevail inside and outside of our community. I feel like that’s our biggest threat these days. That’s why it’s important to me. 

When you are not in the studio and/or working, what are some things that you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies?

My life literally consists of working, [being in the] studio, roller skating, eating good, and riding dirt bikes. That’s all. 

What advice do you have to youth who want to pursue a career in music?

Stay true to you and really work on getting in tune with yourself before you get into it, because it’s really easy for your peace to get disturbed or to lose yourself throughout this process. 

Is there a motto or quote that you live by?

“If you want it. Work for it. Its that simple.”

You can stream Baby Zé’s latest single “Takeoff” on all platforms, including Spotify and Youtube! Be on the lookout for more music and visuals by following him on Instagram @ItsBabyZe and his Facebook, Baby Zé Music, where he posts all his latest/upcoming work!