Growing up in Zion, Illinois, 847 Zoo had ambitions that reached beyond music. He once pictured himself playing football, going to college and serving in the U.S. Army. But music remained part of his life, eventually becoming the path he chose to pursue.
His relationship with music began at five years old, though his interest became more serious during his sophomore year of high school. What started as a childhood passion grew into a way to express himself, tell his story and build an identity on his own terms.
That sense of identity sits at the center of “REAL IS REAL,” an empowerment record about confidence, authenticity and refusing to change who you are to meet someone else’s expectations. For 847 Zoo, being real also means being genuine with the people around him and keeping authentic relationships within his circle.
The song is a statement about standing firm in your character and experiences instead of putting on an image to impress people. Its message encourages listeners to trust themselves and embrace who they are.
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“I hope people hear this record, understand who I am as an artist, and recognize that I’m on the verge of becoming one of the greatest artists in the world. I want people to see the confidence, authenticity, and potential in what I’m building.”— 847 Zoo
847 Zoo describes his approach as different from that of a typical artist. He can rap, sing, freestyle and write, giving him room to move between styles and create from different angles. His blend of rap and pop also gives him a chance to connect with listeners beyond one lane while keeping his own perspective at the forefront.
“I’m not your typical artist. I’m here to lay belt.”— 847 Zoo
As he enters the next chapter of his career, 847 Zoo is focused on reaching wider audiences, developing his sound and showing what an artist from Zion can bring to a bigger stage. With “REAL IS REAL,” he introduces listeners to the confidence and individuality behind that goal.
