After more than a decade in the music industry, Choi Jun-hong, professionally known as ZELO, is ready to step back into the spotlight, this time as a fully independent solo artist. Formerly the youngest rapper and dancer of the iconic K-pop group B.A.P, ZELO debuted in 2012 and quickly became known for his powerful, rapid-fire rap skills and storytelling through music. From the early days of his sub-unit work in Bang&Zelo with the single Never Give Up, to his years with B.A.P, ZELO consistently pushed the horizons of what a K-pop rapper could deliver.

ZELO originally dreamed of becoming a soccer player, but his discovery of music changed everything. His years with B.A.P were filled not only with intense performances but also with moments of struggle and triumph.

ZELO’s solo career has been driven by exploration with various genres, consistently mixing rap, pop, and R&B in fresh ways. His 2019 mini-album Distance and its lead single “Questions” shown more of the artist’s personal side, while 2020’s Day2Day and tracks like “She and Malibu” and the collaborative single “Shower” shown his versatility when it came to lyrics and sound. Through it all, ZELO has approached music with cohesive narratives, integrating songwriting, composition, and even choreography to create fully complete projects.

Not long ago, ZELO signed with VLACKSQUAD, an independent label known for its focus on long-term artistic growth and creative freedom. The company has built its reputation on supporting artists who prioritise musical identity, and ZELO’s vision aligns perfectly with that mission. The label describes him as an artist whose voice and creativity deserve to be the centerpiece, and his upcoming pre-release single, “Cola Comigo”, will show this refined approach. Unlike some of his past work, which often relied on heavy production or genre experiments, this track focuses on ZELO’s vocals and emotional delivery, emphasising the closeness and sincerity that describe his music.

As ZELO prepares for this next chapter, fans can expect something exceptional with his new music. VLACKSQUAD plans a series of content drops, fan engagements, and performances leading up to the official release. Without a doubt, ZELO is about to reclaim his place in the music world!

Featured image courtesy of VLACKSQUAD

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}