Zaje’ – Currency

The future is shining bright for Zaje’, repping Chester, PA (where she was raised) and Washington, DC (her original hometown). She is showing us all that it is definitely her time. Stamped as the newest “diva of R&B”, she will not be forgotten and is determined to create her own lane in mainstream music. Zaje’ has a voice that stops fans in their tracks with her raspy, mesmerizing vocals and a “street” attitude. Her new album (released to listeners on her birthday, July 12) takes music to new heights with her edgy and sexy delivery. The album “Second Month of Summer” has flavors of pop, R&B, soul, hip hop, a little rap, and emotional depth – it gives everyone something to listen to.

“Currency” has already gathered reviews from listeners, saying Zaje’ “sounds like a ‘hood’ Beyonce'” and Zaje’ gratefully accepts the compliment. DJ’s are playing this song in their rotations in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more locations across the country which was what Zaje’ initially hoped for when releasing this project. “Second Month of Summer” is a creation for the listeners – Zaje’ released it for free download so that the music can travel as far and wide as possible. Her goal is to have every possible person know her name and love her music. It was a completely independent venture – Zaje’ personally selected tracks after searching through hundreds of beats and found what perfectly complimented her versatile voice and style. She spent weeks immersed in her writing which flowed effortlessly when she found the beats that spoke to her artistry best. Zaje’ even arranged all of the vocals and published the music under her own name. She has everything on the line promoting herself as a brand with a voice that won’t be silenced.

VMG had a moment to catch up with Zaje’ to see what’s new & next.

1) What keeps you motivated when it comes to your music?

The thought of being who I’ve always dreamed I’d be since I was like 7 years old motivates me. I used to write songs in elementary school and sing them in my room or with my friends. I remember hosting shows to my (imaginary) audience in my room and fantasizing about the day that I would be on a stage someday. It’s just always been my goal to be a famous R&B/Hip Hop artist and use my voice to entertain. And when people see me and enjoy my music and my performance makes me feel on top of the world. That keeps me motivated. Knowing that I am striving towards something I’ve been working on almost my entire life and people like what I’m creating.

2) When you think of “Vintage Media Group”, what comes to mind?

Vintage Media Group keeps its ear to the ground of pop culture. I think that we need outlets like VMG that provide insight to what’s happening in the industry, while also giving rising artists such as myself a place to showcase our  creative arts alongside major artists in the industry to listeners. I needed a place where people were already looking for new music and new artists to stumble upon with a source that showcased indie R&B/Hip Hop music and I found that with VMG.

3) Being that you are from Chester, PA what is the state of Hip-Hop there? How would you titled your style of music?

There is a ton of talent coming out of Chester, PA. The state of Hip Hop is thriving with independent artists coming out with new music every single day. I think there are a few of us females doing R&B as well, all of us making our own footprint in the music. I think my music is R&B with  Hip Hop and some Alternative sewn throughout. People say “Oh you rap right?” And I can’t say that I rap, only because I can’t freestyle at all! I have always loved Hip Hop culture and the music that creates the culture, and the way my music can be interpreted differently depending on who’s listening.

4) Your most recent music single “Currency” is DOPE. Can you give us some details on how you came up with that song?

Thank you! I appreciate it! “Currency” is a song that came from energy. I like to speak positivity into my life using the Law of Attraction (going a little deep here!) and making a song is one of the ways I do it! So I heard the beat and I’m thinking that this is going to be one of the singles already. I already knew it. I wanted to speak that Currency into my wallet so yeah, I took the opportunity to y’all about money. Usually, you hear rappers on the subject of money and I thought it would be something different and help set me apart from the crowd. I felt my inner rapper come out when I wrote it, but I still wanted people to hear that I sing. That I actually sing. It took me a couple of tries to get the song right, but when it came together it was perfect. I was too excited to release it! I knew it was going to be huge, I didn’t know it was going to do so well so fast so it’s been a blessing seeing how people react to “Currency”.

5) Where can your fans & supporters find you online? Via Twitter, Facebook, etc.? 

I’m more on Facebook and Instagram than anything. My musician page on Facebook is Facebook.com/zajemusic. My personal page is Zaje ZajeMusic Richardson.

Instagram and Twitter are @zaje_music. And I’m growing my YouTube channel, that is

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrchHmD7grGbOV-yZB9ThQ.

6) Who are some of your influences?

I’ve always liked Lil Kim, Sade, Destiny’s Child/ Beyoncé, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna – I think you can hear a little of all of those artists in my music. People say I sound like Beyoncé and I take that as the highest compliment ever while still aiming to create my own lane in music.

7) Any Last Remarks?

Thank you to everyone who has shared my music and to the DJs who are playing my music – I am so grateful for the support and excited for the next chapter! Thank you to all of my supporters, I can make good music all day but I couldn’t get this far without y’all! And many thanks for having me VMG!