Legendz

Atlanta, GA, resident rapper, Alonzo Mathis, professionally known by his ferocious stage name, Gorilla Zoe, is, literally, Hip-Hop music’s latest Bad Boy. Signed to Block Entertainment, through the house that Diddy built, Zoe is also the newest member of the Boyz N Da Hood collective, replacing the since departed Young Jeezy. Yo! Raps recently caught up with Gorilla Zoe, shortly after the release of not one, but two, stellar efforts, his group project, Back Up N Da Chevy, as well as his own solo opus, Welcome To The Zoo.

First things first, how did you come to the attention of Russell ‘Block’ Spencer, and later sign onto Block Ent./Bad Boy South?

I went from retailing, (and) I started recording out of a friend’s studio. At first I didn’t know what I was doing, and when we got our own studio I knew (then) this was it. I made a demo that I eventually got to Block, (and) Block had a good vibe. I could understand him and he could understand me. It wasn’t about the money. Block was a big guy, (and) when I heard word Block was looking for me I said, "Either something’s wrong?" Or, I said, "Something’s right." At that time I was going hard.

For their self-titled debut album, Boyz N Da Hood featured group members; Big Gee, Duke, Jody Breeze, and, of course, Jeezy, so how did you end up taking his place?

Jeezy (just) had a one year deal, in and out, (so) after the album he bounced. And, here I come. I did my part, (and now) it’s more than a group. It’s a family.

Well, the family just dropped their sophomore album, Back Up N Da Chevy. For someone who hasn’t heard it yet what can be expected?

A classic album that touches bases with each and every emotion that a human being feels, ultimately ending with people not being able to take the CD out of the CD player.

Individually, what does each member of BNDH bring to the table creatively?

Duke, he’s an O.G., (and) he’s got the old school thinking. He keeps a steady level head. Big Gee, (he’s an) edge hanger. He lives on the edge. Roller-skate - "Free Big Gee!" Jody Breeze, (he’s just a) young fireball waiting on a match.

Aside from the fact that you are the new addition to the family, what else makes this album different from the first?

The first album I was in the club at the album release party, and now I am a member of the group. This second project shows how the group has grown and developed over the last couple of years. We ride hard on this album.

When did you become interested in the pursuit of music?

When I was about 5 or 6 . Michael Jackson and Soul Train, Kool Moe Dee, as a kid it made me want to dance. Going to the skating rink and dancing, it made me feel good.

Aside from those cats, who else do you consider a musical influence?

Kilo Ali, he was very diverse, Cee-Lo, of course, Raheem the Dream, Outkast, N.W.A., (and) The Hard Boys.

Where did you get the name Gorilla Zoe?

Everybody call me Zoe. Then, they started calling me Gorilla because of a gorilla’s natural characteristics. A gorilla is one of the strongest beasts in the jungle. Gorilla (Zoe) is one of the strongest beasts on the Block. I (later) put it in a mix-tape song, the line was: "I am moe really doe Gorilla Zoe." Everybody on the block heard it and started using it. Block got a hold of it and he said keep it.

Sum up your sound for me…

It’s real music, expressed by me. I do it, but I do it for everybody.

Why did you decide to title your solo album, Welcome To The Zoo?

Welcome to the Street. Welcome to the Block. Welcome to the Concrete Jungle.

Where did you get your inspiration for your lyrical content?

My heart, my soul, (just) whatever I am feeling. Life situations, (or) when I go into a club I think back to when a girl had (her) ass in the air, and it makes me think about writing a song.

What producers did you work with?

I worked with Sha Money XL, Drumma Boy, Dee Jay Dana, (and) myself.

Who’s all featured on Welcome To The Zoo?

I have Yung Joc, Boyz N Da Hood, Block, (and) D. Woods (from Danity Kane).

Any favorite tracks?

My favorite tracks (are) ‘Money Man,’ ‘Battle Field,’ (and) ‘Last Time I Checked.’

I hear you are also about to hit the road, what can expected from a Gorilla Zoe live performance?

Expect energy, charisma, (and a) good time.

Do you have any message for our readers?

Thank you everybody I love. See you next time…