California artist adds some edge to his smooth singing voice.
Even if you are not fully familiar with Zacari‘s solo work, you may have heard him alongside some of your favorite rappers in recent years.
His high-pitched, eloquent choruses contrast perfectly with spirited rap performances from some of the best lyricists hip-hop has to offer. Zacari’s latest single “Rainy Day” sticks to that pattern — plugging verses from Isaiah Rashad and fellow West Coast rapper Buddy between his vibrant hooks.
Rashad — who’s coming off the momentous release of his second studio album The House Is Burning — is no stranger to collaborating with Zacari. For Rashad’s 2016 release in The Sun’s Tirade, Zacari offered the hook on the album’s fifth track “Wat’s Wrong,” also featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick also must’ve taken a liking to Zacari, as he included him on his 2017 album DAMN. the next year for the song “LOVE.” — which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks his splendid, seductive hook.
Give me a run for my money
There is nobody, no one to outrun me
So give me a run for my money
Sippin’ bubbly, feelin’ lovely, livin’ lovely
Just love me
“LOVE.” — Kendrick Lamar (feat. Zacari)
Zacari would then be included on two songs for Kendrick Lamar’s soundtrack to the “Black Panther” film in 2018, and would sign to Top Dawg Entertainment in 2019, joining Lamar, Rashad, SZA, ScHoolboy Q and others on the roster.
Now, from joining other stars’ songs to having them join his, Zacari has released “Rainy Day,” as he opens the track with a sassy hook that leads into the mischievous, distorted bridge from Buddy.
The first verse offered by Rashad brings his usual laid-back tone, with the wordsmith impressing with care-free bars as he explains that “a Top Dawg can’t fuck ’round with no has-been.”
Buddy then comes in after another rendition of the bridge with his attention-grabbing voice, rapping about getting to the cash by any means necessary.
Why you feel so entitled to what I got in my wallet?
If you wanna get that profit, first you gotta get shit poppin’
Ski mask and black Impalas, two-hundred-thousand dollars
“Rainy Day” — Zacari (feat. Isaiah Rashad & Buddy)
The trio certainly feels dangerous on this track, as they all have different ways of expressing their grit. With Zacari’s peaceful, harmonious singing, Isaiah Rashad’s mellow, self-assure flow and Buddy’s energy, “Rainy Day” checks off all the boxes.
Continue to keep an eye out for Zacari, as his Instagram page alludes to him having an EP on the way. In the meantime, listen to his new single below.
