Products | Zach Combs

CD – Big Zach “It’s in the Water”

zachcombs — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:22:53 +0000

Big Zach's album It's in the Water produced by Mike the Martyr. Physical CD copies feature 5 bonus songs including the Timberwolves song #4Flip. Available at the Electric Fetus or Order here:

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CD – Kanser, Two For One

zachcombs — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:02:21 +0000

For a group that's been around as long as Kanser, a record like Two for One could seem like a bad omen. On their first release in two years, South Side rappers Big Zach and Unicus combine two separate EPs and present them back-to-back as one album. Surprisingly, considering the two MCs never collaborate and use four different producers, the album flows well. In fact, rather than making it look like they're splitting apart, Two for One sees Kanser embracing their role as a local institution and inviting others to join the party.

What ties the two halves together is their persistent sense of fun, an attitude exemplified on Big Zach's "Positive Punchlines." A reflection on cheating, drugs, and his (lack of) responsibility as he grows older, "Punchlines" is a laid-back, upbeat song with spare but fresh production. Zach's narrative style also provides the album's comedic highlight with "Hey, I'm Cold Down Here," a story about a booty call gone wrong.

The most pleasant surprise of Zach's half is the way it showcases Alicia Steele, whose backup vocals are featured prominently throughout. The sister of Roster McCabe's singer, Alex, Steele's saucy attitude and brash, assertive voice bolsters Zach's rhymes, and she proves more than able to hold her own when she takes center stage on "Son Don't Remember."

Unicus's side builds on Zach's with an island vibe and party atmosphere. While Zach is reflective, Unicus is celebratory, with songs like "Don't Mean a Ting" relying on sunny production and a number of guest appearances, including ones from Natalie Fine and Josh "Jellyfish" Holmgren of More Than Lights. Despite his fun-loving nature, Unicus also isn't afraid to deal with social issues, as evidenced by "Push Up Ya Hands," the most topical song here.

Inevitably, the combination of "Journey," Unicus's remembrance of growing up in Haiti, and the grim images in "So Much" that round off the album takes on extra resonance following last month's tragic earthquake. However, for all its serious moments, Two for One is one of Kanser's most joyous albums, one that takes time to celebrate simple pleasures and personal triumphs. It's a victory lap no doubt, and, true to form, they want everyone to come along for the ride.

- By Jeff Gage, City Pages

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CD – Zachariah, White Jesus

zachcombs — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:37:13 +0000

Zachariah (aka New MC) is a longtime veteran of the Twin Cities hip-hop scene. In 1997, Zach, Unicus, Mesh, & DJ Elusive formed Kanser (with Ant from Atmosphere producing) and independently released their first cassette, "Now". Their second cassette-only release, "Network" was even more ambitious, which featured one produced cut by Ant (Mesh took over production duties at this point), and guest rappers such as Slug (of Atmosphere), Eyedea (of E&A), Oddjobs, Felix (of Heiruspecs), & Try-D, among others. Kanser released their first CD in 2000 entitled "Inner City Outer Space", and have continue to stay very active in Minnesota's booming hip-hop scene through present day.

The production here is excellent throughout, and really drives the album nicely. Big Jess (of Unknown Prophets), Ant (of Atmosphere), 84 Caprice, Greg Buck KAC, & Dillon Parker all make this album a very cohesive listen. The vibes are fun, soulful, and playful, which never borders on anything abstract; which keeps those heads nodding. I truly like the album all the way through, but my favorites are "Cool J Planets" featuring Desdamona, "Sub Shops" (produced by Ant), "White Jesus" (maybe the best cut here), and the Big Jess produced "Emo Rap", which is my personal favorite and the perfect closer.

While Zach is mostly a product of his local scene, that does not mean his vision of reality would not appeal others. The material here is top notch for a 10+ year veteran in the game. The love Zach has for the game is simply immeasurable - this is his true life on display.

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Headspin, Headshots & History: Growing up in Twin Cities Hip Hop

zachcombs — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:21:38 +0000

TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK

The 2015 edition available soon.

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Living In Lyrics

zachcombs — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 01:01:55 +0000

Short Stories And Interviews By Big Zach

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Paper Back Book “When Bees Enslave Ants”

zachcombs — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:55:56 +0000

Peace. My name is Zach Combs. In 2011 I wrote and self published a book called “Headspin, Headshots and History; Growing Up In Twin Cities Hip Hop”. It was a memoir of the last 20 years of the Minnesota hip hop scene. It was was my first attempt at writing. To challenge myself, I decided to write a novel. Since I grew up on comic books, I decided to turn it into a series. Issue One, is called ‘When Bees Enslave Ants’

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Stream & DL – Kanser “Maybe This Moment”

zachcombs — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:35:05 +0000

This fifteen minute piece of music features many of our good friends. The majority of the production was done by Big Jess of the Unknown Prophets. Bass and guitar were played in the first section by Twinkie Jiggles and Josh Peterson of Heiruspecs. Transition production was done by Midway Felix, also of the Heiruspecs. And the four bar vocal glitch in the middle of the song was enraged by Mike the Martyr. The order of verses go, Big Zach, Big Shiz, Raashan Ahmad, Unicus, MeshOne, Kipp G, OSP, Glo Pesi of the Abstract Pack, Midway Felix. The angelic female vocals in the second evolution of the chorus were gifted to us by Kristina Marie Castaneda out of Iowa. The spirit of Alicia Steele slides through the song before OSP's verse. And the third evolution of the chorus is sung by Unicus and Muadib (also of Heiruspecs).

Stream & Download Here

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