It’s been a few months since ZULO’s last offering, which came in the form of his infectious single “Adawise” and stirred quite the conversation. With the anticipation soaring among fans, ZULO kickstarts 2024 with burgeoning rapper Flow Jones Jr. in his pop-edged trap anthem “JOL”.
The track delves into the all-too-relatable challenges artists encounter with bookings, chasing after payments from promoters, or worse — not receiving compensation at all. Flow Jones Jr. seamlessly incorporates an interpolation of Msaki’s “Ulwandle Lutshile”, while ZULO takes centre stage, expressing his reluctance to linger at parties longer than necessary.
Produced by ZULO himself, “JOL” boasts a trap beat adorned with a spiraling synth and trumpet accents, reminiscent of Outkast’s iconic “SpottieOttieDopaliscious”, while sneaking in a surprise log drum during the chorus, amplifying the pair’s impassioned plea for their rightfully earned dues. As the song draws to a close, listeners are treated to a harmonious guitar solo that punctuates the overall sonic experience.
“If I was going to do a song for the streets, I wanted it to be a little unconventional for what we’re used to,” ZULO declares, “I wanted to put something in there that feels very 2000s hip-hop, something amapiano, while still keeping it current and making sure it sounds like home.”
Listen to “JOL” by ZULO here:
