Zaire Black

Born in Long Beach and raised in Orange County, Zaire Black's unique fusion of rap and Rastafar culture is as intriguing as it is improbable. After his early involvement with Moving Objects, Black teamed up with DJ and high school buddy June 22 to release the full-length Experiments in Truth. Black grew up steeped in late-'80s hip-hop, but his attention shifted to reggae when he first heard Bob Marley. After exploring other artists -- such as the Abyssinians and Lee "Scratch" Perry -- Black developed an intense interest in both reggae music and culture. Rastafar culture enabled the eclectic MC to explore his spiritual side -- the lineage of Jesus Christ, and the One Love theory in particular -- and soon he was incorporating it into his thinking and his music as well. Blending elements of reggae and hip-hop, Black joined forces with DJ June 22 to create the eclectic hybrid featured on Experiments in Truth. The album's diverse sound featured the prominent use of dub beats and Black's lyrics showed a heavy emphasis on matters political and spiritual. ~ Martin Woodside