Biography
Born in Decatur, GA, Eddie “Zip K” Chatman, Jr. naturally branded himself as a creator at a young age. Ironically, it was visual art, not music, which he chose as his first muse, sketching and painting as early as 4 years old. Influenced by his father’s jazz and instrumental record collection, he found himself creating music at 8 years young. After high school, Zip continued his passion for creating music as he attended Georgia State University, eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and a minor in Music Business. After releasing three solo projects, “Sky Republic,” “Stamp My Name,” and “Clouded Judgment,” Zip extended his creative reach when his records “Chevy Hump” and “Long Days” debuted, generating a buzz substantial enough to tickle the ear of MTV Jams. In 2014, Zip featured the hip-hop-rock artist OG Maco on his wildly popular and infectious song “Undefeated” which gave Zip a newly found group of young and rebellious supporters. Since the successful release of that record and graduating from college, Zip went on a brief hiatus to address frequent inconsistencies in his personal life. This time was also taken to reconstruct his objectives and develop as an artist. During this period, he mastered his method of fusing his realities and fantasies through rhyme & melody. On August 25, 2015, he did just that. His single “Highs & Lows” became available on a variety of audio streaming outlets, such as Spotify, Soundcloud, Google Play & many others. It has since received an overwhelming response, even gaining the attention of vocal artist, Kehlani, who repeatedly showcased her love for the record on social media. Rapidly gaining his deserved recognition, in September 2015 he released his long awaited project titled “404 ERROR,” a play on Atlanta’s area code (404) and the fortunate circumstance that Zip K fails to fit the “normal stereotype” of the type of artist/music that is currently being exported out of Atlanta.
Shortly following the Album, Zip K was invited to interview for a few of Atlanta’s premier radio stations, such as V103 with DJ Greg Street. As a result of hard work, the 404 ERROR buzz extended beyond Atlanta and touched down in New Orleans where he would perform at Zutfest and gain the appeal of a new, enriching audience. Zip’s most recent accomplishment is an opening set on the Tabernacle stage for the Atlanta leg of Rap Artist G-Eazy’s “When it’s Dark Out” tour. Zip K understands that his music paints a scene for timeless culture. Not limited in presentation or creativity, he defies the boundaries of genre. His music wittingly curates the world around him from the perspectives of many characters, without compromising brutally honest, raw, lyrical hip-hop! He considers himself a simple storyteller that is elite in rhyme and melody. Zip K’s belief is “A person’s God given talent is what should provide for them and their family.” For the future, Zip K has his sights set on the road to obtaining a creative appeal on a global scale, all while maintaining the mindset of who he is and holding value to what he believes in.
Single “Highs & Lows” premiered on Revolt TV
Single “Chevy Hump” premiered on MTV Jams
• Opened for Kendrick Lamar/Elle Varner - Atlanta, GA (2013) • On Air with V103 The People’s Station - Atlanta, GA (2015) • Sold out first headlining show - Atlanta, GA (2015) • Opened for G-Eazy/A$AP Ferg - Atlanta, GA (2016)
Work
PRESS
FESTIVALS
• Streetz 94.5 (W233BF)
• SXSW (2014-2016)
• V-103 (WVEE)
• A3C Festival (2013-2015)
• Power 105.1 (WWPR-FM)
• Zutfest Festival (2015)
• Sirius XM Hip Hop Nation
• Legalized Loud Concert (2013-2014)
• MTV Jams • Revolt TV • XXL “The Break” • 2 Dope Boyz • Hot New Hip Hop
In September 2015, the success of Zip K’s Album, “404 ERROR” was measured at the 404 ERROR Album Concert, which led to over 400+ Atlanta locals to gathering and witnessing Zip K’s 404 ERROR. The concert included performances from the featured artists on the album, such as as Cyhi The Prynce, Two-9 Jace, and Money Makin Nique.