Zona Simz: The Multi-Hyphenate Powering Atlanta's Studios and Video Sets

Zona Simz didn't set out to become a one-man creative machine. Back in 2004, he was just a kid rapping and making beats on Fruity Loops for himself. That early tinkering laid the groundwork for a career that now spans production, videography, songwriting, vocal coaching, and video editing. The turning point came in 2015, when he relocated to Atlanta and linked up with DJ Aaries and the DJ Coalition HoodHardHitmakers. Through those connections, he began producing for artists connected to Jermaine Dupri's "The Rap Game," including Supa Peach and Nia Kay, while also picking up work shooting music videos. He credits his older brother E'mono with first inspiring him to pursue music, but says it was hearing rapper Twista that made him take the craft seriously. These days, Zona Simz stays busy on multiple fronts. He's partnered with Major 88 Keys, filming writers camps and collaborating on beats aimed at major placement opportunities. He's also producing and developing artists like Mia Snow (of Nathiel the Great's roster) and Hooper James. On the film side, he's working to grow his company, ZonaSimz Productions, alongside partner Kamp of Nove & Lapel Media. In his own words, he's produced for names like Derez De'Shon, Faise One, Trap Beckham, and Detroit Barbie, and has filmed video work for artists including Rotimi, 6lack, Quavo, Lyrica Anderson, and Blanco Brown, among others. At the center of it all is a simple philosophy: quality over quantity, and going above and beyond on every project. As he puts it, faith grounds the work — "I'm nothing without God." For those interested in his circle, he points people toward Major 88 Keys' upcoming writers camp, and gives a shoutout to mobile barber Nairobi of TheBadExperience for anyone in need of a cut on the go.