Kodak Black, Travis Scott, Offset - ZEZE Review

Image from YouTube

Back in September, Kodak Black leaked a short video of himself, Travis Scott, and a few others shimmying around to a Jamaican steel drum beat. The internet caught on and had a field day with the clip, making it go viral and exposing the tropical instrumental.

In a month's time, the fan-favorite tune was finally released as the single, "ZEZE" with a solid chorus from Travis Scott and hefty verse from Offset. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this song has what it takes to become a major hit. In fact, I feel like this is one of Kodak's more enjoyable tracks in a LONG time. Here's why...

Travis Scott has had the Midas touch in 2018. The man can not fail even if he tried. His album, ASTROWORLD, is one of the year's elite and he has been quite generous with his features. When I first heard the instrumental, I was a bit skeptical as to how Scott would sound on a brighter, vibrant beat since he is known for his dark, grittier ones. Of course, he prevailed and brings his melodic voice in for a clean hook. Scott's "Lebron James effect" (the ability to make people around you better) even lifts up Offset's verse a bit. Known to be very limited in his lyrical diversity, the Migos rapper holds his own. When it comes to him, I can expect three big motifs in his words; coupes, cash, and Patek watches. Sure enough we get that but this time it's just - for lack of a better term - better. He easily has the best verse in the entire song.

Unfortunately, as bad as I want it to be, "ZEZE" is not perfect. The Achilles' heel of the song Kodak himself. I am entirely guilty of skipping the song once I hear him open up his verse and I am sure I am not the only one. He simply just does not fit his own song. The momentum of the track stalls when he raps, bars are constantly reused, and it just does nothing for me. Kodak waters down the much-adored beat for the last roughly two minutes.

I love this song. When ever it pops up, I can't help but find myself singing and shuffling along. It's hypnotic and addicting for the most part, but then hits a proverbial speed bump. However, if this is a sneak preview of an upcoming Kodak Black album, color me excited.

Rating: 8/10