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style of Tumblr pages reminiscent of the
Myspace era. They self-released several mixtapes and albums online, garnering a cult following in the underground hip-hop scene. These mixtapes were self-produced and recorded in sessions hosted by Lofty305 & Ruben Slikk at their mother's home in Miami Shores, Fl (Dubbed the Zu Mansion). Given that when the group started the eldest member (Ruben Slikk) had yet to turn 18, sessions were often held at times when parents were at work during the summers, the group as a whole ended up dropping out of highschool and going to college or trade school in order to afford the ability to record whenever inspired, proving to their doubtful parents that an impactful change in paths was underway.
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their avant-garde sound, enhancing the album's overall influence. Metro Zu’s commitment to visual and artistic experimentation sets a new standard for creativity in internet rap, establishing a lasting legacy that influenced subsequent artists and the genre's evolution into more eclectic and experimental realms. In the context of internet-driven music culture, “Mink Rug” stands as a formative influence, marking a pivotal moment in the golden age of internet rap by exemplifying how genre boundaries can be broken and how a more fluid approach to music can thrive online.
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with their distinctive cartoon style graffiti artistry, infusing the bustling atmosphere of the Ritzy Ocean Drive strip with their unique creative vision. The graffiti installation not only captured the attention of Art Basel attendees but also left an indelible mark on the urban art scene. This collaborative project between Metro Zu and the
Catalina Hotel exemplified the dynamic fusion of contemporary art and urban culture that defines the spirit of Art Basel in Miami.
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Curry, marking his initial entry into music. This collaboration reflects the intersection of Metro Zu’s avant-garde style with XXXTentacion's raw energy and emerging talent. Lofty305, a key member of Metro Zu, played a mentor-like role for XXXTentacion, helping shape his musical style and approach, while Denzel Curry, an influential figure in the South
Florida rap scene and a frequent collaborator with Metro Zu, added further validation to X’s nascent career.
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boundaries. Metro Zu's role in fostering a network and community of artists, especially in the South
Florida rap scene, provided a supportive environment that allowed XXXTentacion to thrive and innovate. The mentorship and collaboration he experienced with Metro Zu’s members helped him navigate and establish himself in the evolving landscape of internet rap, where genre-blending and aesthetic experimentation were increasingly celebrated.
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traditional rap, blending hip-hop with punk and electronic influences. This eclectic mix showcases a sound that is both innovative and distinctively DIY, reflecting the broader diversification seen in internet rap. Metro Zu’s DIY ethos in both production and distribution is a crucial element of their success, underscoring the power of independent music creation in the digital age.
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remains influential within the hip-hop community, inspiring other artists with their creativity and DIY approach. Throughout their history, Metro Zu has stayed true to their independent spirit, prioritizing artistic expression over commercial success. They've carved out a niche for themselves in the hip-hop landscape, earning respect for their innovation and authenticity.
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event in Miami Beach, the iconic
Catalina Hotel became a canvas for the innovative artistic collective. Metro Zu seized the opportunity to make a bold statement within the vibrant cultural landscape of Art Basel. Utilizing the hotel's exterior as their artistic medium, Metro Zu transformed the facade
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Fellow
Floridian and Metro Zu Alumnus XXXTentacion’s early career was significantly influenced by Metro Zu, particularly through his connections with Lofty305 and Denzel Curry. His first recorded song, “Spxceghxst Pxssy”, released in 2013, featured collaborations with Lofty305 of Metro Zu and Denzel
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In 2013, Metro Zu members began pursuing solo projects while still collaborating under the collective name. Ruben Slikk, Lofty305, and
Freebase released solo albums and mixtapes, exploring their individual styles and sounds. Despite the focus on solo endeavors, Metro Zu continued to release music as
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However, it was their involvement in Miami's vibrant Art Basel scene that truly propelled Metro Zu into the underground limelight. During Art Basel events, the group's performances became legendary, blending their music with the city's avant-garde art scene. Creating a yearly event showcasing art in
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Following their Art Basel success, Metro Zu continued to expand their reach, collaborating with other artists such as; Lil Peep, A$ AP Mobb, Raider Klan, and experimenting with new sounds. While they maintained a presence in the underground scene, they also garnered attention from music critics and
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Metro Zu's journey into the spotlight began to gain momentum with the release of their mixtape "ElectroZlapp" around 2010. This project, marked by tracks like "Awesome" and "X," showcased their eclectic blend of lo-fi production and off-kilter rap styles. The underground scene took notice, drawn to
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Metro Zu was formed in Miami, Florida, around 2008 by Lofty305, Ruben Slikk, and
Freebase. During this period, the group gained attention for their unique blend of lo-fi production, eclectic beats, and unconventional rap style backed by purposefully distorted visuals and the eclectic photography
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Metro Zu has continued to evolve their sound, experimenting with new genres and production techniques. They've maintained a strong presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing their music independently. While they haven't achieved conventional mainstream success, Metro Zu
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Pitchfork notes that “Mink Rug” has had a significant impact on the underground rap scene, demonstrating how unconventional and experimental approaches can resonate widely within the internet rap community. The group’s unique visual presentation, including album art and music videos, complements
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Today, Metro Zu's influence can still be felt throughout the music scene, as
Collaborating artists like La Goony Chonga are featured on GTA Soundtrack, and Lofty305 produced the drums on the single Bikini Bottom for Ice Spice. Their DIY ethos and experimental approach continue to inspire a new
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Metro Zu’s boundary-pushing and genre-blending approach significantly influenced XXXTentacion’s early sound and aesthetic. Metro Zu set a precedent for experimental rap that XXXTentacion would adopt and develop in his own works. Their DIY ethos in production and distribution, which emphasized
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Metro Zu's 2012 album “Mink Rug” is prominently highlighted in
Pitchfork’s feature on the "50 Formative Albums in the Golden Age of Internet Rap" for its groundbreaking contributions to the genre. The album is celebrated for its use of surreal and abstract sounds, which push the boundaries of
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The influence of Metro Zu extended beyond just sound to include aesthetic innovation, which resonated with XXXTentacion’s visual presentation and unconventional music videos. This artistic experimentation became a hallmark of his work, reflecting Metro Zu’s willingness to break traditional
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Metro Zu's contribution to the broader cultural shift in internet rap that welcomed and celebrated artistic innovation and genre fusion played a crucial role in XXXTentacion’s development as an artist, setting the stage for his later success and impact on the genre.
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Lil Peep and RubenSlikk collaborated on the song "Fuck Fame," released in 2016. This track merges their distinctive styles, with RubenSlikk's experimental and eclectic sound, characteristic of Metro Zu, combining with Lil Peep’s emotive and melodic rap aesthetic.
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sold as a $ 250,000 art piece. Their energetic live shows, coupled with their distinctive visual aesthetic, captivated audiences and cemented their reputation as innovators within the hip-hop & EDM communities flourishing in miami during the soundcloud era.
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all facets, ranging from paintings to graffiti to photography and live performances, Metro Zu's Basel Parties quickly gained traction. By 2012 the group was freestyling live in the once stuck-up arts district, while doing live graffiti on a
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self-released and independently produced music, resonated with XXXTentacion, who similarly embraced a DIY attitude in his early releases.
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https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/motomami-los-santos-from-grand-theft-auto-online-the/pl.dbdd849443474cb399eaca1e19adc1f3
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https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/metro-zus-lofty305-plunges-head-first-into-the-art-world-with-miami-showing-6491361
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https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/metro-zus-lofty305-plunges-head-first-into-the-art-world-with-miami-showing-6491361
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317:"Mixtape Round-up: Main Attrakionz, DJ Mustard & TeeFLii, Metro Zu, Yung Lean, and more (page 4 of 11)"
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generation of artists, ensuring that their legacy endures far beyond their humble beginnings in Miami.
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https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/pitchfork-staffers-on-their-most-formative-rap-albums/
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https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/pitchfork-staffers-on-their-most-formative-rap-albums/
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https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/pitchfork-staffers-on-their-most-formative-rap-albums/
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114:. It consisted of Lofty305, Ruben Slikk, Freebase, and Poshstronaut. It has received attention from
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Spaceghostpurrp - Freestyles Compilation Raider Klan x Denzel Curry x Ruben Slikk x Yung Simmie
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tastemakers, solidifying their status as one of hip-hop's most intriguing collectives.
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https://www.vice.com/en/article/68xm56/get-to-know-lofty-305-of-metro-zu
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126:. It was named the best Miami electronica artist of 2013 by
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This article on a hip hop music group or collective is a
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572:"Best of Miami 2013's Best Electronica Artist: Metro Zu"
438:"Best of Miami 2013's Best Electronica Artist: Metro Zu"
548:"Pitchfork Staffers on Their Most Formative Rap Albums"
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their unconventional approach and experimental sound.
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346:"The Noisey Guide to Rappers to Watch in 2013"
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793:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQiRVR6-wFA
771:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV7Q2teRLPc
760:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV7Q2teRLPc
749:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV7Q2teRLPc
716:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNGUtC6A5xo
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372:Fuertes-Knight, Jo (November 5, 2012).
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400:Morpurgo, Joseph (November 22, 2012).
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203:2013-2016: Expansion and solo projects
902:Musical groups disestablished in 2015
150:Poshstronaut / Mr. B the Poshstronaut
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472:Capell, Frances (January 22, 2013).
160:2008-2010: Formation and early years
173:2011-2013: Rise to underground fame
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897:Musical groups established in 2007
474:"Get to Know Lofty305 of Metro Zu"
344:Capell, Frances (March 25, 2013).
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240:2017-Present: Continued evolution
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374:"Metro Zu: "Zuology" Mixtape"
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845:. You can help Knowledge by
523:FEETONDACOUCH (2021-05-07).
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211:In 2015, during the annual
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892:Alternative hip hop groups
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907:Musical groups from Miami
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546:Pitchfork (2023-08-08).
912:Southern hip hop groups
500:Red Rum (2013-07-12).
16:American hip hop group
535:– via YouTube.
512:– via YouTube.
917:Hip hop group stubs
526:LOFTY305 INTERVIEW
147:Freebase / Poshgod
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95:Poshstronaut
80:Past members
66:Years active
249:Discography
180:Lamborghini
144:Ruben Slikk
89:Ruben Slikk
886:Categories
812:SoundCloud
581:2024-07-04
557:2024-07-04
532:2024-07-04
509:2024-07-04
303:References
56:Electronic
552:Pitchfork
485:April 16,
450:April 16,
413:April 16,
402:"Zuology"
385:April 16,
357:April 16,
329:April 16,
213:Art Basel
70:2007–2017
817:Metro Zu
808:Metro Zu
284:Mink Rug
278:C.S.P.G.
254:Mixtapes
141:Lofty305
104:Metro Zu
92:Freebase
86:Lofty305
23:Metro Zu
821:Discogs
290:Zuology
260:KushPak
155:History
136:Members
112:Florida
51:Hip hop
37:Florida
298:(2013)
296:Z Unit
292:(2012)
286:(2012)
280:(2011)
274:(2011)
268:(2010)
262:(2010)
44:Genres
39:, U.S.
29:Origin
108:Miami
33:Miami
843:stub
487:2020
479:Vice
452:2020
415:2020
407:Fact
387:2020
379:Vice
359:2020
351:Vice
331:2020
322:Fact
123:Fact
120:and
117:Vice
810:on
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550:.
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460:^
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423:^
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