We had the pleasure of interviewing Zyah Belle over Zoom video.
When you know yourself, nothing can stop you…
Zyah Belle both realizes and understands her power as a singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger. She’s reached this realization through a tireless grind, going from countless open mics and gigs at dimly lit bars in Northern California to collaborating with some of the most celebrated icons in history. At the same time, she’s also grown into an uncompromising and undeniable solo artist in her own right with widespread critical acclaim and millions of streams.
Hailing from the small town of Vallejo, CA, she initially discovered music in church. Mom served as the choir director, so Zyah participated in children’s choir as soon as she could. Inspired by her two older sisters, she simultaneously developed a passion for R&B. Raised by a single mother and her siblings, she found herself surrounded by “powerful women.”
Among many highlights, she co-wrote and collaborated with Snoop Dogg on “Trouble,” which served as the end credits song for Dog Gone Trouble on NETFLIX. She lent her voice to Terrace Martin’s “Never Saw It Coming” [feat. Zyah Belle & Problem] in addition to Too $hort’s “I Stay Up” and “Get Top.” Recording and performing with Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir, her voice boomed on chart-topping #1 releases such as ye and Jesus Is King. The latter even earned “Top Christian Album” and “Top Gospel Album” at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards and “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album” at the 2021 GRAMMY® Awards. Following New Levels [2016] and IX [2019], Zyah’s 2021 Who’s Listening Anyway EP racked up millions of streams and incited widespread critical acclaim. Vibe touted it on “The 21 Best R&;B Albums of 2021” and went on to declare, “Belle is able to fold the styles of Erykah Badu’s melodic rawness, Anderson .Paak’s wittiness, and the essence of ‘90s neo-soul into a terse seven-track body of work.”
Working with the likes of Hollywood Cole, Sam Barsh, and PBnJ, she levels up yet again on Yam Grier. Cut at the legendary Doghouse Studio in Los Angeles, she strikes a balance between 21 st century soul and classic seventies spirit—suggested by the title Yam Grier.
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