The problem lies in the media that celebrates a hollow exploitation of what once stood sacred. Rappers within S.PC., Killa and Wreckless Klan, the S.U.C., and even Swishahouse lose clout when Select –O-Hits and Southwest Wholesale do the same.  That’s why what Z-Ro’s “King of the Ghetto (2K7) – Power” stands above what popularity tells you represents success. 

  To describe Z-Ro’s skills as awe-inspiring would align it with pure ability that only gets matched by Tracy McGrady in the closing seconds of an interstate match up.  This disk gets personified by pure lyrical talent along side of preachy contradictions.  Songs like “Struggling in the Game,” “My Life” and “Play No Games” show a southside gospel latent with pain amid folk overtones of a hopeful desperation.  While that desperation sits within Z-Ro’s future in the unfriendly confines of a prison in Beaumont, he finds peace through his namely boys, presented formally as - features. 

  As a tape (sorry “disk”) recorded mainly in his personal studio, he manages to get accompanied by (but not to exclude) Pimp C, Lil’ Flip, Spice 1, and Point Blank.  His impending incarceration at the time gets overshadowed by a screaming vulnerability that leaves little doubt of his verbal command.  “Reppin SUC (freestyle)” and “Lovely Day” give a glimpse to those moments when Ro’s problems get outweighed by his love for present company.  “We smoke so much we always got 5 on it / I’ll be groovin’ til’ the world stop movin’ – I put my nine on it.”  With the pin as his guide and confinement as his reality – recognize the roots of Houston - a form of street poetry that cannot get cheapened by national markets.  The sound quality lacks in a way reminiscent of Screw tapes and other undergrounds directed strictly for core listeners.  Respect your undergrounds within their context of appeal. The suffocation bestowed upon our local artists only sheds light on why DJ Screw resisted going major.  Hindsight is 20/20 or maybe it’s just 10201.  Respect the heritage that is the revised, yet current, state of Houston culture.  Let us celebrate Z-Ro, even if many mainstream outlets cannot.  This “Power” gives voyeurism at its best.  A raw tape full of lyricism, personality, and of course “Greed, Vanity, and Lust.”

In today’s society, really it aint the talent that gets you there, It’s who you know and who you ass kissing, like DJ’s and the radio stations…I’m used to putting shit out as soon as I’m finished with it. – Z-Ro

Cited quote ---  Davenport, Greg “Grate$.”  Down.  Down Enterprises, LLC.  Issue # 7.  Page 33.