When I see a massive artist like Denzel Curry not only believe in a smaller, lesser-recognized artist like PlayThatBoiZay but take him under his wing and expose him to experiences that are life and career-changing, I can’t help but anticipate that Zay is going to become a star. The name might sound familiar because Zay made his national debut on Denzel’s album ZUU on the song “P.A.T.”, one of my favorite cuts off the project. It might help that they’re both from Carol City, Florida and artists always want to see their cities being well represented in music, and when you get someone who is as talented as Zay, it only makes sense that you need to expose the masses to their music.
Although he already has a slew of unbelievable music out at this point, he is gearing up for the release of his next EP entitled Girls Love Vampires, getting fans hyped by releasing a brand-new song called “Lestat” as well as an accompanying music video. As far as the song is concerned, RustoBlak, a lifelong friend of Zay’s, takes over the production and delivers an absolutely insane instrumental that is headlined by a bouncy, thunderous bassline paired with screeching synths and piercing percussion that is reminiscent of certain Denzel songs, but distinctive in its own right.
This turns out to be the perfect foundation for Zay, as he goes in with some of the most ruthless bars and aggression-forward delivery that is sure to make anyone who’s somehow not paying attention turn their head and tune in. On the hook, he talks about the names he gets called, with Lestat being the term he reverts back to and repeats in such a swagger-filled, catchy manner. After doing some research, I found out that Lestat was the name of a vampire in a series of novels, which complements his upcoming EP flawlessly. Just when the song seems to be coming to an end, the beat completely changes up to 808s that are even more speaker-busting than before, allowing Zay to go completely off the rails, change up his flow, and deliver some exceptionally assertive lines with vocal filters that sound as distorted and destructive as the newly-introduced instrumental itself.
The FlowerCop-directed visual is as inventive as the record, including some reoccurring shots that are mixed in with a somewhat violent, heart-thumping storyline. Inside what looks to be a bit of a hideout, Zay chills and smokes a blunt with a couple of lovely ladies as newspaper headlines and articles are posted on a bulletin board as if to evade the police when it comes to whatever not-so-legal activities they’re taking part in. One of my favorite scenes comes in black and white pretty early on as Zay squats down in the grass in his front yard, rapping to the camera as it moves in and out, grazing the grass from such an intriguing low angle that truly caught my eye.
Next, the two women who were hiding out at Zay’s place head to a home where one lures a guy out before the other runs up and robs him before returning back to the base to celebrate what I can only imagine was a successful heist. One more robbery takes place inside of a home that the girls break into, taking drugs and money in a bag before making a quick escape with their loot. Finally, when the beat changes up, a few more half-naked women join Zay as they have a party of their own, getting wild and crazy as they dance around and have a good time smoking, throwing money in the air, and dancing with one another.
In the description of the video, there is a very helpful explanation that not only describes the song and upcoming project but how Zay started his career. Once Denzel started to guide him, he ended up going on the Grey Day Tour with Denzel and $uicideboy$, helping him home in on his craft after seeing how wild people went at his live shows. When asked about the upcoming project, he states”’ Girls Love Vampires’’ means Women love thugs, it’s about how girls glorify street life… the good and the bad sides of it. if I had to describe the sound It’s a fun but dark trap vibe”. This description perfectly encapsulates the EP’s first single “Lestat”, so I suggest you familiarize yourself with PlayThatBoiZay’s brand-new single before he completely blows up sooner rather than later.