Jackzebra
jackzebra | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Zhang Zhengkai |
| Also known as | jackapplepeople, Zeb, 孙龙潭, Jack斑马 |
| Born | 2002 (age 22–23) |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2018–present |
| Member of | Surf Gang, shanghai_shanghai_music |
Zhang Zhengkai (born 2002) known professionally as jackzebra, is a Chinese rapper and record producer based in Chengdu, Sichuan. His discography spans genres such as cloud rap, plugg, and trap music. He is a member of internet rap collective Surf Gang.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Zhengaki was born in Xujing, Shanghai,[3] in 2002. Growing up, his favorite musicians included Imagine Dragons, Coldplay and M.I.A.[4] He began making songs in 2018, after setting up his own bedroom studio, initially freestyling in English. Zhengkai later caught the attention of Chinese cloud rap pioneer, Bloodz Boi, who supported his musical direction, and encouraged him to focus on rapping in his native language, Chinese.[5][4]
Career
[edit]Jackzebra is a part of the Chinese underground rap scene, alongside other contemporaries like Billionhappy, 1kpbs, and Chalky Wong. He released the mixtape "王中王" (King of Kings) on October 29, 2024, which was rated a 7.8 by Pitchfork, and gained wider prominence online.[5] The Fader described Jackzebra's style as "[...] zealously Auto-Tuned slurring interlaced with atmospheric soundscapes that further distort lyrical meaning," further stating that his work had gone viral on social media platforms like Reddit and Chinese microblogging site Weibo.[4][6][7][8]
On June 13, 2025, Jackzebra released the single "Givenchy," produced by evilgiane, elipropperr, and fleadiamonds, followed by a performance of the track on the popular radio online show On The Radar.[9][10]
Additionally, Dazed described Jackzebra as "perhaps the only artist ever to enjoy simultaneous virality on both sides of the Chinese firewall," as well as "the voice of post-industrial China".[3]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| 孙 |
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| Apple |
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| 拾 |
|
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Exclusive MIXTAPE |
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| Good Wife Good Life MIXTAPE |
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| 6 Winter L |
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| 626 Two Year Anniversary Tape |
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| 我和你的水晶之恋 |
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| Jack1888 Mixtape |
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| JackPrblmTape |
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| Young Powerful Run Mixtape |
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| 王中王 |
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| Above & Beyond |
|
References
[edit]- ^ Monroe, Jazz (2025-06-13). "Jackzebra Signs to Surf Gang, Shares Video for New Song "Givenchy"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Eggertsen, Chris (2025-06-18). "Signed: Gustavo Mioto to WME, Gideon to Sumerian, Ty Herndon to Club44". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b Dazed (2025-04-02). "Jackzebra is the auto-tuned voice of post-industrial China". Dazed. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b c "GEN F: Jackzebra's global ennui". The FADER. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b Gui, James. "jackzebra: 王中王". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Radio, N. T. S. "BLOODZ BOI W/ JACKZEBRA - CHINESE HIP HOP SPECIAL 23rd September 2024". NTS Radio. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Dazed (2025-04-28). "Why silly music is in right now". Dazed. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Ribeiro, Julian (2025-06-23). "Rapper Jackzebra Went Apeshit With This Playlist". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ "The JackZebra "On The Radar" Freestyle". On The Radar Radio. January 12, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "JACKZEBRA – GIVENCHY PROD BY EVILGIANE, ELIPROPPERR & FLEA DIAMONDS #SURFGANG". YouTube. June 13, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2025.