Meet WHO SHOT SCOTT, the Solo Hip-Hop Project From Zaidoon Nasir
Introducing WHO SHOT SCOTT, the solo hip-hop project from artist and producer Zaidoon Nasir. Melding hip hop and punk rock, Zaidoon is breaking ground with unique production techniques and experimental sounds.
Having recently released MERCY III, he’s turning heads once again with heavy 808s, introspect, and a whole lot of bass.
Raw, real, and true, Zaidoon’s lyrics explore the complexities of being human. Once bullied for his desire to become a rapper, he admits he’s anything but what they stereotyped as gangster. Over time he’s realised his best work is when he speaks his truth.
“When I was still early into songwriting, I wanted to sound like other people. I used to always think, oh, what would this artist say? But then I just got to the point where I realized, because I'm a producer, and because I want my music to be authentic as an artist, the best thing for me to do is just tell actual stories from my life,” he says.
Sitting in his home studio, he tells me his life began by fleeing war-torn Iraq with his mum. His mother a doctor and himself just a baby, the two came to settle in Aotearoa.
With a twinkle in his eye, he says although her music taste may be questionable, she’s still a big inspiration. Just have a listen to MOTHERS EYES.
“[Back in Iraq], she had guns pulled on her all the time. It was real rough. I've heard stories. [Me and her], we’ve always been an ‘us against the world’ situation.”
“It just makes it that much more inspirational when you think about how every one of her generation who emigrated, or those who were refugees, came to New Zealand after all the hardships they went through. They started from scratch in a new country, and a lot of them went on to be extremely successful.”
He may not consider it, but Zaidoon is a part of that success too.
With over 58,000 monthly listeners and slots at major festivals, WHO SHOT SCOTT is undoubtedly one to watch.
On 29 December, WHO SHOT SCOTT took the stage at Rhythm and Vines. Zaidoon, Tia (drums) and Hyan (DJ) played a supercharged set to an adoring crowd. Rebirth never felt so good.
“It was such a good energy. There was heaps of screaming and jumping and shouting, and then I’d just talk to them. I’d say, ‘hey, this is where this song came from’,” he says.
“I really like having this back and forth connection with the audience. I want them to value they’re watching me, you know, and I’m not taking it for granted. I want them to feel like we are a part of this moment together.”
LONER ANTHEM, his most streamed song on Spotify, was performed at full blast. Fast, frantic and shouty, it’s one of his personal favourites.
“That song…it encapsulates chaos. But it’s actually about social anxiety.”
He just made something beastly, beautiful – a masterful skill.
Now back in the studio creating something new, you can be sure he’s melding genres where no sound has fused before. Expect intense sound unleashed, soon.
