Several years back, Michigan-bred producer and rising electronic music star Shigeto relocated from New York back to his home state where mutual friends introduced him to the Detroit rapper ZelooperZ. The two formed a deep bond, and over the next two years they would begin experimenting and collaborating together. Though initially there were no expectations, their work would eventually lead to the joint project ZGTO, as well as their 2017 LP A Piece Of the Geto (Ghostly International/Third Man Records).
At the time, Shigeto explained: “It’s a representation of what two brothers from completely different environments can give each other. The music is freedom for us. It’s a chance to say that all of those rules that you thought existed, don’t exist.” To which ZelooperZ added, “I just wanted to show people that no matter what somebody tells you, do what you love to do. Take what you heard me say, coming from being poor, and use it to your advantage. Just know you can do it too. You know you can get out of the slum. Just stay positive…”
This week the pair released a companion piece to their debut LP, the short film A Piece Of The Geto. Directed by Devin Williams, Walter Williams, and Alexander Gao, the 14-minute video is a behind the scenes look at life on the West side of Detroit, as well as the creative milieu which birthed this unique collaboration.
Part documentary and part music video, A Piece Of The Geto is a surreal portrayal of urban and creative life, and it features tracks from its namesake like “Drownin in the Paint,” “Everlast,” and “Unconditional Love”–to name a few. Filled with humor and striking imagery throughout, this film is by turns intimate and funny, and it’s a testament to the way Art can build bridges between people and forge our relationships in even the most unexpected places.
