TDE Crooner Reveals Seven-Year Journey to Debut Album ‘Bliss’

With a simple yet impactful couplet, "Just love me/ I wanna be with you, ayy," Zacari and Kendrick Lamar created a generational love anthem. Aptly titled "Love," the duet served as the third and final single from Lamar’s critically acclaimed DAMN. album. Not only did it peak at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also launched Zacari into the mainstream limelight.

A feature on a prominent single from one of the most significant albums of the 2010s would typically propel an artist into a rigorous pursuit of solo success. However, Zacari took a different route. At 30, the multi-instrumentalist from Bakersfield spent over seven years developing his debut solo studio album, Bliss. "When I look back on my career now over the seven years, all I knew was that I wanted to find this sound for my album, and it took a lot of time," Zacari explains.

During the years between "Love" and Bliss, Zacari remained musically active. He released two EPs—2019’s Run Wild Run Free and 2021’s Sol—and collaborated with various artists, including James Fauntleroy, Blxst, and Denzel Curry. His longstanding relationship with TDE artists was formalized in early 2019, when he was officially signed to the indie label. Sharing a roster with influential artists like SZA and previously Kendrick Lamar, Zacari took the opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as he could.

“These artists like Kendrick and SZA are real prophets,” says Zacari from Encino, CA, over Zoom. “If I can even reach a fraction of the people they reach, I’m happy.”

By taking his time, Zacari emerges with Bliss, a project that not only showcases his versatility but also serves as a culmination of his artistic journey. The reflective R&B energy of "Love" is a cornerstone of the album, which also features rock-leaning guitars, forays into rap, and club-friendly tracks. The result is a record that validates the seven-year wait.

“When we go in these meetings for playlists, we don’t know what to play,” Zacari observes. “I try my best to not even think about that, and just make what I want to make and what feels right to me.”

In an in-depth conversation, Zacari discusses the making of Bliss, insights gained from TDE labelmates, A24 movies’ influence on his visuals, and a hilarious first encounter with Skrillex.

Since your voice captivated millions on “Love” from Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. album, where’s your head at now, a few years removed from the peak of that song’s popularity?

Man, I’m still grateful for that song because it put me in a position to take my time with music. Being around Kendrick and other TDE artists like ScHoolboy Q allowed me to witness the dedication they put into their projects. It was a learning experience.

Does it feel like seven years since “Love”?

It has its moments. There are times when you’re impatient and frustrated about how long it’s taking, but when I listen to the music now, I’m glad I took my time. Features and smaller projects have helped alleviate the pressure of rushing out my first album.

TDE seems to have a philosophy of releasing music when it feels right. Did you adapt to that easily?

I had to adjust to that mindset. Watching Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q work on their albums showed me the importance of quality—not just in sound, but in writing and introspection. It’s like making a movie, and that takes time.

Did the album’s concept evolve over the years?

It did. My personal experiences over the past seven years deeply influenced it. From relationships and faith to personal highs and lows, each song comes from a real place in my life.

Which TDE artist have you learned the most from?

I’ve learned a lot from everyone, but Ab-Soul stands out. I lived with him for a year before signing with TDE, and his way of thinking was mind-blowing. His knowledge and spiritual awareness are on another level.

Your church singing background must have influenced your music. How does that show in your album?

The core of everything I make is rooted in my church upbringing. It’s about healing and connecting with people through music, something I discovered while playing for my church as a kid.

How did the rock and R&B mix on “Truth Is” come together?

That song has been a journey. It started years ago and evolved over time with input from producers Teddy Walton, Aaron Bow, and even Skrillex, who added his touch during the pandemic.

What was it like working with Skrillex?

It was a beautiful experience during a rough time. Skrillex’s sound design skills are next level. He worked on my laptop, creating sounds from scratch and elevating the track.

How did the collaboration with Doechii on “No Judgement” happen?

I had the hook for two years and wanted a club record. When Doechii joined TDE, she blew me away. Her verse inspired me to rethink the entire song.

You’ve mentioned SZA as a dream collaborator. Who else is on that list?

Yung Lean and A$AP Rocky. I’ve always admired Rocky’s psychedelic approach to hip hop.

As your fanbase grows, how do you balance making what feels right to you and pleasing your fans?

It’s about finding a balance. I want to stay true to myself but also consider what my fans want. Kendrick mastered this balance with the DAMN. album.

You’re opening for SiR on tour. What excites you the most?

I’m excited to perform. I haven’t put together a live set for this album yet, so I’m looking forward to it. Live performance has always been my favorite part.

Who are your biggest influences in live performance?

My mom, definitely. She’s active in more bands and gigs than I am right now. She’s my biggest inspiration.

How did the pandemic impact your music and career?

The pandemic slowed everything down but also gave me the time to reflect. It was a challenging period, but it made me less rushed because the whole world slowed down.

What are your hopes for Bliss?

I want to connect with more people. One person told me my music kept them from committing suicide, and that’s enough for me. My hope is for this album to help people and remind them they’re not alone.

How does Bliss compare to your earlier EPs like Run Wild Run Free and Sol?

Run Wild Run Free represents the brighter side of loneliness, while this album delves into darker times and revelations. It’s like a journey through the night.

What visual themes can we expect from this record?

The eclipse is a significant theme, along with the recurring motif of the wolf. We’re working on a short film and more visuals to accompany the album. I love psycho thrillers and A24 movies—they’ve heavily influenced my visuals.

Source: Billboard