Zacktv1: A Man & His Camera
Chicago is currently at war with itself. Just as the US military invaded Iraq with embedded journalists, there to capture footage and photos for us all to witness with our very own eyes, Zacktv1 has himself firmly planted in these devastated streets of his city. Zacktv1, who hails from Roseland (the wild hundreds), walks freely through the blocks, camera in hand, into any area of town. He knows first hand that these young men have a story that needs to be heard and he is willing to go where no one has attempted to go before. He gets to hear what it’s like to be a rapper in Chicago, right now-during these times. He gives voice to them, while simultaneously providing insight to those who would never know or believe the things that are taking place- that most of us are not privy to and/ or even aware of. When Chicago has produced stars like Chief Keef, Lil Herb and Lil Durk while also claiming the lives of rappers such as L.A. Capone, Capo and Young Pappy-what started out as a way for underground artists to be heard, became undeniably tangled in the violence invading Chicago’s streets. Now it’s impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other.
Without even realizing it or maybe without even intending to, Zacktv1 has not simply just become the eyes and ears of Chicago’s inner city neighborhoods, he has become the vessel that enlightens many by spotlighting many more.
With each video and each recording, he provides artists a platform to be heard right where they live, in what essentially has become a war zone. Just as an artist paints on a canvas, rap is an art. Words are their paint and the camera is where they place their work to be observed.
And just like every poet, writer and author, their words are simply a reflection of their environment. They expound on their dreams and hopes, their frustrations and worries and of course, what is happening in the place they call home. Zacktv1 captures it all boldly, unapologetically-raw and real.
It’s a war going on out here. Chicago is the territory. Chicago is the invader. Zacktv1 is the journalist.
With hopes of bringing the city together and ultimately putting an end to this war, he wants young artists to realize that the art of rap has plenty of room for everyone. If another rapper’s lyrics make you upset, improve your writing skills and combat him the same way he came at you-lyrically.
Spike Lee recently said that Chicago has become a "Tale of Two Cities." And while we see the good stuff on a daily basis-the part of town the city gladly puts on display, Zacktv1 has taken his lone camera and shone light on the part of the city that most won’t go near.
IG: @zacktv1
