On a spring day in 1999, a boy named Zi—better known today by his many monikers like ABL Ocho, OchDaBarb, or MrCutEmUp—was born in Trenton, New Jersey. Two decades later, that boy would grow into a young man carrying the weight of dreams, the rhythm of his city, and the determination to turn his voice into an anthem for loyalty.
From a School Project to a Statement
Most artists remember their first studio session. Ocho remembers his first school project. In 2017, he created a song and music video for class, not realizing it would spark a ripple effect across his community. “It wasn’t supposed to be serious,” he reflects. “But people heard it and saw something in me I didn’t fully see yet.”
That unexpected moment of recognition set the tone for everything that came after. By then, he’d already been rapping since 2015, but now he knew—music wasn’t just a hobby, it was the way forward.
Finding His Voice
Ocho’s sound didn’t arrive overnight. It’s the product of years spent studying the voices that inspired him—Chicago’s LA Capone, Memphis legend Young Dolph, lyrical giants like Lil Wayne, and even pop-culture figures like Kobe Bryant and WWE superstars. His influences reflect his wide range of passions, from sports and gaming to the rhythms of everyday life.
But if you ask him what his music is about, his answer is simple: “Loyalty.” To Ocho, loyalty isn’t a buzzword—it’s a philosophy, a way of living, and the foundation of his brand All Bout Loyalty Entertainment (ABL Ent.), which he founded in 2021.
The Artist with Many Faces
Look at Ocho’s journey and you’ll see a pattern of reinvention. His aliases aren’t just nicknames; they’re chapters. Ocho Vice. Ocho Jugg. Ocho Da Barber. Each name reflects a different piece of his identity as he continues to evolve, experiment, and grow as an artist.
But through every phase, one constant remains: his desire to build something greater than himself. That desire first appeared in 2012 when he led a dance crew called Tanginnation. Years later, he’d join a rap group, DCIX 609, before eventually stepping into his role as a solo artist and entrepreneur.
Setbacks and Comebacks
Ocho’s story isn’t without its challenges. In 2024, just as momentum was building, his catalog was removed from streaming platforms because of beat licensing issues. For an independent artist, that kind of setback could be devastating. But Ocho treated it as fuel. By the end of the year, he’d re-published “Trust Nobody”—a track that had already cemented itself as one of his strongest singles.
“Moments like that remind me why I do this,” he says. “You can lose everything in a day, but if you keep working, you can get it back and more.”
A Life Beyond the Mic
Despite his hustle, Ocho is more than just a musician. He’s a son, a family man, and a creative in every sense of the word. He sketches, paints, games, and spends time on the court playing basketball or football. His joy comes not just from chasing his own dreams but uplifting the people around him. “I was raised not to care for only myself,” he explains. “I want to see everybody win.”
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Ocho envisions more than charts and accolades. He dreams of expanding the ABL movement worldwide, using his story to inspire others to stay true to themselves and their communities. “It’s not just about me making it—it’s about showing people that loyalty, hard work, and faith can take you far.”
For now, fans can dive into his latest release, “Trust Nobody,” now streaming on all platforms. It’s more than just a single—it’s a statement of resilience, a reminder that setbacks are temporary, and a glimpse into the voice of an artist who refuses to be overlooked.
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