Photo by Gurnoor Sodhi

Sophomore Zion Allen performs his song “Blast” at TNL.

Sophomore Zion Allen, also known as the rapper Laida, has gained traction with his music in school and online. Allen has 21.6k followers on Instagram and 125,372 plays on his song Blast on Spotify at just 15 years old.

Allen constantly listened to music growing up. He’d often rap and make beats with his brothers on long car rides or trips. “I have been making music with my brother since I was a little kid, but I never felt comfortable with it until I was 10,” Allen said. “I was with my brothers one day at a farm, and they were all rapping, but I was too shy. I returned the next day and had some bars to spit, and ever since, I started making music.”

Music played an essential role for Allen. “It was like a coping mechanism. When I felt like I had no one to talk to or couldn’t express myself, I went to music when I didn’t know what else to do,” Allen said.

Having a rough upbringing left Allen with unresolved feelings. “I express myself by showing the pain I’ve had and all those times I’d have family problems, running to the corner crying,” Allen said. “When I started making music, all those feelings I had bottled up just came out.”

Allen reflects on the first time he made music. “I felt excited and proud. I was listening to something I made because you usually listen to somebody else and wonder how it was made,” Allen said. “It was really nice hearing my voice.”

However, making music wasn’t easy at the start. “I was in my basement with my school Chromebook, a broken headset, and this knockoff microphone, making music. I made a 13-song album in three days,” Allen said. “Recently, all my songs were erased, which was a big setback, but that didn’t stop me.”

Eventually Allen had his first breakthrough with his music. “When I posted my first song on SoundCloud, it hit 11,000 plays, and I was so happy,” Allen said. “Then I played it in school, and they played it in the hallways between classes.”

Allen continues to persevere because of his motivations and role models, “My family, for sure,” Allen said. “My inspiration is Juice WRLD. I look up to his ability to freestyle for hours.”

He strives to make a difference with his music, differentiating himself from other mainstream rappers. “Nowadays, music isn’t uplifting My goal is to spread love. That’s my whole message,” Allen said. “People are so quick to judge me. They think I’m making messed up music.”

Students say they have found Allen’s music unique and heartfelt. “It was nice to see something new because I’ve never met anyone who does that,” sophomore Zoe Branco said. I feel very connected to his music. You can just feel the emotion.”

In addition, students are hopeful for Allen’s future in music. “That’s my brother. We’ve been friends since sixth grade,” sophomore Shavont Cormier said. “I think he’s going to blow up.”

Allen also has big plans and future projects. “I’m currently working on my first album, which I’m going to drop on Spotify,” Allen said. The album is going to be called My Mark because I’m trying to leave my mark on the world.”