Metro Zu

Metro Zu was an American hip-hop group based in Miami, Florida,^[1] formed by Lofty305, Ruben Slikk, Freebase. They were later joined by Poshstronaut, with members later collaborating with artists such as Lil Peep, ASAP Mob, and Raider Klan.^[2][3][4]

Metro Zu
Origin	2007; Miami, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Cloud rap trap
Years active	2007–2017
Past members	Lofty305 Ruben Slikk Freebase Poshstronaut

Metro Zu have been cited as an influence on XXXTentacion and Lil Peep.^[5][6]

History

Metro Zu was formed in Miami, Florida, in 2007 by Lofty305, Ruben Slikk, and Freebase. They self-released several mixtapes and albums online, which they recorded at their mother's home in Miami Shores, known as "the Zu Mansion." Though, mostly underage at the time, the pair held sessions while their parents were at work, with the rest of the group later dropping out of high school.^{[7][8][9][10]} Metro Zu members released solo albums and mixtapes while still collaborating under the collective.^{[2][11][12][13]}

Subsequently, the group became involved with Miami's Art Basel scene, appearing at annual events in which they showcased paintings, graffiti, photography and musical live performances. At one point, they spraypainted the Catalina Hotel as well as a Lamborghini,^[14] which was later sold as a $250,000 art piece.^{[3][15][16][17]} In 2013, Vice described Metro Zu's 2012 album "Mink Rug" as "strangely addicting."^[2]

Fellow Broward County rapper XXXTentacion collaborated with Lofty305, Denzel Curry^[18] and Ski Mask the Slump God on their SpaceGhostPurrp diss track titled "SPACEGHOSTPUSSY."^[19] This was followed by, Lil Peep and Ruben Slikk collaborating on the track "Fuck Fame," released in 2016.^[20][21]

Legacy

In 2023, Pitchfork featured Metro Zu's 2012 mixtape “Zuology” was featured on their list, "Pitchfork Staffers on Their Most Formative Rap Albums." Writer Alphonse Pierre stated, "[...] Zuology simultaneously looks to the past and doesn’t give a damn about honoring it."^[3][22][23]

Discography

Mixtapes

• KushPak (2010)
• ElectroZlapp (2010)
• Buddha Therapy (2011)
• C.S.P.G. (2011)
• Mink Rug (2012)
• Zuology (2012)
• Z Unit (2013)