When I saw Lil Zane on 106 & Park a few weeks ago, my inbox became flooded with questions on where he has been all this time. Well as promised, I have the answers to all of your questions.  Check out this 24hourhiphop.com EXCLUSIVE with Lil Zane!!!!

24: Is your name still “Lil Zane” or did you drop “Lil” since your older now?

Zane: The Lil never represented my age or size it only represented the fact that my dads name is the same as mine, Im a jr. Ive always been Lil Zane, but there’s nothing little about me.  I always think big!  That’s what brought me so far in this business, I believe in doing big things, i’ve just got started.

 24: Are you currently signed to anyone? 

Zane: Right now I am signed to Money Making Music, and my music is being distributed through Sony.   MMM have been really supportive of this leg of my career and share my vision, that makes a big difference when the label is behind the artist. MMM appreciates my work and provide me with the best advice to move forward in this new game. 
 
24: Are you trying to get signed to a major label?   

Zane: I’m  setting my sights on  being  a major Player in the independent game. I am not looking for a major label situation.  I can see that the music business has changed dramatically due to the advantage the internet has given all us artists.  We now can promote ourselves direct to our fans and cut out the middle man which has always been the labels.  today’s game we can go straight to distribution and go hard on  digital promotions and marketing to support digital sales.  Physical distribution on store shelves will be something of the past.  If my fans want a physical cd  as an independent artist i can sell my music direct to my fans while on tour, along with my merchandise.  The trend of digital download will soon take over physical distribution.  download straight to ipod or any digital device used to store music today.  Some artists still wish  to see their product on the shelf, which is extremely costly and that means less money in the artist’s pocket.    Gas is expensive today and it takes a truck to drive the product to the store, I’d rather keep that money in my own pocket and buy my own gas!  lots of artists today make no money off their product because they went physical and sometimes barely break even or end up owing the label. the artist can then get stuck in the matrix and not be able to get out of debt with the label. im on the new digital grind!

24: The world was surprised to see you when you popped up on the 106 & Park anniversary episode, how did that come about?

Zane: My management and team are very effective in keeping me busy and on the grind.   i have received tons of emails from fans supporting  my goal to be a “major independent artist”.

24: You have been under the radar for some time, where have you been all these years?

Zane: Ive been doing a lot of soul searching, I took the time to travel to focus on understanding myself. I had to grow without millions of people surrounding me. I just had a baby boy too, so during this part of my carrer Ive been spending a good amount of time with him. 
 
24: I recall you being in several movies. Which is more challenging for you, acting or music? 

Zane: I think both are a challenge, but if I had to choose it would be acting, primarily because I can still get a chance to integrate my music, plus as I grow my roles and music will grow with me. 
 
24: The industry has changed tremendously since you’ve been gone, what are you doing to prepare?

Zane: As i mentioned earlier , technology has made it very convenient to retain a fan base. If a guy like Soulja boy can capitalize on the industry the way that he has, a lot of artists need to understand and study that example and integrate it into their business plan. 
 
24: What’s next on this journey for you?

Zane: We have a 20 city tour about to take off, Im also about to go to Greece for a few tour dates, Ive been really blessed, I am also working on a movie right now.
 
24: Which artist are you looking forward to working with?

Zane: I start from my roots, I wouldnt mind working with my old collaborating partners. Such as Weezy and Bow wow, dupree, Akon, Pitbull. Its amazing cause all of them are making hits right now. I’m steady working at taking back my position amongst my peers.   I have what it takes to deliver a stimulating performance the world needs to see and hear.  I am ready to take on the world.
 
24: What’s your plan for 2011? 

Zane:  “Lady Gaga” has her “monsters”,  and  i have my  “Zaniacs”  sometimes called “ZBrainiacs” the world will get to know them pretty soon.  The World is about to get a Lil Zaniac! ” w  yours truly, Lil Zane”

Check out “So Expensive” and “Put It In My Lap” by Lil Zane
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-expensive/id397831106?i=397831226&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Want to connect with Lil Zane? Check out:
youtube.com/lilzanesworld
twitter.com/lilzanesworld
myspace.com/officiallilzane
facebook.com/lilzanesworld

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@24hourhiphop
@Pr3ttyIndia