Coming straight out of Raleigh, North Carolina, Zeno Best brings a sharp, lived-in perspective that feels familiar but never recycled. His name says it all — trusting instinct, knowing when a line hits, and letting the pen speak for itself. Raised on the small details of everyday life, from late-night food runs to hometown routines, Zeno’s music captures those moments with vivid imagery and precision. His sound moves effortlessly between trap energy, boom bap grit, and reflective pain records, all tied together by dense metaphors, clever analogies, and nostalgic pop-culture references that reward close listening. Influenced by the trap foundations of Zaytoven and Lex Luger, the cinematic approach of Hans Zimmer, and lyricists known for punchlines and layered writing, Zeno stays versatile while keeping his identity locked in.
In this Street Barz Live Session, Zeno Best steps into the street with “Rise and Shine Freestyle,” delivering a raw, unfiltered performance with nothing but a hanging mic and pure presence. This live session strips the record down to its core, allowing every cadence, pause, and reference to breathe. Paying homage to J. Cole through select flows and subtle nods, Zeno reshapes the track into his own moment, blending respect for influence with personal perspective. The energy is controlled, focused, and intentional — a freestyle that feels lived, not rehearsed.