Atlanta genre-blending and bending duo Headphone Junkiez are artists for a new generation. From their stylistic and introspective approach to music, to their brilliant ability to switch between classic hip-hop, g-funk, rock and R&B rhythms, the south’s newest discovery are establishing their own brand of rap. Laid-back Zi (short for Zion) is the Yin to his spirited and slick-talking counterpart Geecue’s Yang and together, they are waking up the sleepy heads in music.

The group met by chance at a local Church and instantly clicked, as well as cliqued. Much like hometown favorites OutKast, you have to hear the Headphone Junkiez music in order to understand who they are and where they come from. They don’t have the typical hood story that has become industry standard in hip-hop. Zi (also professionally known as Max Hondo), grew up in a middleclass two-parent home, played drums from the 4th grade all through high school and received a band scholarship to Jackson State University, yet always felt like an outsider. Geecue on the other hand was raised with a mother who had a substance abuse problem and an incarcerated father (both of whom are now free), however his family owned and still owns a string of beauty salons and his grandmother worked tirelessly to support the household. During their teenage years, both young men went through a momentary rebellious phase. Both began hanging out with a seedy crowd, however they quickly fell back in line with Geecue securing a job, car and studio equipment at 16, as well as receiving an academic scholarship to University of West Georgia and Zi enrolling in the Media Production program at American Intercontinental University (AIU). While their personal lives reflect a struggle from opposite ends of the spectrum, their common denominator has always been a passion for music. “We’ve known each other for five years and I can honestly say that a majority of our conversations have been about music,” says Geecue.

The underground heavyweights copped their name because each time they put their headphones on, they are on a natural high, tuning out the world. And of course they are junkies for their craft. “We don’t just listen to the old-school music that motivates us, we are students of music. We literally study and examine everything,” says Zi. “Our concepts will bust your head.” The versatile partners in rhyme have music stored up for months but they have several standout tracks that compliment each others champion sounds. From undeniable club bangers such as “Pikk N Roll”, “Gettin 2 Da Monay” and “Playa Phresh” to the themed-out tracks “Muncheez” and “Sho Me”, the Headphone Junkiez provide a cohesive balance of high life and good times. In addition to their powerful deliveries, distinct voices and kinetic energy, the group further distinguishes themselves by keeping foul language to a minimum. “There are other ways we can flip our lines so we don’t have to curse,” says Zi. The Headphone Junkiez also take pride in using their own in-house production team, serving up sinister horns and hard-hitting drums.

Headphone Junkiez provide the best of both worlds- the prose and the pimp-hop. Regardless of the topic or tempo, Zi and Geecue’s relentless drive and excellent execution allows them to kill every track they lay a mic to. With high and realistic hopes of becoming part of the southern rap elite