As the nephew of R&B royalty, Zieme TheDream, née Capers, has been honing his craft since early childhood. And, as proven by his famous family group, Staten Island, New York’s own Force MDs, the apple definitely doesn’t fall far from the tree of greatness.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
50 years of Hip Hop is important to the black culture because it’s an art that was created by brothers from the ghetto that wanted to change the communities with something that distracted them from staying out of trouble, and they were able to find special hidden talents that they never knew could be life changing to not just them but to all lives of people around the world. And before they turned into MCs, the art was first expressed through dancing, breaking and ballet. That shows us that there is an evolution to this art that will keep growing as long as we keep in the raw form of what it was originally intended to be.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I believe around that time, cats from the streets doing what they had to do to survive and provide for their families didn’t really see Hip Hop as a way to get rich or go global. But, they found it as some sort of escape from trouble. I believe when they seen how it started to grow into something bigger than they expected, it probably didn’t make as much sense but the optimistic outlook probably couldn’t go as far as their environmental influences.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
My favorite moment of Hip Hop was seeing B.I.G. and 2Pac share the stage at the Garden. The epic freestyle that had Brooklyn hyped.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
My goal is to continue to do what I love, and create timeless art for my children to carry on when I’m no longer here. To inspire the next generations to always dream big, and never stop believing in yourself and your visionaries. Create your own lanes and destiny. Be your own boss, and help those around you grow and thrive in their dreams.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to believe in love again. I want people to learn from my stories of life and situations, either through my own experiences or stories of other people’s experiences…or even from creating narratives that have resonated with them, or someone they know or relate to.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would want on my album: Force MDs, Michael Jackson, Prince, B.I.G., Pac, Aaliyah, Usher, Chris Brown, R. Kelly, Babyface and JD to write and produce it.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
MSG and Barclays is last stop ‘cause it’s my hometown, and it’s gotta be big, big!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
That’s a yes and a no for me. Why yes? The way it’s still evolving and creating new opportunities for artists all over the world. Why no? Because the negative agenda and exploitation that is being pushed on to the artists that are doing any and everything to make it. It’s giving…new age slavery vibes. It’s making my people look like fools. But, hey, I’m just a guy that stays in his lane, and believes when my time is called to touch this planet I will give the world a breath of fresh air and a catalog of good music content.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
The key to longevity is to believe in your work, tell your story, give people opportunities and be kind and respectful to others, as well as yourself. Loving what I do.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Me being a singer-songwriter/ producer and actor, I enjoy being with my family. That’s my inspiration and motivation. I also enjoy traveling, cooking and meditation.
An IDEAL DAY would be: I wake up and pray. Hope to hit the gym hard, eat a nice meal at the top of the day, get some work in and play with the kids and crank another couple hours of production…and would love to end the day with a nice massage, a healing bath with my lady, nice dinner and a great rest, after releasing any other stress from my mind and body.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I love to hear what people say about how my art makes them feel, or even how they created some type of dance or scene to a song of mine. I like to hear people’s stories, and where they come from. I also love engaging in multicultural cultural activities. I love to learn. History, ideas, DIY projects, health hacks, self love, entrepreneurship and journeys.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Vibing with other creative artists, and learning new things from them. Vibing with fans that really appreciate your art. It’s something about being able to connect with strangers that have positive energy and humbling spirits.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Stay true to yourself, surround yourself with real friends who are genuine, passionate and honest with you. People who believe in your vision. People who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth. But most importantly, people who speak highly of you even when you’re not around. Loyalty, love and respect should be in the same dish. Stay consistent and make quality work. Protect your work. Learn the business of music. Publishing, Distribution, Marketing. Learn your audience, and allow them to grow with you. You master that, you will forever stay working and growing your brand.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
My own label, lots of land, real estate, and building opportunities for future leaders of the world. Also, having my kids continue my legacy and be in positions to never need from anyone.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I would like everyone who would like to support me to follow me on my social media. Instagram: @officialzieme and @Teamzieme YouTube/ZiemeMusic and my website: www.ziememusic.com. Also, as I continue my family’s legacy the legendary Force MDs. Please do your research on them, as they are very detrimental to the Hip Hop, R&B and Pop Culture. @officialforcemds on IG and website www.theforcemds.com; new music, new merch and new celebrations coming up. Force MDs will be touring with Keith Sweat top of the year 2025, and more. And if you never heard my classic remake album, Butter Smooth, executive produced by the OG Ice-T, please go check that out. It’s for the grown and sexy. Stay blessed, stay ready and stay focused. Believe in God or find out who he truly is. One!
