Tommy Zuko - WHAT HE SAY?

About Tommy Zuko

Tommy Zuko is a Christian hip-hop artist, producer and engineer from Covington, Kentucky, who later bought a one-way ticket to California to pursue his music. He began writing songs at around six years old, was performing around Ohio with a group at nine, and taught himself songwriting, production, engineering and video direction.

Faith journey and beliefs

He has said he knew about God growing up but did not understand a personal relationship with him until 2020, when he gave his life to Christ and was baptised, describing it as a fresh start that redirected both his life and his music.

What they are about as an artist

Zuko writes, produces and records his own Christian hip-hop, blending West Coast rap and Motown-influenced sounds, and says he makes music to glorify God and to reach listeners who don't yet have a relationship with him.

What this song is about

The hook turns a rap catchphrase into a testimony: 'hold on, what he say?' is answered with 'I'mma praise the Lord forever and a day', a decision to keep praising God whatever else is happening. The verses look back on a way of life he says he has 'been there, I ain't going back' from, ask the 'waymaker' to make a way, and credit the change to God rather than himself — 'never coulda, shoulda, but God had other plans'. He names Jesus by his Hebrew name, 'Yeshua Hamashiach', and says plainly that without 'the son of man' he is 'nothing'. Face of Faith reads the song as praise for the everyday: confidence and joy that come from being redeemed rather than from his own performance.

Sources

• tommyzuko.com: About
• LF Radio: Tommy Zuko
• Culture Lost: Tommy Zuko interview
• Spotify: WHAT HE SAY? – Tommy Zuko