★ Violent Life Around Drugs ✝ Est. 2015 ✝ Denzel Young ★
Denzel Young, better known as Zelly Ocho, is a rapper and recording artist from Cleveland, Ohio. Known for his chopper-like cadence and authentic autotune-trap sound, he's been grinding nonstop for nearly a decade.
He started rapping seriously at 18 in 2015 under the name Lil Ocho — a name his older friend Sam gave him based on his No. 8 jersey from his rec basketball team. He began cranking out remixes and perfecting his craft.
After two years, Lil Ocho evolved into Zelly Ocho and started dropping four to five projects annually. By 2020, his sound had become a movement that inspired a new wave of artists. He connected with producer 16yrold (Sig.Carlito) — the same producer behind Sheck Wes' massive hit "Mo Bamba" — and together they locked in on a string of projects.
His drug-induced early raps evolved into quick-paced cadences with cohesive bars about everyday struggles. Zelly proudly promotes the VLAD lifestyle — welcoming people of all backgrounds while channeling positive energy through his music.
After enduring his father's absence and the influence of drugs and violence, Zelly chose to rise above his circumstances. In the words of Trippie Redd, Zelly Ocho is VLAD: "very loyal and determined."
"I know that I produce the best music when I'm not under the influence."
— Zelly OchoVLAD is more than an acronym — it's a lifestyle and movement. It represents being present in the chaos without being consumed by it. The movement welcomes people of all backgrounds. According to Trippie Redd, being VLAD also means being "Very Loyal And Determined."