Houston Legend, Z-Ro Opens Up About Addiction, Legacy, and New Album Rother Vandross

Houston hip-hop legend Z-Ro recently appeared on the Bootleg Kev Podcast, offering a candid, reflective, and entertaining interview that highlighted his journey, challenges, and perspective on the music industry. Known as the "King of the Ghetto," Z-Ro opened up about his legacy, struggles with addiction, and the evolution of Houston's iconic hip-hop scene, providing fans with a rare insight into his life and career.

Z-Ro, who has been a crucial part of the Houston sound for over two decades, spoke about the growth of Texas music and his role in helping to shape the culture. He praised the new wave of artists like Peso Peso, Sauce Walka, and D-Baby for continuing to push Houston's hip-hop scene forward. Reflecting on his early days, Z-Ro reminisced about the Screwed Up Click and the late DJ Screw, acknowledging the cultural impact of chopped and screwed music, which drew fans from as far as Amsterdam and Canada. "People from other countries were coming in just to get the tapes. That’s when we knew it was iconic," Z-Ro said, emphasizing the legendary status of Screw's influence.

The interview took a more serious tone when Z-Ro talked about his battles with lean addiction. He described in raw detail the toll it took on his body, sharing that at the height of his addiction, he was spending as much as $28,000 a month on the habit. "I almost died from that stuff," Z-Ro admitted. "July 15th, 2015—I woke up and never touched it again." It was a sobering moment that showed how close he came to losing everything, and his decision to leave lean behind was a pivotal moment in his life. Z-Ro has been lean-free since 2015, and the change has significantly affected his health, music, and outlook.

Addressing the idea of being "underrated," Z-Ro reflected on why he might be perceived that way. He pointed to his independence as a double-edged sword—it's kept his sound authentic but limited his reach in a mainstream sense. Still, Z-Ro remains content with his legacy. "I might not be mainstream, but the people considered to be GOATs know who I am. And that’s enough for me," he said, indicating the respect he holds within the industry, even if his name isn’t always in the spotlight.

Z-Ro also gave fans something to look forward to with the announcement of his new album, titled "Rother Vandross," set to drop on December 13. The album's title pays homage to his melodic side, nodding to the influence of R&B legend Luther Vandross. It will feature collaborations with DJ XO, Slim Thug, and Cook Overt. "Call me 'Ro'—it just means call me everything creative and brilliant that I am," Z-Ro said, sharing his vision for the album. He also hinted at a potential collaborative album with Sauce Walka and Propain, an exciting prospect for Houston hip-hop lovers.

Throughout the interview, Z-Ro reflected on the new generation of Houston artists, including Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and Don Toliver, and their success on a global scale. While he acknowledged they don’t always wear their Houston roots on their sleeves like some of the older acts, Z-Ro didn’t seem too concerned. "I don’t care if people are screaming Houston or not. People do what they do," he said, showing his laid-back approach to how others represent the city.

He also shared a memorable anecdote about his time working with Pimp C of UGK. Z-Ro spoke with humor and affection about Pimp C’s larger-than-life personality, his knack for delivering both wisdom and comedy, and how he wasn't afraid to push people toward greatness. "Pimp C could have been the president or got canceled 35 times by now if he were around today," Z-Ro said, painting a picture of Pimp C’s bold, uncompromising nature.

As the interview wrapped up, it was clear that Z-Ro remains an enduring figure in Houston's hip-hop scene, still passionate about making music and proud of his place in the culture. His new album, "Rother Vandross," dropping in December, is another chapter in his already storied career—a testament to his resilience, creativity, and love for the art.

Make sure to check out "Rother Vandross" on December 13, and keep an eye out for potential collaborations with some of Houston's hottest names. Z-Ro’s journey is far from over, and his contributions to hip-hop remain as authentic as ever.