Inspiration finds people in many different ways. For Ezra Hwang, it came through a studio album and an accompanying screenplay that blended music, film and storytelling. This collection of art became the blueprint for Hwang’s creative journey.

Hwang, known professionally as ZRA, is a freshman majoring in creative writing while building his career as an emerging artist on campus.

In the seventh grade, ZRA was influenced by artists such as Chance the Rapper, OutKast and Lupe Fiasco. However, Donald Glover’s album “Because the Internet” and its accompanying screenplay ultimately served as his primary inspiration.

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ZRA loved film and music growing up, but felt as though he had to pick one or the other. However, Glover’s lyrical ability and creative mind inspired him to unite the two.

“With [“Because the Internet”], he was able to [utilize] his skills as a writer, which he is known and renowned for, as well as his skills as a musician. That inspired me to go on and create more, and do what I want to do,” ZRA said. “[I want] to build worlds in the same way he does.”

In high school, ZRA found creative inspiration through his friend Noah Jordan, who goes by the stage name Noah Genesis. ZRA admired Noah Genesis’ streetwear aesthetic, which ultimately influenced ZRA’s personal style and his artistic work. This fondness for fashion led ZRA to explore the contributions of Black culture and creatives, which he openly acknowledges as a profound influence on his art. 

“I am [inspired by] Black culture and Black creatives and I think that is important to recognize. The people I look up to express [themselves] in every moment,” ZRA said.

ZRA’s friendship with Noah Genesis, a producer and artist, turned into a professional partnership recently, but their lifelong collaboration dates back to the sixth grade.

“When I started releasing music on YouTube with beats I did not produce, he was one of the people that supported me the most,” ZRA said. “It got to the point where I was surrounded by a loving community of creatives and people that just loved art.”

As two passionate artists, collaboration is not always easy for the duo. However, Noah Genesis and ZRA consistently work together to better understand one another, allowing for the integration of both their ideas. This results in a seamless blending of auditory and visual artistry.

“There’s been times where we’ve gotten into big fights and [have] not talked to each other for days. We care about what we create so much, we always come back together in the end,” ZRA said.

Their long history of working together has fostered a deep relationship and unique creative process between the two.

“We have our own language … I do not think anyone understands we are that deep into it. [ZRA] will tell me something and I know what to do but no one else could on that level,” Noah Genesis said.

The two’s work often explores themes of childhood, using music videos and cover art to capture its complexities. ZRA aims to maintain the audience’s attention by creating compelling storylines that accompany his music. His subjective visuals attempt to reflect the themes of his upcoming singles, album and future projects.

“It is a mix of being happy and curious [while dealing] with the expectations that you have to live with,” ZRA said. “What I want [to create] is not in the world yet, and I have the ability to turn that into a reality.”

ZRA has already released two albums — “KPC: The Prologue” and “Utomonia: The Chase.” His latest single “BeAllRightNow!” is featured on his newest album “Dandelionz: The Epilogue,” which released Nov. 22. ZRA revealed that his new album will help him accomplish a career goal of his.

“The bucket list for me was to create a project that did exactly what [Donald Glover] did, but in my own voice, in my own language,” ZRA said.

Ramois and Asael, members of Stockton-based group WESTCLIFFHOLT, shared their opinions on ZRA’s and Noah Genesis’ collaborations. WESTCLIFFHOLT has individually collaborated with Noah Genesis in the past and now they admire the work he has created with ZRA.

“The way they make music is by not trying to be something they are not. It is really natural,” Ramois said. “They are not trying to stunt.”

Asael echoed similar beliefs, emphasizing the two’s dedication to their craft.

“They love their work just as much as anybody else. I think Noah and Ezra push out projects within one to two weeks,” Asael said. “Their work ethic is crazy. They are consistent.”

ZRA’s three albums follow a continuous storyline, with “Dandelionz: The Epilogue” serving as a testament to four years of dedicated work and collaboration. Reflecting on the journey, ZRA shared his thoughts and complex emotions surrounding the album’s release.

“I don’t know, it’s weird,” ZRA said. “I think [I am] coming to terms with letting it go, [releasing it] and letting it out to the world. Once you release it, it is not yours anymore.”

With this trilogy coming to an end soon, ZRA provided insight on his future career plans.

“We will always have this partnership. I definitely can not imagine a future where I am making music and [Noah] is not with me,” ZRA said.