Checkout these sample tracks:
Only the Blind Smile (mp3)
War Song (mp3)
Story of a Lost Man (mp3)

Vertical Zar is an energetic and cerebral rap artist based in the Washington, DC metro area. Zar brings to the table a combination of tough, heady lyrics with the flow of a seasoned MC and the mind of a poet. His influences range from Rakim to Thievery Corporation, as well as a musical family, numerous trips and stints overseas, and the news of a troubled world broadcast daily. Vertical Zar recently released his debut album Definition of Alive which had been a dream of his since age 12.

Definition of Alive features a creative blend of many musical influences fused with the rants and musings of an inspired mind. Aside from defying categories and comparisons, the album is unique because the music is all original, the instrumentation is predominately live and the songs cover a wide range of current themes from the stinging social commentary of Only the Blind Smile, to the War Song, the first-ever rap song about a World War II fighter pilot contemplating his fate as he flies into battle. Throughout the album, an army of Washington, DC area musicians have collaborated to pour Jazz, Rock, Blues and Metal into the mix and the electronic trickery on the album can keep attentive ears busy for days. Definitely worth checking out...

Featured artists include: Dave Arps of Top of Da South, Pam Bricker, Dan De Lorenzo, Dumi from OUO, Andy Hamburger, Dave Hanbury from House of Jam, Hollywood "the Good Wood" Henderson, Gem Stone, Wade Mathews, Monty Montgomery of Sugar Jones, Julia Nixon of Julia and Company, Polaris, Steve Sachse, Al Williams, Myrrh, and Dave Ylvisaker.