Meet Zion (Z Giv) Givens | Culture Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zion (Z Giv) Givens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zion (Z Giv), what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success is the Takeover Team. A lot of people would not “work” for free for 2 years those people would have bounced and left 2-3 months in, but this team saw the big picture and rode all the waves with me. Those waves included figuring out how we get new equipment to being asked to host some of the most important shows in the Arizona hip-hop culture. We always found and continue to find ways to get to the next level and I still believe we have not scratched the surface of our success and we are excited and I am excited to show everybody that theres a lot more in store.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As a Culture Worker, I have two important roles. First, I am a prevention specialist who talks with and educates youth, families, and organizations about various topics, including substance use, bullying, mental health, and healthy relationships. This work is crucial because it can lead to positive changes within the community and culture .

Secondly, I am the CEO of the Takeover Lounge Podcast. Our interview podcast features musicians, rappers, dancers, photographers, videographers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs in the southwest region. Initially focused solely on Arizona Hip-Hop and conducted entirely online, we expanded our partnerships and started hosting live podcasts in front of a live audience as the world opened up. We have broadened our guest list beyond Arizona rappers to provide even more value to our audience and culture.

What sets us apart from other podcasts in the southwest region is our emphasis on authentic conversations. We steer clear of negativity, drama, clickbait, and outrageous sound bites. Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable space for our guests to be themselves, allowing their followers to get to know them as people, and ultimately helping move the culture forward.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Get ready to savor the best of Arizona with an unforgettable itinerary that’s sure to leave a lasting impression! We’ll kick off our adventure in Tucson, where we’ll indulge in some of the most delicious Mexican food around at the legendary Guero Canelo. From there, we’ll satisfy our sweet tooth at Tana’s Botanna with a tempting selection of Mexican candies that are sure to delight.

But our journey doesn’t stop there – we’ll head over to Groundworks, a cutting-edge organization that brings together the best in live music and performance art. With an electric atmosphere and an ever-changing lineup of shows, it’s the perfect place to let loose and enjoy some entertainment.

As the night wears on, we’ll head over to Thunder Canyon Brewery, where we’ll sip on the famous Rum Punch and groove to some killer live music. We’ll then make a quick stop in Chandler to grab a frosted cookie Dough shot at the always-popular Bourbon Jack.

But the excitement doesn’t end there – we’ll head to AZ Way Too Active studios to catch some of the hottest shows around. With a diverse range of performances and a dynamic atmosphere that never disappoints, it’s the perfect spot to experience the thriving arts scene in Arizona.

And what better way to end the night than with some karaoke at Erine’s Inn in Scottsdale? You’ll take the stage and belt out your favorite tunes, captivating the crowd with your amazing vocals and infectious energy. It’s a night you won’t soon forget!

So come along and experience the best of Arizona – from delicious food and drink to unforgettable entertainment, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

As you can probably guess I’m more of a city night life type of person!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for allowing me to be a vessel. None of this would be possible without God’s blessings. I’m a firm believer that all great brands and companies don’t get where they are by themselves. It takes a village of people to help them get there. So, I’d like to recognize my growing village of supporters who helped me along the way.

I want to give a shoutout to my parents and little sister for always believing in me and encouraging me to follow my heart. I’m grateful for their unwavering support.

I also want to shoutout some key individuals who played a significant role in my journey. Mario (Truly) Martinez was the first person I ever interviewed at 17 years old and became a close friend and mentor. Khailill Knight-Papaioammou (KPMADMAN) believed in me and helped me put on my first hip-hop showcase on my 18th birthday at the historic Dunbar Pavilion in Tucson, AZ, which helped build my foundation. Pike Romero, a pioneer in the hip-hop community, took me under his wing and genuinely wanted me to succeed. Gabriel (Mankind) partnered with me to create the greatest music podcast in the southwest, and I’m grateful for his trust and support. Daniella Almedia who is an amazing co-host and became the older sister I never knew I needed.

I also want to give a shoutout to my close friends who were always there for me when I fell but were quick to help me get back up. Rashid (Sheek), Daevon (D), Jae, Marcus, Jose (Che), Nicky, David (Isaiah Spark), Jake, David Mariscal, and Gabriel Figueroa, thank you for being there for me.

Lastly, I want to shoutout the Tucson and Arizona community for accepting and embracing me. I’m grateful for their support and for the opportunities that this community has given me.

Website: https://takeoverlounge.com/

Instagram: @takeoverloungepodcast @Z__giv

Linkedin: Zion Givens

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@takeoverlounge8058

Image Credits
Spiral Productions