By Thrive Times Editorial Staff
Few artists comfortably move between poetry, literature, hip-hop, film, and dance while maintaining a singular creative identity. Yet for zO-AlonzO, born Alonzo Gross, every artistic discipline is simply another language for telling the truth. Based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the multi-award-winning poet, songwriter, rap artist, dancer, and author has earned the nickname “Neo-Shakespeare” for blending classical literary influences with modern rap aesthetics and philosophical insight. With numerous award-winning books, national media appearances, magazine covers, and a highly anticipated debut double album arriving in 2026, zO-AlonzO continues to redefine what it means to be a multidisciplinary artist.
We sat down with the acclaimed creative to discuss his journey, inspirations, and what’s next.
Q: For readers discovering your work for the first time, who is zO-AlonzO?
zO-AlonzO: I’m a storyteller before anything else. Whether it’s through poetry, music, books, or performance, my goal has always been to create work that speaks to the soul. People call me the “Neo-Shakespeare” because I blend classical literature with hip-hop, philosophy, and real-life experiences. I don’t limit myself to one lane because creativity doesn’t have limits.
Q: Tell us about your early years. How did your artistic journey begin?
zO-AlonzO: I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, before eventually making Bethlehem my home. I graduated from William Allen High School and later studied English Literature at Temple University, which completely expanded the way I looked at language and storytelling. Before publishing books or recording music, I trained as a dancer with the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley and the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Dance taught me discipline, movement, and expression—lessons I still carry into everything I create today.
Q: Your writing career spans more than two decades. How did it all start?
zO-AlonzO: My published journey really began in 2005 when my short stories appeared internationally through the Staying Sane book series. From there, everything continued to evolve. Each book represents a different season of my life, and I always wanted my work to challenge readers while also inspiring them.
Q: Your bibliography continues to grow. Which projects stand out the most to you?
zO-AlonzO: Every book has its own purpose, but I’m grateful that readers have connected with works like sOuL eLiXir, PoemZ 4 U AND YourZ, and OfferingS Made by Fire. Those books earned multiple literary awards, including Poetry Book of the Year from the BookFest Book Awards and the Regal Summit Book Award. More recently I’ve released The mc: THE MEDITATIVE CONTEMPLATIONZ, The Visions of Beya Bean Blue, The Seeds of Royale Anthology Book 1: The Dawn Collective, Yuniz in the Land of Yonder, and my newest release, Life on Life’s TermZ. Every title reflects another chapter of growth.
Q: You were named Best Spoken Word Poet at the Lehigh Valley Music Awards. What does spoken word mean to you?
zO-AlonzO: Spoken word is where poetry breathes. The page is important, but hearing the emotion behind the words creates another experience entirely. Winning Best Spoken Word Poet in 2012 was an incredible honor because it recognized not only the writing but also the performance behind it.
Q: You’ve also appeared in film. How did that opportunity come about?
zO-AlonzO: I had the privilege of being featured as a poet in the 2017 film VOICES, directed by Gina Nemo. It was another opportunity to bring poetry into a different artistic medium and connect with audiences in a new way.
Q: Your music feels deeply connected to your poetry. Was that intentional?
zO-AlonzO: Absolutely. To me, hip-hop is modern poetry. I don’t separate the two. I usually record songs in one take because I want listeners to hear the real emotion instead of something overly polished. Authenticity matters more than perfection.
Q: Your recent releases have generated attention, especially “Dear Hip-Hop.” What inspired that record?
zO-AlonzO: “Dear Hip-Hop” is my love letter to the culture. Artists like Nas, Tupac, Biggie, Kendrick Lamar, and Gil Scott-Heron influenced the way I think about writing. The song is about honoring the foundation while continuing to push the art form forward. Along with tracks like Warning Shot, Tell It, 2000 Reasonz, 2Morrow Knowz, and Blood ‘O’ Kingz, it’s part of my evolution as both a writer and recording artist.
Q: Much of your work is released independently through Seed Royale Publishing and Entertainment. Why was ownership so important?
zO-AlonzO: Creative ownership allows me to stay true to my vision. Seed Royale Publishing and Entertainment gives me the freedom to release projects on my own terms while building something that can continue beyond me.
Q: Your influences range from Marcus Aurelius and Friedrich Nietzsche to Kendrick Lamar. How do those worlds connect?
zO-AlonzO: They’re all searching for truth in different ways. Philosophy asks questions. Poetry explores emotion. Hip-hop tells stories. Literature gives those ideas structure. I simply bring all of those worlds together in my own voice.
Q: Your accomplishments extend beyond books and music. You’ve appeared on national news and magazine covers while being recognized among the Best Poets of 2020. How do you view that recognition?
zO-AlonzO: Recognition is always appreciated, but the work has to remain the priority. Awards, media coverage, and magazine features are milestones, not destinations. What matters most is continuing to create something meaningful.
Q: Finally, what can fans expect next?
zO-AlonzO: I’m excited about releasing my debut double album in the summer of 2026. Beyond music, I’m continuing to expand into film, publishing, and new creative projects. My goal has always been simple—to leave behind work that inspires people to think differently, create fearlessly, and never stop growing.
As zO-AlonzO prepares for the next chapter of his career, one thing is clear: his artistic vision extends far beyond genres or labels. Whether through books, poetry, music, or film, the “Neo-Shakespeare” continues to build a legacy rooted in authenticity, imagination, and the enduring power of words.
