“Ponzu” is the new LP from Scottish MC/producer, Tzusan, dropping on 05.02.25 featuring Cappo, Verbz, Billy Got Waves, Iona Lee, Lori Asha, Philomenah, and Ed Scissortongue.

The first solo project from the Edinburgh artist following a string of collaborative releases with the likes of Shogun, Sonnyjim, Manga Saint Hilare, CLBRKS, and more, “Ponzu” is an evolution of Tzusan’s distinctive approach which draws as much from Hauntology and Hyperpop as it does from the homogenized landscape of contemporary UK rap music. The result is a sonic palette that dances between lofi nostalgia and digital maximalism, blending influences like Sega Bodega and Burial with Hip-hop and Grime. Tracks like “Lone Shark”,“Snowblind” and “Collapsed Lung” establish a subdued, dreamlike atmosphere while hinting at a darker presence beneath the surface of chopped up lullaby vocals, dusty drums and softly spoken lyricism. As the album progresses elements of Grime, Footwork, and experimental futurism seep into fabric of Tzusan’s universe from the chesty 808 subs of the title track to the woozy, jagged autotune on “Smokey Nagata”, and the funked-up memphis juke rhythms underscoring “Ouroborous”. Showcasing versatility while maintaining a consistently hypnotic feel, the MC contrasts drowsy, hip-hop flows with razor-sharp 140 delivering line after line of surreal imagery, slices of street life, poignant wordplay, and meta-modernist commentary. With a list of guest appearances including Nottingham’s Cappo, Croydon’s Verbz and High Focus head honcho Ed Scissortongue gracing the liquid dnb infused “Post Hoc” alongside award winning Scottish poet Iona Lee.

“Ponzu” is a procession of pop-culture references and possible realities parading through the faded LED signs of a sleepless metropolis, uncertain of its destination.

Somewhere between Ghostpoet, Kojaque, Jam Baxter, and Squarepusher, “Ponzu” is available on DSP’s, digital download and limited edition gatefold double LP from 05.02.25.

Tzusan sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Tzusan: I grew up in a silent monastery never hearing anything but the wind and the gentle rustle of my own hair growing. It wasn't until my 13th Birthday, when I was granted the right of passage to go into Kirkaldy and purchase Lorne sausage did I ever consider the possibility of music's existence. As a Volvo drove past, playing what I later learned to be the vengaboys, I was entranced by its sirene allure. Stepping out into the road to further investigate I was struck by an enormous metallic wall I later learned was called a "bus" and rushed to hospital. When I awoke they were playing Top-of-the-Pops 2 re-runs on a small screen in a bland, unwelcoming room. After 14 hours of staring intently at Fearne Cotton I was ready to denounce my faith. I never returned to the brotherhood bearing the sacred gift of Lorne, instead I chose to flee, living my life as a humble musician in constant fear that I might be ambushed and abducted by the shadowy religious forces that perpetuate my waking nightmare... but I can no longer return to the silence.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Tzusan: In terms of influences we could be here all day. I think a lot of my inspiration comes from outside the rap scene, folk like Sega Bodega, Burial, Iglooghost etc. Collab-wise, keeping it vaguely in the realm of possibility It's maybe a little obvious but I'd like to do something with Jam Baxter, I think him and Cappo would be crazy on a track together and I'd love to facilitate that. Outside of the UK folk like DJ Lucas, Wiki, Earl Sweatshirt etc always struck a chord with me. I try to keep an open mind with collabs because I feel a lot of folk have a rather limited imagination when it comes to these things and sometimes the best art gets made when people get pushed out of their comfort zones. I could list a bunch of rappers who I like but that's a cop out. There's probably some obscure bassoon player somewhere who I'd enjoy working with more than anyone.

3. You are about to drop a new LP - Ponzu and there is some seriously heavyweight talent featured on it, what can fans expect from the album?

Tzusan: I think of the album almost as a return to my earlier solo sound but pushed beyond breaking point. I'm sure some people who only know my music through the stuff with Shogun will be baffled, I hope so at least. I really wanted to see how far I could take the production aspect of it, folding some of the sonic landscape of hyperpop and hauntology back into hip-hop and grime, there's a lot of city-pop in there aswell. I guess I tend to talk about the production a lot because a lot of people don't realize that's all me. It's about world-building I think. You could say there's a narrative in the lyrics but I'm actually starting to think of the album as more of a setting, it's a city, it's a high-speed monorail through the rain, it's a late night ice-cream parlour, it's an empty scene where you become the character. It's like you're playing as an avatar in an open-world video game.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Tzusan: How does a tree describe its fruit? How does an ocean describe its waves? How does the moon describe its craters?

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Tzusan: I drew a self portrait for my ma when I was 4 and I've been chasing the high ever since.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Tzusan: Don't. It's not worth it.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Tzusan: He won't be on your radar yet but keep an eye out for Whatsyn. He's a good friend of mine from Scotland who recently started rapping and blew me away straight off the bat. We're working on a little suhhin' suhhin' which I'm looking forward to sharing down the line.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Tzusan: I don't actually use Spotify but I've curated a playlist on there of various stuff that influenced and inspired the album, mostly from a production standpoint. Currently I've been listening to a lot of Warcloud after learning of his untimely death in police custody. He was always one of the most intriguing artists to me, I just love the way he says completely random shit, half the time it doesn't even rhyme it's just this bizarre word salad. it's all imagery. very niche.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Tzusan: I dunno. Sleep? Life's been kicking my arse for a while now so I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Lots of reading, lots of cycling and Vitamin G's been putting me through my paces at the gym. Earl grey tea is nice.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Tzusan : Oxygen, Water and a secret third thing.