Born February 1, 1999, Zion Banz (real name Zion Walker) is an independent artist, founder, and creative visionary raised on the west side of Chicago, with deep roots in Garfield Park. He grew up without knowing his biological father, recalling only a single memory of seeing him one time—his last—at the age of four. That early absence would quietly shape his independence, worldview, and emotional depth.

Much of Zion’s childhood revolved around Whipple Street, specifically Jackson & Whipple —a place where he ran, played, and built bonds with family and friends. Whipple Street was more than a hangout; it was a family stronghold, the place where much of his bloodline came from and where his earliest sense of identity was formed. At four years old, Zion moved to K-Town, where he was primarily raised, though he continued traveling back and forth to Whipple Street, staying closely connected to his roots.

His early life was grounded in faith and music. Zion grew up attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Madison Street, where he participated in the choir and developed an early understanding of harmony, rhythm, and emotional expression. He was surrounded by sound—Chicago house music, blues, soul, R&B, and gospel—long before stepping into a recording space. His first performance came in 4th grade at Learn Charter Romano Butler, marking the beginning of his relationship with the stage.

Zion later attended North Lawndale College Prep High School, and by late 2013 to early 2014, he began recording music seriously. Around 2014, as his environment and influences shifted, Zion became actively involved in street life, gang-banging and representing the Four Corner Hustlers in the Austin community, alongside friends from high school. Those experiences—both the dangers and realities—would later become part of the raw perspective embedded in his music.

At 17, Zion survived being shot in both the hand and thigh, a life-altering moment that reinforced his resilience and sharpened his awareness of consequence and survival. At 20, he became a father, a turning point that deepened his sense of responsibility, focus, and long-term vision.

As his worldview evolved, Zion stepped away from organized religion and embraced a spiritual path rooted in shamanism, personal consciousness, and inner exploration. He has a deep fascination with conspiracy theories, science fiction, nature, wildlife, deep-sea exploration, aliens, UFOs, and cryptids—themes that often surface symbolically in his music, visuals, and conceptual world-building.

Artistically, Zion Banz draws influence from Wiz Khalifa, Future, Chief Keef, Flexxbabii/DJ Nate, Young Thug, Kanye West, G Herbo, Sicko Mobb, Lud Foe, Black Kray, Lil B The BasedGod, ATL Smook, T-Pain, Soulja Boy, D. Savage, and Migos, blending hip-hop, trap, melody, and experimental energy into a sound that refuses categorization.

Beyond music, he is the Founder and CEO of Flush Gang Monopoly, a brand and movement centered on independence, ownership, and creative control. He is also the nephew of Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker, a prominent dancer, choreographer, and performer for The Gap Band, whose influence helped shape Zion’s appreciation for rhythm, performance, and stage presence.

Today, Zion Banz creates from lived experience—merging survival, spirituality, street reality, and futuristic curiosity into music that feels raw, intentional, and uncompromising. Each release serves not just as entertainment, but as a reflection of evolution, identity, and truth.