In Chicago’s creative landscape, one production company is making waves by emphasizing talent, community, and an uncompromising work ethic. Red Tape District (RTD), owned and operated by Zaevisuals, has quickly established itself as a hub for emerging artists in both the rap and the rising corridos scene. With a mission to spotlight these genres and elevate underrepresented voices, RTD is more than just a production company. RTD is a movement.

Rooted in the spirit of Chicago, RTD has come a long way since Zae first started shooting videos as an independent videographer. He recognized that the Chicago music scene, especially for Latino artists, needed something transformative. Today, they work with a range of artists, from local talents like El Malo to bigger names like Polo G and Lil Eazzy. For Zae, RTD has become a platform that uplifts artists, provides guidance, and celebrates Chicago’s diverse talent pool.

The name Red Tape District has a deeper significance. Red caution tape is often used to signal immediate dangers or high-risk areas, perfectly reflecting RTD’s fearless approach to breaking norms and taking creative risks. Zae is not just producing music videos; he is constructing a brand with purpose, one that respects the unique backgrounds and ambitions of every artist they collaborate with. From gritty behind-the-scenes footage to polished music videos, RTD is about more than content: It’s about community and a relentless drive to showcase the talent that defines Chicago’s musical heart.

What sets RTD apart is its approach to relationships and collaboration. Every artist who works with RTD becomes part of their extended family. Rather than moving on as their platform expands, Zae stays committed to these artists, ensuring that no one is left behind as RTD grows. “We are more of a family than a business,” he says. “Our relationships are important to us.” It’s this dedication that fuels their growth, allowing them to create long-lasting partnerships that prioritize collective success over personal gain.

As a fully Latino-owned company, RTD is deeply invested in uplifting Hispanic voices in an industry where Latinos are often underrepresented. “As a Mexican in the music industry, I know there’s room for Hispanics to be taken more seriously,” Zae shares. He’s inspired by the impact RTD has had on other Latinos in Chicago, motivating them to pursue their own creative paths. For Zae, RTD isn’t just about creating visually stunning music videos; it’s about pushing his community forward.

RTD operates as more than just a production company. They serve as a full-fledged creative agency, offering support throughout the entire artistic process, from booking studio time to marketing releases for various artists. This dedication to developing artists holistically allows RTD to create projects that are purposeful, building artists’ profiles in ways that many other production companies overlook. By taking a hands-on approach, RTD ensures that each artist feels supported and celebrated throughout the journey.

The company’s ambitions don’t stop at music videos. Zae is dreaming big, with plans to launch a record label that can provide even more resources and opportunities for the artists in their community. “We want to help our people, and eventually expand that into something huge,” Zae says. But they’re also strategic, knowing that this dream will be realized through steady progress, step by step. They understand the value of breaking down their vision into achievable goals, ensuring that each day brings them closer to fulfilling their purpose.

For Zae, the legacy of Chicago’s creatives, from local talents like Diamond Visuals to industry icons like Cole Bennett, fuels his vision for RTD. These names represent not just success but also a reminder of the limitless potential of Chicago’s creative scene. Red Tape District has been built into a brand that embodies resilience, family, and optimism about the future.

“We’re just kids with a big vision that came to life,” Zae says. “We want to be the best, but most importantly, we want to do it in our own way.” In an industry that often prioritizes profit over purpose, Red Tape District stands out as a company that’s not only making waves but doing so with a deep sense of responsibility to their community. As RTD continues to shape Chicago’s music scene, Zae’s commitment to authenticity and his roots will ensure that the RTD impact resonates far beyond the city’s borders.