Published on January 15th, 2016 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is Iyaz? #OfficialHype

Multi-Platinum, singer, songwriter, and rapper IYAZ released his first single “Replay”, written by him and Jason Derulo, which rapidly soared on the charts and reached #1 Top 40 and is currently over 6 times platinum. His 2nd single “Solo” is getting close to double platinum, and his 3rd and 4th singles “So Big” and “Pretty Girls” have both gone gold. Critics describe Iyaz as “candy to the ears”. With inventive re-imaginings of the reggae-splashed, hook-heavy Pop/R&B, that artists like Rihanna, Sean Paul, Nicki Minaj, and Sean Kingston, made popular, Virgin Island born IYAZ, quickly built up a huge cult following. He’s friends with, and has been featured on Multi Platinum Selling Global Superstar Artists like: Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Travie McCoy, FloRida, Big Time Rush, David Guetta, Sean Kingston, Rick Ross, New Boys, Charice, etc. In just a short time, he has toured and/or shared the stage with Justin Beiber, P Diddy, Sean Kingston, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Charice, 102.7 KISS FM’s concert series “Wango Tango” 2 years in a row, etc. His songs have a been licensed in countless TV shows and video games like Melrose Place, The Voice, The City, So Random, Dance Central 3, Wii Dance Party, etc., and the still virtually new artist IYAZ, has already made the rounds on TV including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lopez Tonight, Disney’s So Random, Viva, etc. Notably, he’s also been featured twice on hit album series “Now That’s What I Call Music!” 33 and 34 and also packaged in the hit XBOX 360 game DJ Hero, paired for mashup with another hit song from none other then the queen of the charts and other island native, Rihanna.

IYAZ’s songwriting style is timeless and universal; he is a storyteller who paints visual scenarios that tug at the listener’s heart-strings. Every lyric he writes is handcrafted to relate and connect to the Tween listener, creating loyal fans/consumers, bringing value for brands to engage in. And his music is sparkling clean, he doesn’t need to resort to curse words or negative themes to express emotional depth. The 26-year-old artist makes uplifting reggae-infused Pop/R&B melodies for Tween Demographics, inspired by island shorties, wireless romance, and the anguish of unrequited love that kids experience on a daily basis. More importantly, he uses his rising star status for good, having recently participated in the “We are The World” benefit for Haiti – “I was honored to lend my voice to that cause.” IYAZ understands sacrifice and dedication firsthand, because the music business has been challenging for his love life. Instead of cultivating a relationship, he’s busy in the studio and touring. But when things get to be too much, IYAZ can always return to his other great loves of wearing the hottest fashion apparel, playing basketball and football with his friends, and buying the newest smartphone or media technology.

The stairway to climb to the top got much less strenuous for IYAZ after Sean Kingston discovered him on MySpace. One can call him talented and one can also call him damn lucky. “I have no idea how Sean found me,” says IYAZ almost shooting that response back at me. “I did not even plan to become big; I was just making music for people at home for fun.” Any band or musician probably wishes a big celebrity would find them on MySpace and make them famous. One might wonder what his advice is for getting there. Without missing a beat, IYAZ states “Don’t let anybody tell you how to be yourself. You are responsible for your own craft.” It clearly shows that IYAZ makes music for the enjoyment of it. Having a mass amount of people liking it is arguably the greatest added bonus one can get out of it.

IYAZ has spent that last year regrouping and developing the sound that he had always wanted to pursue. IYAZ says, “sometimes you get locked into a certain sound and image, and everyone around you is telling you how you should sound, what you should write about, how you should look and I really never got to let my fans know who the real IYAZ is”. “That’s why I took control of my career and hooked up with some long time friends and business associates to help me out”, says IYAZ. With shows booked out the rest of the year and also in the studio now planning to get a full length album out later this year, IYAZ is quite busy. He already has a full EP ready to go that he can’t wait to share with his fans. It is expected to be similar to his other works, but now fans will get the chance to explore the artist even further with a deeper amount of music to listen to. He ultimately wants the recording to be a reflection of who he is. “I’m a total perfectionist. Each note needs to sound just right,” says IYAZ in response to a question about what kind of musician he is.

As you see your self, who is Iyaz?

Iyaz is the guy whose songs make you happier. Plain and simple. You could be in a terrible mood, but my song comes on the radio and changes that. Everything I do, my music, my art, I put my passion and positive energy in it so whoever hears my music is affected in a positive way. It’s feel good music!

Tell us about your current project?

My current project is the result of the kid who sang replay growing up. I took some time off after my initial success, went back home… enjoyed time with my family, got away from the spotlight. Now I feel I’ve matured not only as an artist but as man. I want to share this experience of growing up and channel that into my new album. All the reasons my fans around the world came to love me, you’ll hear that in my new music, but in addition you’re gonna hear some new things I picked up along the way.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

That’s easy, having people come up to me and telling me my music makes them happy. It’s not about people “liking me” that does it for me, it’s the fact that something I created improved someone’s life… even if it’s just for a few seconds. That feeling is why I continue to work in the music industry.

What makes you the next great happening?

Man… my intentions are pure. I swear. All I wanna do is make people happy. I don’t care about the money, the fame… I know that all sounds cliche but all I can say is what I know in my heart. And that I love making music that makes people happy.

Are your currently signed to a label or have any situation in the making?

Yes I am signed to Rekless Music, a new Los Angeles based record label founded by JD (Boy Rekless) Salbego and distributed by ADA/WMG. My team is strong and focused, I am very blessed.

Who and what are your influences?

Reggae, gospel, pop. Bob Marley, The Wailers, Aretha Franklin, Wanda Adams, Kurt Franklin, Michael Jackson, and many more.

What should people expect from your upcoming 2016 projects?

They should expect all the things they love about my previous music, as well as some updates and new stuff sprinkled in!

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

Just that I’m grateful for this interview and grateful for anyone who takes the time to listen to my music. I hope it leaves a positive impact on you!

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

Oh man there are crazier ones but the one that comes to mind right away because it was a very traumatic experience… an engineer I was working with came into the vocal booth to fix my mic, and the dude farted nasty! Needless to say we had to move studios because that booth was tainted. haha

Interviewed By: Just Jay

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