Bryshere Y. Gray
| Bryshere Y. Gray | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Gray at 2016 PaleyFest | |
| Born |
Bryshere Y. Gray November 28, 1993 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Known for | Hakeem Lyon on Empire |
Bryshere Y. Gray (born November 28, 1993),[1][2] also known by the stage name Yazz The Greatest or simply Yazz,[3] is an American actor and rapper, best known for his role as Hakeem Lyon in the Fox primetime musical drama television series Empire.
Early life
Gray was born in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2] At 16 years old, Gray discovered a passion for music after being injured playing football for his high school team. He began to use his talent as a street performer to earn money and help his single mother afford their living expenses. His efforts eventually led to a partnership with manager Charlie Mack.
Career
Since 2013, Gray has performed at a variety of music festivals in the Philadelphia area, including Jay Z’s Made in America Festival, The Roots' Picnic Festival, and Power 99FM's Powerhouse concert.[4] He also has been the opening act for rappers such as Fabolous and 2 Chainz.[5] In 2015, Gray began his first acting role as Hakeem Lyon on the Fox drama TV series Empire, with co-stars Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Jussie Smollett.[6] In March 2015, it was confirmed that both Smollett and Gray had been signed on with Columbia Records as solo acts.[7] In April 2016, Gray was cast alongside Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Woody McClain in the BET miniseries about R&B boy band, New Edition set to debut in 2017. Gray signed on to portray founding member, Michael Bivins.[8]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Empire | Hakeem Lyon | Main role |
| 2017 | New Edition: The Movie | Michael Bivins | Miniseries about R&B boy band New Edition |
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [9] |
US R&B/HH [10] |
US R&B [11] | |||
| "No Apologies" (featuring Jussie Smollett) |
2015 | 123 | 44 | — | Empire Season 1 OST |
| "Drip Drop" (featuring Serayah) |
114 | 37 | — | ||
| "You're So Beautiful" (Jussie Smollett featuring Yazz) |
47 | 18 | 10 | ||
| "Chasing the Sky" (Terrance Howard featuring Jussie Smollett and Yazz) |
2016 | — | — | 24 | Empire Season 2 Volume 2 |
| "Good People" (Jussie Smollett featuring Yazz) |
— | — | 20 | ||
Awards and nominations
Teen Choice Awards
- 2015: Choice TV: Breakout Star: Empire (Nominated)
- 2015: Choice TV: Chemistry: Empire (Nominated)
- 2015: Choice Music: Song From a Movie or TV Show: "You're So Beautiful" with Jussie Smollett (Nominated)
NAACP Image Awards
- 2016: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Empire (Nominated)
- 2016: Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)
References
- ↑ Eichel, Molly (December 3, 2014). "Bravo host Andy Cohen loved working with Eagle Boykin". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia Media Network. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
- 1 2 "Meet Bryshere Gray, The Bad Boy Doing Better On 'Empire'". VIBE. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ↑ "Who Is Hakeem on 'Empire'? Bryshere Gray, aka Yazz the Greatest, Is Conquering TV & Music". Bustle.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ↑ "Empire State of Mind: Bryshere Gray Talks Hakeem And Working With Timbaland". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ↑ "Who Plays Hakeem on Empire? 5 Things to Know About Bryshere Gray". Wetpaint. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ↑ Hammond, Evelyn (January 31, 2015). "'Empire' TV Series Cast Bryshere Gray And How He Crawled His Way Into The Phenomenal Fox Show Discussed". Franchise Herald. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ↑ Kennedy, Gerrick D. (March 11, 2015). "'Empire' aims to climb music charts as well as TV rankings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ↑ "Bryshere Y. Gray Among Stars of BET's New Edition Project". ABC News. Associated Press. April 20, 2016. Archived from the original on April 21, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
- ↑ "Empire Cast – Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
- ↑ "Empire Cast – Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
- ↑ "Empire Cast – Chart History (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2016.