Brent Faiyaz on Carving Out a Unique Space in Contemporary R&B
Brent Faiyaz has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary music with his blend of raw, candid lyrics and ’90s alt-R&B vibe. In a candid interview with Billboard, Brent Faiyaz delves into his music career, sharing insights into his early beginnings and entrepreneurial ventures.
Faiyaz co-founded the independent label Lost Kids with his manager, Ty Baisden. The pair expanded past the company’s music focus into other ventures such as startup companies, real estate, and the Start You Off grant program, which supports Black women entrepreneurs.
“We’re learning from each other,” Faiyaz shares about Baisden, “But we didn’t go into this trying to do each other’s job. That’s what makes our alliance so special.”
The Lost Kids label became the platform for his influential projects, including the critically acclaimed Wasteland. This release solidified his reputation as a leading voice in R&B and highlighted his ability to blend nostalgic elements with modern sounds.
Faiyaz hadn’t initially seen himself fit for R&B. “I wasn’t really a take-my-shirt-off-and-show-my-abs [onstage], so I didn’t think I was suited for it,” he shares with Billboard. It was when proper reassurance from Baisden that the R&B artist followed his passion and creativity for music.
In 2023, Faiyaz partnered with UnitedMasters in a deal reportedly worth $50 million to create a new creative agency, ISO Supremacy, supporting his independent ventures and maintaining ownership of his music.
Faiyaz’s latest album, Larger Than Life, debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200. Featuring collaborations with artists like A$AP Rocky, Missy Elliott, and Coco Jones, it marks a significant milestone for him and showcases his evolving artistry in R&B.
“R&B music is soulful and reality-driven; I want to portray the good, the bad, and the ugly,” the Best Rap/Sung Performance Grammy Nominee continues. “I want to have a song for every situation you could possibly be going through. Life can be toxic sometimes, and I have records for that.”
The soft-spoken artist’s independent mindset and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in his career. “It kills me when labels sign an artist knowing who that artist is creatively, but then they try to dictate their music and other things,” Faiyaz recounts, reflecting on his experience as a newcomer and independent artist navigating deals with high-status record labels.
Faiyaz shares with Billboard, paving the way for many inspiring minds such as himself, “There are still a lot more things I want to learn. But now I’m realizing how important it was to break the mold so that people can see my story. That has been my role: to usher in the new wave of creative freedom.”
Check out Faiyaz’s newest music video, “Best Time,” below.
