Lay Zhang (birth name — 张艺兴 / Zhāng Yìxīng; born October 7, 1991 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China) is a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and producer, and one of the most prominent figures in the Asian pop and multi-genre music scene. He combines K-pop idol experience with Chinese solo artistry and global ambitions.
Early Life and First Steps
Lay grew up in Changsha in a family that supported his interest in performing arts. From a young age, he showed passion for singing and dancing: he appeared in TV programs and competitions as a child. His journey in the entertainment industry began with school performances and vocal and choreography training.
At the age of sixteen, he successfully passed an audition for a South Korean entertainment company and moved to Korea to train as an idol. His trainee years included vocal, dance, acting, and language training — a long preparation before debuting as a group member.
Debut with EXO and Career Beginnings
In January 2012, Lay was officially introduced as a member of the group EXO (sub-unit EXO-M) under SM Entertainment. The group’s activities brought him global recognition, exposure to the K-pop industry, and a massive fanbase. He performed as a vocalist and dancer, participated in song recordings, concerts, and variety shows.
During his time in the group, he began composing and writing music, which paved the way for his solo career.
Solo Career and International Expansion
Lay launched his solo career in the mid-2010s. He established his own independent studio (Zhang Yixing Studio) and began releasing solo EPs and albums where he acted as a producer, songwriter, and artist with a global vision.
His first EP, Lose Control (2016), was a major success and proved that he could stand out beyond the group format. His subsequent studio albums — Lay 02 Sheep (2017) and Namanana (2018) — solidified his international status. These records included songs in both Chinese and English and featured collaborations with global artists.
Lay actively performs across Asia and worldwide, taking part in tours, music festivals, and expanding his influence beyond the Asian market.
Musical Style and Characteristics
Lay Zhang’s music blends elements of C-pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic dance music, and traditional Chinese sounds. He combines dance performance and visual artistry with emotive vocals and thoughtful songwriting.
His tracks often include self-written lyrics, personal production input, and multilingual elements — Chinese, English, and Korean. He is able to balance commercial appeal with artistic individuality.
Key Releases
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Lose Control (EP, 2016) — the start of his solo journey as a producer and artist.
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Lay 02 Sheep (2017) — his first full-length studio album, establishing him as a standalone performer.
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Namanana (2018) — his international debut album featuring multilingual tracks and global collaborations.
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Later works include Lit, Producer, and other releases that continue to expand his artistic style.
Achievements and Influence
Lay has become a symbol of modern Chinese pop culture. He has ranked among China’s most influential celebrities, served as the face of major brands, and successfully combined music with acting. He also founded his own label, Chromosome Entertainment Group, and proved that a Chinese artist can cross cultural boundaries and bring the concept of Asian pop (“M-POP”) onto the global stage.
Interesting Facts
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Lay chose his stage name from a fictional character who inspired him — highlighting his desire for artistic universality.
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In addition to his music career, he has acted in TV dramas and films, expanding his image as a multi-talented entertainer.
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In 2022, he ended his contract with SM Entertainment and announced his intention to refocus on the Chinese market while continuing to pursue international projects.
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Lay is known for choreographing his own performances and for being a dance leader, paying great attention to stage visuals and artistic expression.
Conclusion
Lay Zhang is an artist of the new era — a blend of East and West, pop culture and personal artistry, dance and vocals, commercial appeal and creative depth. He is not just a star — he is a driving force in the evolution of the Asian music scene, creating sound, visuals, and experiences that go beyond genres. His journey inspires, and his artistry continues to push boundaries.
