Bryshere Gray rose to fame as Hakeem Lyon on the Fox musical drama Empire, capturing audiences with his raw energy and musical talent. Performing under the stage name Yazz the Greatest, Gray transitioned from street performances in Philadelphia to a breakout television career. His journey combines indie music grinding, a massive primetime television debut, and subsequent industry challenges.
Born on November 28, 1993, in West Philadelphia, Gray was raised by a single mother alongside his sister. Growing up in a challenging environment, he balanced multiple odd jobs to help support his family, including working at Pizza Hut. He funneled his earnings into financing his early music ambitions, eventually getting fired after spending time writing rhymes on the clock.
The Grind to Music: Yazz the Greatest
Before landing any major acting roles, Gray immersed himself in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene. Performing on street corners and local venues, he built a localized following under the moniker Yazz the Greatest.
- Early Singles: He released independent tracks like "Homework" in 2012 and "Respect" in 2013.
- Management Break: He connected with veteran Philadelphia music promoter and manager Charlie Mack, which opened doors to higher-profile regional gigs.
- Opening Acts: His energetic stage presence landed him opening slots for established rap acts like Fabolous and 2 Chainz.
These grassroots efforts established his credibility in the music scene long before Hollywood casting directors noticed him.
The Breakout Role: Empire and Hakeem Lyon
In 2015, Fox premiered Empire, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. The series became an instant cultural phenomenon, focusing on a fictional hip-hop dynasty. Gray landed the career-defining role of Hakeem Lyon, the youngest, spoiled, yet fiercely ambitious son of hip-hop mogul Lucious Lyon and Cookie Lyon, played by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.
Auditioning via a FaceTime video where he rapped for casting directors, Gray secured a spot despite having zero prior professional acting credits. His performance blended natural charisma with authentic musical delivery. Because the character of Hakeem was an aspiring rapper, Gray contributed vocals to the show's official soundtracks, charting on Billboard lists alongside household names.
The role earned him substantial recognition, including nominations at the NAACP Image Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
Expanding Beyond Empire
While Empire anchored his mid-20th-century television presence, Gray diversified his resume across film and television projects.
Portraying Michael Bivins in The New Edition Story
In 2017, Gray stepped into a high-profile biographical role for the BET miniseries The New Edition Story. He portrayed founding member Michael Bivins, showcasing his ability to adapt to historical and ensemble-driven biographical storytelling. The miniseries was a ratings success, further cementing his status as a versatile young performer.
Film Ventures
Gray also ventured into feature films, appearing in projects such as the dance drama Honey: Rise Up and Dance alongside Teyana Taylor in 2018, the indie sports drama Sprinter, and the community drama Canal Street. These roles allowed him to step away from the wealthy hip-hop heir archetype and experiment with diverse cinematic genres.
Navigating Personal and Legal Challenges
As his profile grew, Gray faced significant personal and legal hurdles that impacted his trajectory in the entertainment industry. In subsequent years, headline-making legal troubles shifted public perception away from his early television success. These events altered his professional momentum, leading to a step back from mainstream Hollywood casting rooms and a focus on personal redirection.
Despite these turbulence points, his early contributions to the Billboard Hot 100 charts via the Empire cast recordings and his impact on musical television remain a notable chapter of 2010s pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bryshere Gray's stage name?
He performs and records music under the name Yazz or Yazz the Greatest.
Did Bryshere Gray actually sing on Empire?
Yes. Gray provided the rap verses and vocals for many of Hakeem Lyon's musical numbers featured on the show's companion soundtracks released through Columbia Records.
What was Bryshere Gray's first acting role?
His very first professional acting credit was playing Hakeem Lyon on the Fox drama series Empire in 2015.
Where is Bryshere Gray from?
He was born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he started his career performing locally on the streets.
