TYjAY takes center stage with his powerful anthem, "Brave." Showcasing his journey and resilience with a mix of raw emotion and slick production, from the first note, the minor piano keys set a somber yet captivating tone, creating a canvas that TYjAY uses to paint a vivid picture of struggle, strength, and survival.
What truly shines in TYjAY’s latest single, "Brave," is his voice. It effortlessly shifts between smooth, melodic raps and soulful croons, resonating deeply with the listener. His ability to address real-life experiences with such authenticity is hard to ignore. There’s a vulnerability in his delivery but also a quiet strength that builds as the track progresses, making "Brave" not just a song but a statement.
The production, courtesy of Grammy-nominated studio talent BrightBoyYorkie, is spot on. It’s understated enough to let TYjAY’s lyrical prowess shine yet polished enough to ensure the track feels fresh and modern. The subtle layering of beats and instrumentals complements TYjAY’s voice perfectly, creating a soundscape that’s both immersive and engaging.
"Brave" invites listeners into TYjAY’s world. He’s not afraid to let his audience in on his struggles, and in doing so, he offers a message of hope and perseverance. Leaving you deep within reflection, the power this song holds reinforces your own battles and victories, all while enjoying TYjAY’s soothing yet powerful flow.
For those who have followed TYjAY’s career, "Brave" is a testament to his growth as an artist. For newcomers, it’s the perfect introduction to his multifaceted talent and undeniable authenticity.
Welcome to Buzz, TYjAY! We're thrilled to have you here chatting about "Brave." Beneath, it is such an inspirational track. What inspired you to write this song, and what personal experiences did you draw from?
As an artist, I’ve always wanted to express my thoughts about the experiences that people of color and members of the LGBT community are still facing. As a Black Gay male of color avoiding the history of hate crimes in my community is impossible—me must face it, embrace it, and find ways to seek change. The school to prison pipeline affects our youth and their families, at times, face the burden of loss of their children either to the streets or the penal system.
As an independent artist, what has been the most challenging aspect of your music career, and how does this record reflect your journey?
The most challenging aspect of my career has been finding myself and my voice through music. That journey took a lot of time. I didn’t know if I wanted to sing or rap, or do both. So I decided to experiment with them both, which I believe Brave really highlights.
This record is a blend of various genres, showcasing your versatility as an artist. How do you decide which genre elements to incorporate into your music?
When I first heard the beat for Brave, which was produced by MannishEmotion—I connected with the sound immediately. The very sound invoked a sadness in me, but at the same time, it awakened another side of me that really brought both the lyrics and overall message to life. When I first pitched the track to Damen Heyward, a phenomenal vocal coach, singer/songwriter, and former member of Forced M.D.s, he wanted to work with me because he loved my lyricism and ability to express raw emotion from my words.
Your lyrics in "Brave" touch on overcoming challenges. What do you hope listeners take away from your story of resilience?
I would like my listeners to continue to be brave in our world. Life is going to throw so much at us all, but we all must continue to work hard and become bigger and better versions of ourselves—and not let others tell us who we are and what we cannot be in life.
How does "Brave" fit into the larger narrative of your upcoming projects or your overall career? What can fans expect next from TYjAY?
Brave is a project that is independent of some of my current music. Though it doesn’t fit the overall craft of my upcoming music and projects, it stands alone, and with an important message for so many people and artists to embrace. Currently, I am in the process of recording my debut album and releasing another single called “Attention,” which is available on all major music platforms. I am looking forward to this amazing project, and I can’t wait for you all to hear about it!