Brent Faiyaz
An independent R&B singer-producer whose hazy, introspective sound and defiant DIY ethos defined a generation's moody romanticism.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American R&B singer·Birthday: September 19·Millennials
Biography
Brent Faiyaz emerged not from a major label machine, but from the streaming-era underground, crafting a sound that felt both intimate and effortlessly cool. His breakthrough came with a featured verse on GoldLink's 2016 hit 'Crew,' a Grammy-nominated track that showcased his sly, airy vocals. Rather than chase mainstream validation, Faiyaz doubled down on independence, co-founding the collective Sonder and releasing music through his own label. His solo work, like the album 'Fuck the World,' is characterized by atmospheric, lo-fi production and brutally honest lyrics about love, hedonism, and the pitfalls of fame. This unvarnished, sometimes controversial persona, combined with a mastery of mood, has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase. Brent Faiyaz represents a new model of success in R&B: an artist who built a substantial career on his own terms, prioritizing sonic vibe and direct connection over traditional industry pathways.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brent was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brent Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Brent's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His feature on GoldLink's 'Crew' was certified octuple platinum by the RIAA and nominated for a Grammy in 2018.
- Founded the independent label Lost Kids and the musical collective Sonder with producers Dpat and Atu.
- His 2020 album 'Fuck the World' debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 with no major label support.
- His 2022 album 'Wasteland' debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, his highest chart position to date.
Did You Know?
His stage name 'Faiyaz' is his middle name, which means 'artist' or 'successful' in Arabic.
He dropped out of college in New York to pursue music full-time.
He directed the music video for his song 'Dead Man Walking' under the pseudonym 'Bobby Z.'
“I'm not trying to be the voice of a generation; I'm just talking my shit.”
