Yazz the Greatest
He brought a magnetic swagger to primetime television, playing a hip-hop dynasty heir on the hit series Empire.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American actor and rapper·Birthday: November 28·Millennials
Biography
Bryshere Gray, who performs as Yazz the Greatest, emerged from Philadelphia's music scene to land a defining role on television. At 21, he was cast as Hakeem Lyon, the ambitious and tempestuous youngest son of a music mogul on Fox's 'Empire.' His natural charisma and musical background made the character a fan favorite, catapulting him to fame. The role showcased his ability to blend acting with his rap skills, performing original songs on the show's chart-topping soundtracks. He later demonstrated his range by portraying real-life R&B star Michael Bivins in a biographical miniseries, proving he could handle both fictional and historical figures with conviction. His career represents a modern path where the lines between recording artist and actor are seamlessly erased.
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.
Yazz was born in 1993, 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 Yazz Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Yazz's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Hakeem Lyon for six seasons on the Fox musical drama series 'Empire'.
- Portrayed New Edition member Michael Bivins in the acclaimed BET miniseries 'The New Edition Story'.
- Performed on multiple 'Empire' soundtrack albums that debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.
Did You Know?
He is a classically trained cellist.
He was discovered for 'Empire' through an open casting call in Philadelphia.
His stage name 'Yazz the Greatest' was inspired by a childhood nickname.
“From Philly to the world, I make my own rules.”
