Bryshere Y. Gray

Bryshere Yazuan Gray (born November 28, 1993), professionally known by the stage name Yazz the Greatest is an American actor and rapper, best known for his role as Hakeem Lyon in the Fox primetime musical drama television series Empire. He is also known for his portrayal as Michael Bivins in the 2017 BET miniseries The New Edition Story.

Career

Since 2013, Gray has performed at a variety of music festivals in the Philadelphia area, including Jay Z's Made in America Festival, The Roots' Picnic Festival, and Power 99FM's Powerhouse concert. He also has been the opening act for rappers, such as Fabolous and 2 Chainz. His debut single "Respect" was released in 2013. In 2015, Gray began his first acting role as Hakeem Lyon on the Fox drama TV series Empire, with co-stars Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and Jussie Smollett. In March 2015, it was confirmed that both Smollett and Gray had been signed to Columbia Records as solo artists. In April 2016, Gray was cast, alongside Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Woody McClain, in a BET miniseries about R&B boyband New Edition, which debuted in January 2017. Gray was cast to portray New Edition co-founding member, Michael Bivins. In April 2018, Gray co-starred, as Tyrell, with Teyana Taylor in Honey: Rise Up and Dance.

Filmography

Discography Singles Title Year Peak chart positions Albums US USR&B/HH USR&B "Respect" 2013 — — — "No Apologies"(featuring Jussie Smollett) 2015 123 44 —Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1 "Drip Drop"(featuring Serayah) 114 37 — "You're So Beautiful"(Jussie Smollett featuring Yazz) 47 19 10 "Chasing the Sky"(Terrence Howard featuring Jussie Smollett and Yazz) 2016 — — 24 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2 Volume 2 "Good People"(Jussie Smollett featuring Yazz) — — 20

Awards and nominations BET Awards 2018: Best Actor: Empire (Nominated)

NAACP Image Awards 2016 NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Empire (Nominated) 2016: Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)

Teen Choice Awards 2015: Choice TV: Breakout Star: Empire (Nominated) 2015: Choice TV: Chemistry: Empire (Nominated) 2015: Choice Music: Song From a Movie or TV Show: "You're So Beautiful" with Jussie Smollett (Nominated)