Hayes Is an Industry Whirlwind – A ‘Who’s Next’ Interview

Kevin Benoit

An emcee bent on giving the game a different take on rap, Hayes is establishing himself as a whirlwind in the entertainment industry. Signing a deal with Interscope to produce his debut album and putting out a mixtape, Hayes’ The First 48, his sound is a combination of where he’s been and where he’s headed. We caught up with him while he was on tour with Timbaland to talk about his future with a Hayes interview. With an official co-sign from Dr. Dre and Timbaland, the future looks bright!

Parlé: What kind of projects or things are you working on at the moment?
Hayes: On the road. Been on tour with Timbaland. It’s been going great.

Parlé: What is The First 48?
Hayes: My mixtape. It’s called The First 48, cause it’s got 48 songs on it. It’s a double disc. Everybody can get a hold of it online at Iamhayes.com

Parlé: Are you working on your debut album?
Hayes: Yes. The album consists of two halves. The Dr. Dre half and the Timbaland half. Timbaland is doing his half now, and Dr. Dre will be doing his half a little later this year.

Parlé: What made you get into music?
Hayes: I grew up in Detroit listening to it. I just love it. There’s just something about it. It spoke to me. I felt like that’s what I was here for, so I just went for it.

Parlé: How did you end up in California working with Dre and others?
Hayes: I moved out to Cali when I was 16 to try to find Dre. I was trying to get signed. Everybody was like to get signed you gotta get to Cali, so that’s what I did.

Parlé: Now, you were signed to various independent labels before getting the deal with Interscope, are you still signed with them?
Hayes: No, just Timbaland and Dr. Dre.

Parlé: You worked with Supreme Team, of the Wu-Tang affiliation, how was that?
Hayes: It was dope. That’s my man. He introduced me to a lot of positive things. It was a great experience.

Parlé: How does the passion and style you put into your music differ from other rappers?
Hayes: I would say, I’m doing me. I’m confident. I’m not down with the gimmicky. I’ve got my own style and brand. I keep it 100.

Parlé: What are some of the artists you’re working with on your debut?
Hayes: I don’t know what’s gonna happen. Ain’t no telling who is on Dre and Tim’s phones. I worked with Drake and Busta Rhymes on the mixtape and a few others, but ain’t no tellin.

Parlé: Is there anyone in particular you want to work with on the album?
Hayes: Not anyone in particular, I wanna work with everybody. That’s why I did the mixtape as a double album. I want to work with everyone who inspired me, you know.

Parlé: Do you have a single off the Hayes mixtape?
Hayes: I’m looking for ideas. I’m thinking about the “Bottles Up” joint.

Parlé: That’s a dope joint.
Hayes: I’ma have to do that then.

Parlé: Who are some of your musical icons?
Hayes: Definitely Biggie. Dre. Tim, Snoop, Pac, Jay Z.

Parlé: What is one thing you’d say to the people out there?
Hayes: Don’t settle. Don’t give up on yourself. Don’t do anything that you don’t wanna do. Life is short.

If you enjoyed this Hayes interview and want to find out more about him, you can check out his tracks on Spotify.

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