“Who’s Next?”… Hayes: backed by Dr Dre & Timbaland
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 his mixtape, the First 48, Hayes’s sound is a combination of where’s he’s been and where he’s headed. We caught up with Hayes while he was on tour with Timbaland to talk about his future. 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 halfs. 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 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 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 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. Tell everybody to go to Iamhayes.com.
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