introducing: hayze

Kenalyn Ang

Rapper and R&B and hip hop artist Dean Hayes, better known as ‘Hayze’ has displayed numerous musical talents and abilities in a wide range of musical genres. Since his debut EP Sorry for the Wait was released in September, and with the upcoming release of his next album No Sunshine in the Shade this winter, listeners and fans can only expect the best of Hayze, as he continues to develop his style and collaborate with artists including Slum Village, Bizarre (D12), and more from here and across the Atlantic.

Hailing from Liverpool, Hayze’s hip-hop works feature both political commentary and personal accounts and stories from his past. His rap lyrics, for instance, address racial tensions and police brutality in the USA (see track Bullet Holes on ‘Sorry for the Wait’), as well as his own and his collaborators’ upbringing (see 2015 single When the Curtain Falls). His words are sharp, crisp and alert and easy to understand, yet simultaneously have just enough delay to relay the deep emotions the artist identifies with his words. Apart from the stories he shares, the quality of his music and accompanying beats flow and harmonize with this emotion conveyed. In Resolve, Hayze’s low, mahogany voice dominates, as a set of chords on the piano softly accompanies the artist and collaborator, Damien Murdoch.

Thank You, the ninth and final track of his EP Sorry for the Wait, seems like a perfect example of Hayze’s genuine love for, as well as authenticity, in his music. Hayze raps, sings, and speaks throughout the nearly ten-minute long track. As Hayze thanks his friends, producers, and family, his punctual voice juxtaposes the silent cymbal and jazzy piano chords, but together produce a steady, easy beat that listeners can easily get into. While several singers and rappers tend to imitate a slight American accent while performing, it is refreshing to hear Hayze’s genuine speaking voice and English accent. With this, his many thanks listed out during the song seem all the more sincere. He lists so many people and names throughout this speech, laughing intermittently at inside jokes, but ultimately this creates a kind of intimacy, so much so that listeners feel included in them. He even thanks his listeners, talking directly to them and joking about downloading his tracks on Limewire - reminiscent of old friends - personalizing the EP for all of his listeners. The moment that Hayze sings, raps, or speaks into the mic, listeners are guaranteed nothing but raw emotion and absolute performance, an unadulterated and committed Hayze.

Hayze has been on tour in Michigan, Ohio, and other neighbouring states in the US this past September to October. His available works present his charisma and dedication to not only hip-hop, but to music as a whole. With his latest album No Sunshine in the Shade set to be released in December, listeners can anticipate even more examples of Hayze’s musical talents, but with more fervour and experience. 

Stay tuned for more about his newest works at http://www.hayzeonline.com/. 

Listen to some previews of what's to come here: