Zaya Lee: Rising Rapper and Actor on Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop for LGBTQ+ Artists

Meet Zaya Lee, a talented rapper and actor from Syracuse, New York, who's not only making waves with his music but is also breaking down barriers in the hip-hop industry. Inspired by an early love for the arts - sparked by his elementary school music teacher and performances in school plays - Zaya's journey took a major turn in 2018 when he competed in Las Vegas at the International Presentation of Performers, winning four medals across acting categories. Now, as an independent artist, Zaya is dedicated to building a career that celebrates his identity, with a mission to challenge homophobia in hip-hop and make space for LGBTQ+ voices. Recently, he took the stage with RuPaul's Drag Race star Kasha Davis, showing audiences what it means to be true to oneself and paving the way for the next generation of LGBTQ+ artists.

Please enjoy our interview!

Growing up in Syracuse, how has your hometown shaped you as an artist, and what unique perspective do you bring to the hip hop world because of it?

I would say growing up in Syracuse has really taught me to be myself despite not fitting in and just creating a lane that I can prosper in. In the end, it's all about being authentic to me.

You began pursuing a solo music career in 2020. How would you describe your growth as an artist since then?

My growth as an artist since 2020 has been huge. I mean just writing wise, sound wise, and performance wise. Everything has just gotten completely upgraded. I just revamped everything that I thought I was supposed to be doing as an artist and everything that I was aiming for has just got a total and complete new feel to it. I'm excited to show the people what I'm really capable of.

What are some of your career milestones that you are most proud of?

Some of my career milestones I think are the best experience I've ever had. I tell people all the time you never know when a great opportunity can come from anywhere. I went to a free Facebook audition at a hotel here in Syracuse and ended up making it through. I was represented by John Robert Powers, and made it all the way to Las Vegas for iPOP LA and met great people from all over the world and worked with some phenomenal acting coaches. Another milestone would be getting to perform on the main stage at Syracuse Pride event in front of a whole lot of people, that was great! Also, getting to open up for Aquaria because that was a great and sold out show. The energy was amazing that night, working with Mrs. Kasha Davis was great. and just being ready to see what Zaya Lee has coming next.

What have been some challenges along the way and how did you overcome those moments?

Some people not supporting me that I care about, that's the game though. I just work, work, and work and always stay busy to overcome anything.

You recently performed with Kasha Davis from RuPaul's Drag Race on "The Pleaser." How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like to share the stage with such a prominent figure?

So yes, recently I got to work with Mrs. Kasha Davis who was phenomenal. I loved working with her. I would work with her again anytime. She was so sweet and so kind. That collaboration came about through two of my favorite people ever, my Friend/Agent Christenelle Diroc from back home and Mr. Charlie from Charlie's Angels himself, Tony.

They both do a lot, a whole lot for me and they definitely pointed me in the right direction to work with Kasha and the song came into fruition. It was definitely due to their footwork. I'm incredibly appreciative of Christenelle and Tony. I come with the creativity, but you know there's a lot more that goes into making a song and getting everything put together behind the scenes. I have to salute them and take my hat off because they go really hard for me.

Breaking down barriers around homophobia in hip hop is extremely important to you. What message do you want to convey through your music, and how do you hope to inspire other LGBTQ+ artists?

Breaking down those barriers is super important because we like to enjoy the music and culture too and just because of what we choose to do in our personal lives doesn't take away from being creative and having something to say, and our artistic ability and plus just respect us. We should be able to take up space and have our own seat at the table. Who is to say we don't get one?

What's next for you in both music and acting? Are there any projects or collaborations you're especially excited about?

What's next for me when it comes to music and my artistry, Christenelle and Tony got some huge projects for me including Darienne Lake, Jasmine Masters (Ru Paul's Drag Race), Ms.Toi and so many more coming. Those guys are some real real real ones on my team that make a lot of things happen behind the scenes. So I've got to show them a lot of love. I seriously don't know where my career would be right now without those two.

What advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ artists who are trying to break into the music industry and make a name for themselves?

If there's any advice I would give to gay artists trying to make it. It would just be like screw it and just go for it. The odds are already against you so just be yourself and really go for it. Balls to the wall. Middle fingers to the world.

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