From the heart of Chicago, Isiah Wilson, known by his stage name Zayway, is carving his own lane in the music industry with a raw sound that blends hip hop, R&B, country, and even a bit of soul-searching singing. His musical journey started from a place of pain and inspiration—the passing of his mother, coupled with the support of his family, was the spark that ignited his passion for music. “I felt a lot of hurt, and the only way to release that was through music,” Zayway explains. “My family really pushed me to take it seriously.”
Zayway’s career took off in 2020, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he decided to take it full-time, dropping music videos and performing at showcases. From there, his momentum only grew. Despite facing challenges in the beginning—like struggling with streams and building an audience—his perseverance paid off. He credits consistency for his success. “Even when I didn’t see the results right away, I stayed focused and kept pushing,” he reflects.
His music serves as a form of therapy, not only for himself but for others too. Whether it’s through love songs, party anthems, or tracks that speak to life’s darker moments, Zayway’s ability to connect with his listeners is unmatched. “When people are feeling down, I want them to know they’re not alone,” he says. “I want my music to give them the same healing it gave me.”
Though Zayway started out working with a team—Rackedupent—he eventually made the decision to go solo, changing his stage name from Rackedupzay to Zayway. This transition wasn’t easy, but it symbolized his growth and determination to forge his own path in the music world. Despite the battle, Zayway remains optimistic and is grateful for the journey that’s brought him here. “The streams, the success, the money—it’s all just a bonus to the fact that I get to do what I love every day,” he says.
As he looks forward, Zayway is excited to release his next single, Lost Files, and continues to engage with his fans through social media, often responding to messages and comments to show love. His genuine connection with his supporters is something he values deeply, and it plays a huge role in his continued success.
Stay tuned for more from this rising star who’s just getting started, and be sure to check out his latest single on Apple Music.
Check out Zayway’s new single “Get to You” on Apple Music.
Follow him on Instagram @Zaywaymusic
