ZAE Hayes

Xavier Omar Hayes (born November 15, 1999, in Biloxi, Mississippi), known professionally as ZAE Hayes, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He began rapping at the age of eight and started recording music at 14 using a RadioShack microphone and a mini laptop, laying the foundation for his independent music career. In 2017, Hayes released the single “Back to the Basics” from his debut project This Is My Story, marking his formal entry into the music scene. He followed this with “Ape Shit” from This Is My Story 2, continuing to build a dedicated fanbase through consistent releases and storytelling rooted in personal experiences. His early work established his identity as an artist driven by pain, growth, and ambition. Hayes gained wider recognition after being featured in XXL Magazine as an artist to watch. He went on to release a series of notable singles including “Colin Kaepernick,” “Burn,” and “Get It In” (featuring Lil Scrappy), showcasing his versatility and ability to merge social awareness with street narratives. In 2023, Hayes expanded his catalog with This Is My Story 3 (Reloaded) before releasing his debut studio album Zzz Zae, which included standout tracks “Armageddon” and “Fye Up.” He followed with Zzz On Zae, featuring the single “Leave,” and later released Hayes Story, further solidifying his presence as a consistent independent artist. Beyond music, Hayes is the founder of The Movement Global, a platform aimed at empowering independent artists and building a direct-to-fan ecosystem. Through this movement, he has sold merchandise, distributed exclusive releases, and cultivated a loyal audience without reliance on major label systems. Known for his relentless work ethic, Hayes has released a large catalog of music, including mixtapes, freestyles, and full-length projects, often described as “feeding the streets” with consistent content. His approach to independence, branding, and fan engagement has positioned him as a rising figure in the new wave of artist-led entrepreneurship. With upcoming singles such as “My Mind” and “Naked Truth,” Hayes is preparing for the release of his studio album Live And Maintain On New Time, a deeply personal project centered around resilience, legacy, and transformation. The album is set to be released directly to fans, continuing his mission of ownership and connection. Widely referred to by supporters as “ZAE Hayes The Rapper (ZHTMFR),” Hayes represents a new generation of artists who have overcome adversity to build something larger than themselves, transforming personal struggles into a global movement.