Xay Dryz (pronounced “Z-a-y D-r-i-z”) is not your average rapper. He is becoming a household name in his hometown of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Surrey, being the second largest city in British Columbia, acts as a melting pot of different vibes, cultures, and experiences. Growing up surrounded by cultural contrast allowed Xay to develop a meaningful and poetic “birds eye view” perspective of the world. Xay uses his music to share that perspective with his listeners as well as for a personal therapeutic outlet. From the quietest streets to tougher environments, the 24-year-old uses his vibey & impactful music style, observant personality, and storytelling ability to paint a unique picture of the world.
The young rapper is a rare breed of artist in that Xay Dryz not only writes but also produces and mixes his music. His style combines elements of trap, mainstream rap, alternative rap, Rnb, conscious rap and orchestral influence. Xay carefully crafts music that is catchy, energetic, and replayable, but also relatable, sincere, and impactful. His mixtape “Can’t Explain” encompasses his production style and includes two hot tracks (“I Need Ya” and “Can’t Explain”) which have both been placed on radio play since the start of 2023. His recent EP “Hero” also showcases his versatility with concepts of struggle, love, success, and determination.
Growing up in a Jamaican musical household, music was always an outlet of expression and propelled Xay to pursue music as a hobby throughout childhood. Playing drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, piano, and trumpet, the young hip-hop artist is a true musical talent. As a teenager, Xay was intrigued by the production side of music and soon taught himself how to produce, write, mix and master his own songs. Pairing that with the fact that he now also writes and produces for artists and companies in & outside of Canada, Xay Dryz is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Xay Dryz graduated in 2021 from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design. He then went on to start his small design business. Though seemingly unrelated, design and music began to prove to have a symbiotic relationship with each other, enabling him to make unique video, digital, and music content faster and with higher quality. Referring to the skills learned in design school, Xay explains that, “Because one of my best skills is problem-solving, having all those tools at my disposal just enhanced my potential for creativity”.
The young Rapper/Singer/Songwriter/Producer lives and breathes music in its truest form. He says “I’m one of the ones who is actually doing this for the music itself. I’m not in it for the money, fame or any other reason. I just love music and the way it impacts people”. Inspired by his Christian faith, and artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Lecrae, Xay Dryz is determined to be a trailblazer and put Vancouver on the map in the music scene.
Name:
Xay Dryz
Genre:
Hip Hop/Rap
Founded:
2018
# of Albums:
4
Latest Album:
“Legacy”
Latest Single:
Can’t Explain
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
J.Cole
Favourite musician now:
J.Cole
Guilty pleasure song:
The entire “Camp Rock” soundtrack
Live show ritual:
#1) eat a meal 1 hour before set
#2) vocal exercises
#3) pray before I go on
Favourite local musician:
Nesta.k
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
New EP “Legacy”, released on July 7th
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Youtube | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Red Robins
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
168 St, it’s where my childhood house was, then when I moved across to the other end of the city but was on the same street, and now moved back to the north side and am still on the same street.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Bear Creek Park. From childhood, I would always go to the Caribbean festivals they put on. It’s always a great experience.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Rogers Arena
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & Mcquade
