Bryshere Gray: Biography, Career, Movies, TV Shows and Music
Bryshere Gray, also known as Yazz the Greatest, is an American actor and rapper who became widely recognized after playing Hakeem Lyon in the television drama Empire. Born on November 28, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gray built his career through music before making a successful transition into acting.
His career is interesting because his first major acting role came after he had already developed experience as a performer and rapper. His background in music also became an important part of his work on Empire, where his character was an aspiring hip hop artist.
Who Is Bryshere Gray?
Bryshere Yazuan Gray is an American actor and rapper who performs under the name Yazz the Greatest. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and developed an interest in music during his teenage years.
According to biographical sources, Gray became interested in rapping after a football injury kept him away from the sport. He began concentrating more seriously on music and performing.
Before becoming a television star, Gray performed at music events and worked to establish himself as a young rapper. His early music career helped prepare him for the entertainment industry.
Bryshere Gray and His Early Music Career
Music came before acting for Bryshere Gray. Using the stage name Yazz the Greatest, he performed at events and released music while developing his identity as a rapper.
His early performances included appearances at Philadelphia music events and larger festivals. He also performed alongside established hip hop artists. His early songs and performances helped him attract attention before his acting career began.
Gray’s music background later became one of his biggest advantages when he auditioned for Empire. Instead of simply portraying a fictional rapper, he already understood the performance style and musical environment required for the character.
Bryshere Gray as Hakeem Lyon in Empire
The role that changed Bryshere Gray’s career was Hakeem Lyon in the Fox musical drama Empire.
Hakeem is the youngest son of Lucious Lyon and Cookie Lyon. He is ambitious, talented and determined to become a major figure in the music business. The character’s story includes family conflicts, musical competition and the pressure of growing up in a powerful entertainment family.
Empire premiered in 2015 and ran for six seasons. Gray appeared throughout the series as Hakeem, making the role a major part of his professional identity. IMDb lists the series among his best known credits.
For Gray, Empire was especially important because it was his first major acting opportunity. His real life experience as a rapper helped make Hakeem’s musical performances feel natural.
What Made Hakeem Lyon Popular?
Hakeem was one of the most recognizable younger characters on Empire. His personality was often confident and rebellious, but his story also showed his attempts to mature and prove himself.
The character had a complicated relationship with his father, Lucious, and his mother, Cookie. He also competed with his brothers while trying to establish his own position in the family business.
Gray’s performance allowed him to combine acting and music in the same role. This helped separate Hakeem from many traditional television characters.
Bryshere Gray in The New Edition Story
After establishing himself on Empire, Gray took another important acting role in the BET miniseries The New Edition Story.
He portrayed Michael Bivins, a founding member of the influential R&B group New Edition. The miniseries explored the group’s rise, relationships and challenges within the music industry. Gray’s casting showed that his career was moving beyond one television character.
The project also allowed him to return to a subject closely connected to his own background: music.
Bryshere Gray Movies and Other Acting Work
Bryshere Gray has also appeared in film projects outside television.
His credits include Canal Street and Honey: Rise Up and Dance. He has also appeared in entertainment programs and projects connected to his music and acting career.
Although Empire remains his best known television credit, these projects demonstrate his interest in working across different parts of the entertainment industry.
Bryshere Gray’s Music and Acting Style
One of the most interesting aspects of Gray’s career is the connection between his music and acting.
When creating music for Hakeem, Gray explained that the songs were designed around the character and the story of Empire. His personal music under the Yazz name was different and more connected to his own experiences.
That distinction is important because it shows that Gray developed two related but different creative identities. Hakeem was a fictional performer, while Yazz the Greatest represented Gray’s own musical ambitions.
Bryshere Gray’s Career Journey
Gray’s career followed a relatively unusual path. He started with music, gained attention as a young performer, and then received a major acting opportunity.
His journey can be viewed in several stages:
- Teenage years: Gray developed an interest in rap after a football injury.
- Music career: He began performing and releasing music as Yazz the Greatest.
- Empire: He landed his breakthrough acting role as Hakeem Lyon.
- Television projects: He later portrayed Michael Bivins in The New Edition Story.
- Film: He expanded his acting credits with movie roles.
This combination of music and acting remains central to his public career.
Bryshere Gray’s Impact on Fans
Gray’s story has attracted attention partly because of his transition from a young Philadelphia performer to a nationally recognized television actor.
His early career also demonstrates how skills in one area of entertainment can create opportunities in another. His musical background directly supported his role in Empire, while his television success gave him opportunities to explore additional acting projects.
His Philadelphia roots are also an important part of his personal story. CBS Philadelphia described him as a West Philadelphia native and highlighted his development from a young musician into an Empire star.
What Is Bryshere Gray Known For?
Bryshere Gray is primarily known for:
- Playing Hakeem Lyon on Empire
- Playing Michael Bivins in The New Edition Story
- Performing music as Yazz the Greatest
- Combining rap and acting in his entertainment career
- Appearing in films such as Canal Street and Honey: Rise Up and Dance
His role as Hakeem remains the performance most closely associated with his name.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryshere Gray
How old is Bryshere Gray?
Bryshere Gray was born on November 28, 1993. He is 32 years old as of 2026.
What is Bryshere Gray famous for?
He is best known for playing Hakeem Lyon on the Fox television series Empire.
Is Bryshere Gray a rapper?
Yes. He has performed as a rapper under the stage name Yazz the Greatest.
What character did Bryshere Gray play in Empire?
He played Hakeem Lyon, the youngest son of Lucious and Cookie Lyon.
Who did Bryshere Gray play in The New Edition Story?
He portrayed Michael Bivins, one of the founding members of New Edition.
Where was Bryshere Gray born?
Bryshere Gray was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Final Thoughts
Bryshere Gray has built a distinctive career by combining two creative fields: acting and hip hop. His breakthrough as Hakeem Lyon on Empire introduced him to a large television audience, while his earlier experience as Yazz the Greatest gave him a strong musical foundation.
From Philadelphia music performances to major television productions and film roles, Gray’s career shows how a performer can use existing talents to create new opportunities. His work on Empire remains his signature achievement, but his roles in The New Edition Story and other projects have added more depth to his career as an entertainer.
