LAY: The Solo Pioneer of Chinese Pop & M-Pop

LAY (Zhang Yixing) is a Chinese singer-songwriter, producer, and performer who has carved a unique path as a solo artist following his debut as a member of the massively popular K-pop group EXO. Hailing from Changsha, China, his main achievement lies in successfully pioneering and popularizing the "M-Pop" (Mandopop mixed with other global genres) concept, with his 2020 album Lit achieving double platinum certification in China and topping numerous international digital charts.

Early career

Born in 1991 in Changsha, Hunan Province, Zhang Yixing began his entertainment training in 2008 under SM Entertainment in South Korea. After years as a trainee, he debuted in 2012 as a member of EXO, specifically its EXO-M sub-unit targeting the Chinese market, where he held the main dancer position and contributed to the group's immediate continental success.

His first official solo step came in 2014 with the digital single I'm Coming, released through SM Entertainment. This early release, while under the K-pop system, hinted at his future direction by blending Mandarin lyrics with contemporary pop and R&B production.

Breakthrough

LAY's true solo breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the establishment of his personal studio, Zhang Yixing Studio, under SM Entertainment's artist empowerment model. This move granted him unprecedented creative control for a China-based idol. His first studio album, Lose Control, released that same year, was a commercial smash, selling over 270,000 physical copies in China and achieving platinum status, a rare feat in the digital era.

The album's title track dominated Chinese music charts, solidifying his transition from group member to a bona fide solo star with his own distinct musical identity.

Key tracks

Lose Control — This smooth R&B track was his first solo chart-topper in China and established his signature sensual vocal style.

Sheep — The title track from his 2017 album, this song boldly incorporated trap and hip-hop, marking a decisive turn towards a more experimental and assertive sound.

Lit — A monumental track fusing traditional Chinese instruments with fierce electronic beats, it became the anthem for his self-defined "M-Pop" genre and garnered hundreds of millions of streams.

Jade — This 2021 single exemplifies his production prowess, blending classical Chinese melodies with modern hip-hop and a philosophical lyrical approach.

Veil — A later release showcasing his evolving artistry, combining complex dance rhythms with atmospheric synths and layered vocals.

Building on his "M-Pop" vision, LAY founded his own label, Chromosome Entertainment Group, in 2020, fully steering his career. His 2021 album Flying Apsaras further explored cultural fusion, while his role as a producer and mentor on Chinese youth survival shows expanded his industry influence. He has collaborated with artists like Steve Aoki on the track Love You More and has seen his innovative music videos consistently surpass 100 million views on major platforms.

Fans of LAY's blend of contemporary Mandopop, intricate dance music, and cultural elements should also explore these artists: Jackson Wang merges hip-hop and Mandopop with a similar global outlook. G.E.M. delivers powerful vocal performances in pop and ballads with strong songwriting. WayV offers a group dynamic with a sophisticated, synth-heavy Mandopop and dance style. Jolin Tsai shares a commitment to high-concept pop production and visually stunning performances.

LAY's dynamic catalog is a staple on modern Mandopop and Asian pop radio stations featured on this website. His hits are frequently spun on contemporary hit FM stations across Asia and dedicated online radio streams focusing on the latest in Chinese pop music and M-Pop innovation, ensuring his pioneering sound reaches a vast international audience.

Listeners can discover the evolving music of LAY and his groundbreaking M-Pop genre by