Christopher Brent Wood, known professionally as Brent Faiyaz, is a notable American R&B singer with a compelling career trajectory. Born on September 19, 1995, he gained widespread recognition through his collaboration with GoldLink on the hit single “Crew” in 2016.
This track achieved remarkable success, certified 6× Platinum by the RIAA, and even earned Brent Faiyaz a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
In the year 2021, Brent Faiyaz continued to make waves in the music industry with a series of successful singles. “Wasting Time,” featuring prominent artists Drake and The Neptunes, as well as “Gravity” with DJ Dahi featuring Tyler, the Creator, and the track “Mercedes,” all secured positions on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 chart. Furthermore, Faiyaz’s second album, “Wasteland,” debuted impressively at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Early Life:
Born as Christopher Brent Wood, Brent Faiyaz hails from Columbia, Maryland. His journey in music began at the young age of 12, and he continued to develop his craft over the years. Faiyaz pursued his education at Long Ranch High School, successfully graduating at the age of 17. However, his pursuit of a music career was not always met with understanding from his parents, who had concerns about how his love for music often seemed to distract him. After graduation, Faiyaz made the bold decision to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina. Initially skeptical about the move, he soon realized that it would be instrumental in honing his work ethic and advancing his musical aspirations.
Career:
2013–2016: Early Career and A.M. Paradox
Faiyaz embarked on his musical journey by sharing his experimental compositions on SoundCloud in 2014. During this period, he transitioned from his hometown of Columbia, Maryland, to Charlotte, North Carolina, and eventually settled in Los Angeles, California, to further cultivate his music career. On January 19, 2015, Faiyaz introduced his debut single, “Allure.” The lead single from his debut EP, “Invite Me,” was released on June 1, 2016. His EP, “A.M. Paradox,” was unveiled on his 21st birthday, September 19, 2016. It received critical acclaim, setting the stage for his burgeoning career.
In October 2016, Brent Faiyaz formed the group “Sonder” with acclaimed record producers Dpat and Atu. Their debut single, “Too Fast,” was released on October 25, 2016. Notably, on December 16, 2016, Faiyaz was prominently featured alongside rapper Shy Glizzy in the single “Crew” by rapper GoldLink, marking a significant milestone in his career.
2017–Present: Into, Sonder Son, Fuck the World, and Wasteland
On January 26, 2017, Sonder released their debut EP titled “Into,” earning them recognition as “Artist of the Month” by Duplion for January 2017. The EP also secured a notable position, ranking 23rd on Complex’s list of “The Best Albums of 2017 (So Far)” on June 6, 2017. On June 21, 2017, Faiyaz was featured in the remix of GoldLink’s “Crew,” alongside Shy Glizzy, and with the inclusion of rapper Gucci Mane. Moreover, on March 8, 2019, Faiyaz’s talents shone brightly as he featured on the track “Demonz (Interlude)” from Juice Wrld’s second studio album, “Death Race for Love.”
By navigating his musical journey with determination and creativity, Brent Faiyaz has firmly established himself as a noteworthy figure in the realm of R&B music. His innovative approach to music continues to captivate audiences, and his chart-topping successes reflect his undeniable talent and dedication to the craft.
