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“When I’m onstage, that’s like a second home to me. That’s where I feel most comfortable.”— R&B recording artist, Zay Foggs.
As Isaiah “Zay” Foggs speaks about music, the 22-year-old’s voice brims with excitement because he’s committed to his craft. It’s apparent that Foggs’ music is like a resuscitation force in his heart; so much to the point that he has a microphone tattooed in the center of his chest to symbolize that he and music are one. Zay Foggs is an R&B entertainer out of Indianapolis whose infectious vocals and captivating stage presence instantly make people draw comparisons to Chris Brown and Trey Songz. Foggs says, “I take that as a compliment, but my influences are: Usher, Michael Jackson and Tank”.
Born in San Bernardina, CA, Zay’s family moved to Indianapolis when he was five. Music played an integral role in his life as he was surrounded by relatives who were either singers or musicians, namely his grandmother, who studied and sang opera. As a teen, he played drums for his church’s choir and learned to sight read charts for both piano and drums. Because his father and grandfather were ministers, Zay’s exposure to secular music was limited until high school when he began hearing hip-hop from his friends, but he taught himself vocal riffing from listening to Boyz II Men. Gospel singer, Smokie Norful, known for his #1 hit, “I Need You Now” was also one of Zay’s early vocal influences. “My voice is more of soft, ballad type of voice,” Zay explains. “I’ve always been good at singing ballads where I can do a lot of runs. But I’m really working toward training my voice to sing more of the uptempo kind of songs, trying to get stronger in the upper register.”
When Zay first leaned toward singing R&B, his father encouraged him to pursue his interests, regardless of genre. His preparation toward a career in show business began in high school as a member and dance captain of North Central High School Counterpoints, a competition show choir in Indianapolis with an incomparable history spanning over 50 years. With the Counterpoints, Zay competed in expositions throughout the U.S. and Cape Town, South Africa. He was also part of a Pop/R&B trio, TK3, with whom he recorded a 15-track CD in two days before the group took their act on the road.
The day a producer decided to ignore his phone call led to a breakthrough for Zay. At the last minute, he and his cousin attended a music conference happening at the Indiana Black Expo. After hearing panelist, Sid “Uncle Jamz” Johnson (who’s credentials include writing and producing with such acts as Babyface, Mariah Carey, Usher, Midnight Star, Monica and The Deele to name a few) lecture on the music business, Zay wanted to get closer to Johnson to introduce himself. A woman who said she was a rapper interrupted them and asked Zay, “What do you do?” When he told her he was a singer, the woman challenged him to sing on the spot. Immediately, Zay ripped through a verse of Chris Brown’s “Take You Down” and the impromptu audition drew him two new fans—the woman and Johnson. Johnson, impressed by what he heard, would later introduced him to industry professionals such as Bo Watson of Midnight Star, and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds. Zay’s vocals are featured on hip-hop artist Ole-E’s single, “I Bet She’s Freaky” a track that was on Billboard’s monitored urban radio charts.
Foggs’ debut album, FROM MY HEART & SOUL will be full of r&b from sensual ballads to very danceable songs. He will have some guest appearances from Bo Watson of Midnight Star, Kayo of The Deele, former Manchild guitarist and Isley Brothers band member Reggie Griffin and ex-Spinners keyboardist Rodney Stepp. On Valentine’s Day weekend, Foggs traveled to Atlanta with Johnson as a special guest of superstar producer/writer/artist Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds (who also graduated from North Central High School). In addition meeting Edmonds, he also met Daryl Simmons and singer Kevon Edmonds (After 7). The event was a sold out show with Babyface, Eric Benet and Kevon Edmonds.
Production of the album is being overseen by Uncle Jamz and he has enlisted the services of D.Hittz, Kill-Will, The LaBeaud Boys, M-80, Blak & L. Wattz, Tef Jones, Brian Keith, The Visiders, Donald Bayliss and GuyWes to create a mixture of finely crafted r&b music with a twist to it.
The first single, “Slow Song” featured Bo Watson of Midnight Star, Reggie Griffin on guitar and Gee LaBeaud of The Rude Boys it is available where digital downloads are sold. The music video is on You Tube. A new single “I Don’t Wanna Sleep” is setting the table for an uptempo jam in November that will turn heads.
The young singer made quite an impact at this year’s Jazz Fest (Macy’s Music Festival) in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 28th as he opened for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The O’Jays, Monica and Midnight Star. Veteran soul singer Eddie Lever (of The O’Jays) was taken by Foggs’ vocals that after soundcheck he gave the ultimate compliments.
He also opened for the Circle City Classic Cabaret concert for Charlie Wilson, S.O.S. Band and Tank in Indianapolis at the Convention Center in October.
As an artist, Zay Foggs’ goal is to bring back music that stands the test of time. As he explains, “I want to bring back music that you can listen to now, you can listen to ten years from now, you can listen to twenty years from now, and it’s never going to die.”
Who is Zay Foggs and where are you from?
Zay Foggs is an R&B singer out of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Describe your style?
I would have to say that my style is a good mix of true old school R&B singing with a new school vibe and twist. I like to be versatile so that I can appeal to a younger audience as well as an older crowd.
Describe the Hip Hop and R&B scene in your city?
In my city the Hip Hop scene is a lot stronger and larger than the R&B scene. There are a lot more rappers than singers and sometimes that makes it seem as though rap is all anyone wants to hear. I do however think that R&B is on the come up in Nap because we have a lot of dope artist dropping.
What other artists have you had the opportunity to work with?
At the beginning of my career I had the opportunity to work with Bo Watson of the legendary R&B group Midnight Star and super guitarist Reggie Griffin, who is also from Nap. I've also been blessed to work with artists such as: Ole-E, Gee Labeaud, Big Nod, Twelve, and Skypp.
Who and what are your influences?
I was influenced when I was younger by a lot of soulful singers like Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, and Babyface, whom I got to meet this year, but as I got older I started to like a lot of old school groups like The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Take 6 and Boyz II Men. In my teens I then started listening to and was influenced by more new school artists like Usher, Tank, Tyrese, Joe, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown.
What should people expect from your upcoming projects?
My upcoming projects will display all of the different parts of my personality. You will get a taste of how I view different aspect of life whether it be about love, relationships or partying. You will get a new school vibe with a taste of old school in my music that I think R&B lovers will really be able to feel.
What artists are you listening to right now?
Right now my favorite vocalist is Tank and so I listen to a lot of him. I also am listening to Ne-Yo (a dope songwriter), Chris Brown, and Frank Ocean. Of course all of my old school influences are still in rotation.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
As far as producers go i would love to work with Jermaine Dupri, I really like a lot of the work he has done with Usher, and Timbaland, and most definitely with Babyface. I would love to do a song with Tank because I feel like he will really push my vocal abilities. I would also love to work with Ne-Yo and his production. I'd like to work with Trey Songz as well. As far as hip hop collaborations I'd like to work with Drake, Jay-Z, Andre 3000 and Ludacris.
Is there anything you would like our readers to know?
I've been blessed at such an early stage in my career to be able to perform and share the stage with some legendary acts at events such as the Macy's Music Festival and the Circle City Classic Cabaret Concert. I've met and shook hands with artists such as Babyface, Bootsy Collins, Eddie Levert, Kevon Edmonds, Daryl Simmons, the members of Midnight Star and many more. My goal is to bring back that traditional feel of R&B music that stands the test of time.
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know... What's you CRAZIEST "where they do that at?!" moment...
I would have to say it was when I was backstage at the Soul Train Awards in 2011. I saw this guy walking up and he looked like he could've been an NFL running back the way he was built, the only thing was he had on a tight sparkling muscle shirt and some black leggings with some high heels and a face full of make up (lipstick, eye lashes, etc). He walked by me, started singing, and his voice was deep like a Barry White's. I was like, "Where they do that at??"
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