Christopher Brent Wood, known professionally as Brent Faiyaz, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He was born on September 19, 1995, in Columbia, Maryland. His father is of Dominican ancestry, while his mother is African-American. Faiyaz stated in an interview with Billboard, that at the age of six, he was gifted his first play keyboard, leading to him “falling in love” with music. He started producting music at the age of twelve and sold beats to older kids to make money. He often listened to hip-hop after his brother recommended he listen to Ginuwine and Timbaland; he started listening to R&B when he reached high school. Faiyaz attended Long Reach High School, where he graduated at 17. His parents were not always understanding of his dreams as a musician; which Faiyaz said was warranted because his love for music “always distracted” him from school, resulting in his grades being consistently low. Shortly after graduating, Faiyaz and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Faiyaz was skeptical about the move initially but soon realized it would only be beneficial and increase his work ethic. Faiyaz revealed to GQ that at the age of eighteen, he moved out of his parents’ house because they didn’t support his music dreams. In 2014, Faiyaz moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his music career.
Four: All Mine
“All Mine” is a hauntingly beautiful R&B ballad by Brent Faiyaz, featured on his 2022 album WASTELAND. The song captures the emotional push-and-pull of love, control, and uncertainty in relationships. With his signature moody tone and raw delivery, Brent paints a picture of a man who’s both deeply in love and desperately afraid of losing the woman he desires. This track has garnered over 425M streams on spotify and over 28M views on YouTube. The Lone Wolf and Mark Peaced-directed music video was released months after the song’s release on September 28, 2022. The video has a “black-and-white visual” and “translates the song’s anxiety into a high-class conflict. “All Mine” showcases Brent’s ability to balance vulnerability and confidence, soft vocals with strong emotions. It’s not just a love song—it’s an emotional experience, perfect for late-night listens, deep thoughts, or moments. when you’re trying to figure out what someone really means to you. This song has achieved significant commercial success. The self-produced single was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 29, 2023, signifying over one million equivalent units sold in the United States.
FYI
- Despite his mainstream success, Brent has resisted signing with major labels in favor of maintaining creative control. He released WASTELAND through his own imprint, Lost Kids, and has built a loyal fanbase without the typical industry push. This move makes him one of the few R&B artists thriving in the commercial space while operating on his own terms.
Three: Dead Man Walking
Released on September 18, 2020, as the lead track from his sophomore studio album, Wasteland (2022), “Dead Man Walking” is a captivating single by Brent Faiyaz. This song delves into themes of hedonism, existential reflection, and the complexities of fame. Faiyaz’s lyrics portray a lifestyle filled with indulgence and a sense of impending doom, encapsulated in the metaphor of being a “dead man walking.” It haa garnered over 462M streams on spotify and over 66M views on YouTube. Critics have lauded “Dead Man Walking” for its immersive soundscape and lyrical depth. Upon its release, “Dead Man Walking” achieved notable chart success. It peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and reached number 43 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart . The song’s popularity was further amplified by its viral presence on platforms like TikTok, solidifying its status as a standout in Faiyaz’s discography. “Dead Man Walking” has since become one of the defining tracks that shows who Brent Faiyaz is as an artist: unfiltered, emotionally complex, and unafraid to sit in discomfort.
Two : Jackie B ft &friends, and JOSEPH (CH):
Released in May 16 2025, “Jackie B” is a unique cross-genre collaboration that merges Afrohouse, melodic house, and alt-R&B elements. The song is part of &friends’ growing catalog of globally-influenced house music and stands out thanks to the rare feature from Brent Faiyaz, known for his brooding R&B sound. It’s an example of how artists are increasingly blurring genre boundaries, and Brent’s presence brings a soulful edge to the vibrant, dance-oriented track. It has garnered over 272K streams on spotify. Brent delivers smooth, laid-back vocals, creating a contrast between the high-energy rhythm and his signature moody tone. While not heavy on storytelling like some of Brent’s solo work, “Jackie B” evokes a feeling of freedom, mystery, and allure. The track could be interpreted as an ode to a captivating woman (Jackie B), or simply a vibe-driven piece about escapism and movement. This song shows Brent Faiyaz’s versatility and willingness to step out of the R&B box.
Awards/Nominations
Brent Faiyaz is yet to receive an award but he has been nominated for a couple of awards.
- He earned a Grammy nomination in 2018 for Best Rap/Sung Performance for the song “Crew” with GoldLink and Shy Glizzy. At the iHeartRadio Music Awards, he was nominated for Best New R&B Artist in 2019 and later for R&B Artist of the Year in both 2023 and 2025. At the American Music Awards, he was nominated in 2022 for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist. He has been recognized at the BET Awards with nominations for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist in both 2023 and 2024.
- In 2024, the Billboard Music Awards nominated him for Top R&B Artist and Top R&B Male Artist, further solidifying his place as a prominent figure in modern R&B.
Discography
- Sonder Son (2017)
- Wasteland (2022)
- Larger Than Life (2023)
One: Clouded
Brent Faiyaz’s “Clouded,” from his 2020 EP F**k the World, is a deeply introspective track that delves into themes of fame, personal struggles, and the complexities of modern relationships. The song’s minimalist production allows Faiyaz’s emotive vocals and candid lyrics to take center stage, creating a haunting atmosphere that resonates with listeners,making it one of his break out tracks due to wide range of reception. It has garnered over 690M streams on spotify and over 51M views on YouTube. These lyrics convey a sense of existential questioning, highlighting his inner turmoil and desire for meaningful connections. The song also touches on the superficial relationships that often accompany fame, with Faiyaz expressing emotional detachment and a longing for authenticity. Upon its release, “Clouded” received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and stripped-down aesthetic. The song resonated with a wide audience, earning a 3× Platinum certification from the RIAA and a Gold certification from the BPI. Its success solidified Faiyaz’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary R&B.
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