Bryshere Y. Gray has steadily been making waves in both the music and television worlds, and his big break came in 2015 when he joined the cast of the hit Fox drama “Empire.” Bryshere Y. Gray landed the role of Hakeem Lyon, the youngest son of powerful music mogul Lucious Lyon—played by Terrence Howard—and a character with dreams of carving out his own path in hip-hop. This opportunity didn’t come out of nowhere; Bryshere Y. Gray had already been building momentum for years before stepping onto the Empire set.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryshere Y. Gray attended Overbrook High School—a school known not only for its academic programs but also for producing another entertainment powerhouse: Will Smith. Inspired in part by that legacy, Bryshere Y. Gray began pursuing his passion for music early on. Going by the stage name Yazz the Greatest, he started gaining attention through live performances around the city and by posting videos on his personal YouTube channel. His tracks like “Gonna Make It” in 2011 and “Homework” in 2012 quickly gained traction online, helping to spread his name beyond local circles.
Thanks to that growing buzz, Bryshere Y. Gray was invited to perform at several high-profile events. He shared stages with major artists, appearing at Jay-Z’s 2013 Man in America Festival and joining lineups for shows featuring top rappers such as 2 Chainz in his hometown of Philadelphia. With his debut single “Respect” officially released, Bryshere Y. Gray turned his sights toward acting—an ambition many saw as a natural next step, especially given the footsteps of fellow Overbrook alum Will Smith.
So, he auditioned for a new Fox series created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. During the tryout, Bryshere Y. Gray delivered a freestyle rap that stood out among the competition. That raw talent and authenticity helped him land the pivotal role of Hakeem Lyon, blending his real-life experience as an aspiring hip-hop artist with the character’s journey. From local stages to primetime TV, Bryshere Y. Gray has proven time and again that he’s not just riding a wave—he’s creating one.
So, when it comes to Bryshere Y. Gray, you know, his career has had its ups and downs. Now, if we’re talking about his most notable work in film, a lot of people point to Sprinter from 2018. Interestingly enough, Bryshere Y. Gray’s highest rated movie happens to be Sprinter (2018)—yeah, that one really stood out to critics and audiences alike. But here’s the twist: despite the praise, it’s also considered his lowest rated film in some circles. Yeah, I know—it sounds kind of confusing, right? Still, Bryshere Y. Gray definitely made an impact with that role. So whether you’re looking at highs or lows, Sprinter (2018) keeps coming up whenever folks talk about Bryshere Y. Gray’s filmography.