Getting to know music artist Shayan Shafi

What’s your artist name?

My name is Shayan Shafi, but I go by $hay. Before I publicly started posting my music, I used to go by Pai$a; however, my nickname was always Shay. I decided to integrate my past name, Pai$a, into Shay to come up with my current artist name- $hay.

Why do you love music?

Growing up, I always had my earphones plugged in. Music is something I have been drowned in for years now, and after moving around a lot, I started meeting people who taught me the art of producing and mixing. After a couple of attempts for fun, I immediately fell in love. I see music as art and as poetry. Every song is someone’s masterpiece, emotional or not.

What makes you different as a music artist?

Every track of mine is a reflection after a personal anecdote. I thrive off of the belief that music is an art of storytelling; therefore, I truly believe my music can help people going through situations similar to ones that I went through as well. I want to make music to express my heart, and if people don't like it, then I know they are not my target audience. The people who do, always, say they love it. I want to keep representing my feelings through music and think my flows and styles are versatile enough to make it big.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Honestly, I have two answers to this question. For the longest time, I saw myself as a working dentist, following my family’s business. However, I know now that music is not just a side hobby. I love music. It is my passion and my life. I not only want, but need to keep doing this, and in 5 years, want to see myself editing a track on the 40th floor in a Chicago apartment, fame or not. Of course, I will be alongside my friends who have been with me since the start.

What do you want to accomplish in life?

I have had the same mentality that I have had since a child; I want to help people. I want to make a difference in this world, and provide as much support as I can to people in need. With that, I have now come to know my way of doing that is through music. I want to make it not just for me, but for others too. I see my fans as friends, because if they relate to the same pain that I went through, then I automatically like them.

What do you bring to the music world?

That's the thing, y’all ain’t ready! My music is about to shock the world. I am going to change the game up. I listen to all types of music, therefore I am versatile. My next album is going to great example of what I am trying to say (keep a lookout for it at the end of this month!). Not only do I see my flows and lyricism as a key factor in my music, but all of my emotions throughout the track are also real, and are my responses to situational occurrences. I am different. That’s all you need to hear.

What do you want to be remembered by?

Simple. I want to be remembered as Shay. I want to be remembered as the artist that cared for his fans, had the best concerts, and made dope music. I want to be known as the “you sound like Shay”. I want to be known as the rapper from Pakistan because my home country needs some good in nowadays media. So, I want to be remembered as Shay, because that's who I am, and although I get influenced by other artists, I am my own musician. As I said before, I am different.