Lay

Zhang Yixing (; born ), known professionally as Lay Zhang or simply Lay, is a Chinese rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, producer and a businessman. Zhang first gained recognition for participating in the Chinese television talent show Star Academy in 2005. He later debuted as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo and its Chinese sub-unit Exo-M boy band under SM Entertainment in 2012. In 2015, Zhang founded a personal agency for his solo activities and music releases and released an autobiography titled Standing Firm at 24. In 2016, Zhang released his first extended play (EP), Lose Control. The EP peaked at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and number four on Billboards US World Albums chart. Zhang is the first Chinese solo artist to hit the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 and the first Chinese solo artist to hit Top 5 on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart. Since his debut as a solo artist, Zhang has produced and released over 100 songs including 4 studio albums and 5 EPs, and has won numerous music awards. In 2020, Zhang founded the Chromosome Entertainment Group and serves as CEO.