Chinese pop talent Lay Zhang primed for crossover success as he releases genre-bending new album LIT

Lay Zhang takes a global approach to pop music.

And the ‘Justin Timberlake of China’ is ready to woo the west with his cross-cultural sound.

The Chinese talent – who is also in the K-pop ground Exo – is hoping to introduce a new audience to his genre-blending style with the release of the second half of his album LIT.

The title track broke records as the most YouTube views by a Chinese artist in 24 hours when it came out last month.

And it’s a favorite of Lay’s because of the way it ‘clearly illustrates the concept of M-Pop and important Chinese elements, like the instruments.’ 

The music video for LIT is full of symbolism for the singer/rapper, who performs in both English and Mandarin.

‘The Dragon in the music video for LIT symbolizes my wishes, aspirations, and relentless pursuit of perfection in all the elements – dance, visuals, and music,’ he told DailyMail.com.

‘The song LIT goes out to everyone who has a dream – never give up, even if you face challenges along the way, or if those around you don’t understand what you’re trying to achieve. LIT is a dark hip-hop track with strong messages.’

In April Lay teamed up with producer Steve Aoki and will.i.am on the track Love You More.

Talking about the collab with Billboard, the singer said: ‘Steve has great energy and Will has a dope style. I feel honored to work with and exchange culture between these two. I hope more of these cross-culture collaborations can happen!

The second half of LAY’s new album LIT is out now.