Zayn Malik started his musical career at 17 as one of the five members in One Direction. In 2010, as a contestant on Britain’s X Factor, he was placed into a group consisting of other solo hopefuls by judge Simon Cowell. Thus began the start of One Direction, a hot boyband sensation that would later steal millions of fans’ hearts worldwide.
On March 25th, 2015, Malik unexpectedly announced his departure from the group. He decided to follow his true calling as a solo artist in a R&B related genre of music.
Now, with the release of his debut album exactly a year from the day of his departure, Malik is quickly regaining a familiar sense of fame and attention. Mind of Mine features 20 tracks, including a collaboration with Kehlani. His single Pillowtalk currently ranks #22 on the iTunes Top Charts. The sound of his new music would be considered hip hop, pop, and R&B, a drastic difference from the catchy, pop melodies of One Direction. Malik’s newfound musical freedom is no doubt a success.