Established as a legion of gamers — and one of the most recognizable gaming clans of our generation — FaZe has ultimately expanded their range as they’ve expanded their following.
Along with adding athletes and musicians who are passionate about gaming to their roster — such as NFL quarterback Kyler Murray, high school basketball phenom Bronny James and rappers in Offset and Lil Yachty — FaZe has their sights set on a total takeover.
Dipping into the music industry by way of rising producer Kaysan — the 27-year-old Los Angeles native who signed with FaZe last summer — his work with the clan has already paid major dividends. With two major singles under his belt in “Made A Way” (feat. Lil Durk and Future) and “MVP” (feat. Sheck Wes and Fivio Foreign), he is still a relative newbie in the music biz. However, being on set for the “Made A Way” video helped him feel validated, saying: “What stood out the most to me is I actually felt like I belonged there.”
When putting together songs, which he knows is a meticulous process, Kaysan’s vision comes from knowing which artists he wants to put on just by hearing the beat . This is why the chemistry between Durk and Pluto on “Made A Way” was so tangible. “When I heard Durk cut that verse and hook, I knew it had to be Future (as the next feature),” he said. “It just felt right.”
Although he only has two official tracks out, Kaysan is streaking toward a full-length project of his own — which he announced via Twitter would be named Iris. He said the key to success for his project is to deliver unpredictable combinations of artists on tracks.
“We’ve definitely got a certain sound that I’ve hit, I want my project to have collabs you wouldn’t expect,” he said. “Sheck and Fivio, when I did that it was two people from New York but from different worlds. Bringing Sheck into that drill sound, I want all my music to feel that way.”
Corresponding with this goal, Kaysan’s next single is set to break the Internet. When he posted a teaser for it on Instagram in April, he revealed that G Herbo and Babyface Ray would headline it and that there would be two more additional artists joining. When speaking with OGM, he unveiled these secret features were Big30 and Nardo Wick.
“It’s crazy. It’s like ‘Who Want Smoke??’ part two,” he said.
Along with working with rising stars like Nardo Wick and Big30, Kaysan shared his excitement for the new wave crop of artists like Onlybino!, Destroy Lonely, Autumn!, Summrs, Slump6s and more. He discussed getting the opportunity to work with some of them, and was enamored with their commitment and hard work.
“What I love about them is their work ethic,” he said. “As soon as they’re in the studio they want to work. They value studio time, they don’t play around.”
As a producer, though, Kaysan knows it isn’t all just about the artists. His appreciation for the instrumentalists that work behind the scenes is evident, considering how close he is with producers like WondaGurl and AXL Beats, famed for providing the beats for drill hits like “War” by Drake, “GATTI” by Travis Scott and Pop Smoke, “Clueless” by Polo G, “Heavy” by Nigo and Lil Uzi Vert and “Magic City” by Fivio Foreign. Kaysan and AXL Beats have music they have been working on together on the way.
“AXL Beats is the guy,” he said. “New York drill is what I listen to so much on a daily basis and I have been for a long time, and AXL’s been that guy. To link with AXL and work with him on this future record we have coming is crazy.”
Kaysan has attributed all of this early success to FaZe and their strong network and support. Their ability to trust Kaysan and give him the tools he needs to succeed in music has proven to be worthwhile.
“What I love about FaZe Clan is they have such a great vision and they’re breaking so many boundaries,” he said. “They’re always thinking ahead.”
On this journey to keep building a catalog that can contend with any of the best producers in hip-hop, Kaysan took the time to speak with OGM host Hakeem Rowe in the coveted FaZe Clan lair. In his Our Generation Music exclusive interview, Kaysan discussed his college years at USC with Zach Bia, his friendships with Cole Bennett and Adin Ross, how he got his start playing video games, his DJ residency in Las Vegas, his love for Playboi Carti and much more.
Check out Kaysan’s OGM exclusive below!
