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Slayr

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Slayr
McDonald in 2026
McDonald in 2026
Background information
Also known as
  • countdragons
  • Slayer77
Born
Evan McDonald

(2007-05-22) May 22, 2007 (age 19)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • producer
Years active2021–present
LabelColumbia[a]
Formerly oflockehearts

Evan McDonald, (born May 22, 2007), known professionally as Slayr[4][5] (stylized in lowercase), is an American rapper, singer, and record producer from Philadelphia. He rose to fame in late 2025 following the release of his mixtape Half Blood, and later followed through with its reissue BloodLuxe, both of which received critical acclaim from media outlets for their execution, structure, and diversity of genres.

Early life

[edit]

McDonald is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[5][6][7] Both of his parents are Jamaican immigrants.[8]: 2:19  He grew up in Philadelphia and was interested in video games such as Sonic Colors and Kingdom Hearts; he has credited video game soundtracks with getting him into music.[9][8]: 2:32  He has cited Crush 40, who developed many songs for the Sonic franchise during the 2000s, as his introduction to rock music. He has also cited Lil Uzi Vert as his introduction to rap music around 2015.[8]: 3:05  McDonald later started experimenting with music inside FL Studio.[citation needed] He describes his childhood as "relatively cool".[10] Exposed to music at an early age, he started taking piano lessons around age five.[11] His mother provided him with a keyboard, which he says is why he knows how to produce.[8]: 4:37 

McDonald credits the death of XXXTentacion in 2018 as what inspired him to start making music. McDonald began making music on GarageBand[12]: 1:08  at the age of 11,[8]: 6:07  deciding to pursue music as a serious career just a few weeks later.[12]: 1:08  His mother was initially unsupportive, instead preferring that McDonald make orchestral music.[8]: 4:37  He has stated that Percy Jackson and God Of War got him into mythology, which would later become a prevalent theme in projects such as his Gaia series and Half Blood.[13][8]: 8:36 

Career

[edit]

2021–2023: Career beginnings and Gaia

[edit]

McDonald first became involved in music through the online messaging app Discord.[2] His first viral song was "Fourth Gear Cypher", released in 2021.[2] Following the single's success, McDonald released his third mixtape Gaia in 2023. It was inspired by artists Pi'erre Bourne and Kanye West.[2] He has described the mixtape as a major development for his sound.[2] McDonald would participate in diss wars during this time.[8]: 3:53 

Between the releases of Gaia and Gaia 2, McDonald released three more projects: Stay Safe, 17, and Enter My Mind for a Second. During this time, McDonald says that he would watch T-Pain live streams in order to study Auto-Tune.[14]: 24:48  He has described the production on Gaia 2 as "self-produced"; additionally stating that Gaia 2 was initially planned to contain "Ian type beat crazy bullshit."[12]: 12:50  Gaia 2 released on October 4, 2024. In an interview, he stated that he was working on another album that he expected to drop in December of that year;[12]: 38:57  however, this did not release. During this era, he would become a frequent collaborator of American rapper and streamer PlaqueBoyMax, appearing on multiple of his song wars.[15]

2025–present: Major releases, performances, and record deal

[edit]

In 2025, McDonald released his sixth mixtape Half Blood.[16] Subsequently, he has garnered millions of views on YouTube and "been subjected to irrational aura debates."[16] McDonald also signed a major label deal, which was later revealed to be with Columbia Records.[16] The mixtape featured rapper Lucy Bedroque.[17]

In April 2026, Pitchfork reviewed Half Blood (Bloodluxe), rating it a 6.7.[9] Writer Mano Sundaresan argued that the mixtape reflected a commercial accessible take on the rage rap genre, stating that McDonald made "maximalist, crowd-pleasing rage rap that prioritizes craft over feeling."[9] He added that, "if rage rap ever makes its way onto a Target store playlist, it might sound a little like Slayr."[9] On May 10, 2026, McDonald performed at Rolling Loud in Orlando, Florida.[18] On June 13, 2026, McDonald performed at Summer Smash 2026,[19][20] he also made a guest appearance on PlaqueBoyMax's set as well.[21] On June 17, McDonald was featured on the track "Constantly" alongside Tiffany Day.[22] His debut headlining tour, in support of Half Blood, is scheduled to begin in August 2026 in San Francisco and conclude in September 2026 in Milwaukee, the tour will have Egobreak as the main DJ to help support throughout the tour.[23] On July 2, 2026, during Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, California, it was announced that Slayr, alongside other notable artists will be featured on the upcoming 2026 fall EP Beyond Borders Vol.1: Emerge Mode Miku.[24]

Then, on July 10, 2026, he released Avant Nova,[25] a six-track EP with production from Underscores, and a single feature from Prettifun.[25][26] In August 2026, McDonald released "Keep Me Going (Birdbrain)", which samples "Birdbrain" by the American musician Jamie Paige, featuring vocals produced using the Synthesizer V voicebank Kasane Teto. He would then follow up with "Try and Fail" with SoFaygo,[27] and would then make a guest appearance on Beyond Border's track "Light", alongside Hatsune Miku, Xamiya, and Picco.[28]

Artistry

[edit]

Influences and musical style

[edit]

McDonald's music combines trap, rage, and digicore with influences from video game soundtracks and EDM. As noted by The Fader, his music contains a genre blending approach, which mirrors artists such as Skaiwater and 100 gecs.[29] Writing for Pitchfork, Mano Sundaresan notes his transitions parallel those on Lil Tecca's 2023 album Tec.[30] McDonald himself has described his music "more of a fusion than just a style."[8]: 18:30  McDonald has cited Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTentacion, Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Ken Carson, and SoFaygo as influences on his music.[31][32][33] Production wise, McDonald cited Pi'erre Bourne and Kanye West, Travis Scott, F1lthy, Metro Boomin, and Working on Dying as his influences.[33][34]

Reception

[edit]

His music has generated positive reviews, with fans and critics praising his creativity.[1] Additionally, McDonald was listed as one of the "32 coolest artists of 2026" by The Fader.[35] On June 24, 2026, it was announced that McDonald was featured in the Freshman XXL class of 2026.[36] On August 4, 2026, Complex labeled McDonald as the 94 hottest rapper in their "100 hottest rappers right now" list.[37]

Discography

[edit]

Mixtapes

[edit]
Title Album details
Lost Files (Exclusives)
BeFour My Creation
  • Released: August 17, 2022
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Gaia
  • Released: May 22, 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Stay Safe
  • Released: February 10, 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Gaia 2
  • Released: October 4, 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming[b]
HeavenTunes
  • Released: May 30, 2025
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Half Blood
  • Released: November 5, 2025
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Reissues

[edit]
Title Album details
Half Blood (BloodLuxe)
  • Released: March 6, 2026
  • Label: Columbia[a]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

EPs

[edit]
Title EP details
Destruction
  • Released: April 30, 2022
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Chaos (#B4Gaia)
  • Released: February 8, 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
#B4G2
  • Released: 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
17
  • Released: May 22, 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Enter My Mind for a Second
  • Released: July 19, 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Luxe 0.1 (as Countdragons)
  • Released: December 21, 2025
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Avant Nova
  • Released: July 10, 2026
  • Label: Columbia[a]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
Hot
[38]
"Fourth Gear Cypher!" 2021 — Lost Files (Exclusives)
"Feel the Thrill" 2022 —
"Got Me Thinking" — Non-album singles
"Victorious! Freestyle" —
"Zah Zah" —
"See It All" — BeFour My Creation
"Fairy Dust" —
"#DumbDumb" —
"Idol" —
"A King Needs a Throne" — Non-album singles
"Sweep" 2023 —
"X"
(with 666Rehab and Kaisani)		 2024 —
"Jealous"
(with Kaisani)		 —
"Poster Child (Power 3)" 2025 —
"Missedplay" —
"Move Her Body" —
"Body Parts" —
"Set in Stone" — Half Blood
"Just Like Mine" — Non-album singles
"Slay Pro" —
"Turn It Up"[39] 2026 —
"Power 4"[40] — Half Blood
"Homerunner"[41] — Non-album singles
"Constantly"
(with Tiffany Day)[22]		 —
"Keep Me Going (Birdbrain)" 8 TBA
"Try and Fail"
(with SoFaygo)[27]		 —
"Light"
(with Hatsune Miku, Picco, and Xamiya)[28]		 —
"Remember Them Days"[42] —

Other charted songs

[edit]
List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
Hot
[43]
"Promise" 2026 31 Avant Nova

Notes

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 Although streaming platforms attribute the phonographic copyright solely to Slayr, he is signed to Columbia Records.[3]
  2. ↑ Project type unknown. Listed as an album on Spotify and Youtube Music, but EP on SoundCloud

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 Press-Reynolds, Kieran (May 8, 2026). "Toward a Theory of Burger Music". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Vivian, Medithi (March 12, 2026). "slayr on Bloodluxe and making heart-on-his-sleeve digicore". The Fader. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Slayr Team Roster". ROSTR. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Torres, Bianca TorresBianca (July 8, 2026). "Slayr - 2026 XXL Freshman Freestyle, Interview and More". XXL Mag. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Crone, David. "Slayr Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Slayr". The Masquerade. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  7. ↑ Medithi, Vivian. "slayr doesn't care about aura". The Fader. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Kids Take Over (February 19, 2026). Slayr Interview: Aura, Half Blood, Greek Mythology, Lil Uzi Collab? Diss Wars, Rage, Sloppy Joe. Retrieved March 17, 2026 – via YouTube.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Sundaresan, Mano (March 18, 2026). "Slayr: Half Blood (BloodLuxe)". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  10. ↑ Medithi, Vivian. "slayr doesn't care about aura". The FADER. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  11. ↑ "The slayr Interview: Counting Dragon, And Breaking The Rules". For The Speakers. October 11, 2025. Archived from the original on March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "ARTIST ON THE RISE || Interview w/Slayr". YouTube. October 15, 2024.
  13. ↑ Sundaresan, Mano. "Slayr: Half Blood (BloodLuxe)". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  14. ↑ Kids Take Over (February 19, 2026). Slayr Interview: Aura, Half Blood, Greek Mythology, Lil Uzi Collab? Diss Wars, Rage, Sloppy Joe. Retrieved March 17, 2026 – via YouTube.
  15. ↑ MaxPlug (February 17, 2024). Plaqueboymax Song Wars!. 25:49 minutes in – via YouTube.
  16. 1 2 3 Medithi, Vivian (March 30, 2026). "Slayr to open for Yeat on upcoming LOVE/LYFE Tour". The Fader. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  17. ↑ Corcoran, Nina (March 6, 2026). "8 New Albums You Should Listen to Now". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  18. ↑ Lindert, Hattie (May 8, 2026). "Rolling Loud 2026 Livestream Schedule & Details Announced". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  19. ↑ Smentkowski, Elena (April 13, 2026). "Lyrical Lemonade Releases 2026 Summer Smash Lineup". Secret Chicago. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  20. ↑ Braboy, Mark (June 14, 2026). "Why is EDM playing at a hip-hop festival? Summer Smash shows why the genres go hand in hand on day two, as Skrillex headlines". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  21. ↑ Medithi, Vivian (June 17, 2026). "Your next favorite rapper performed at Summer Smash 2026". The Fader. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  22. 1 2 Giandurco, Jillian (June 17, 2026). "Tiffany Day Finished Her New Song "Constantly" In Four Hours". Nylon. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  23. ↑ Medithi, Vivian (June 24, 2026). "slayr announces 23-date tour this summer". The Fader. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  24. ↑ Green, Walden (July 4, 2026). "Exclusive: First Details and Trailer Revealed for BEYOND BORDERS Vol.1: EMERGE MODE MIKU, a New EP Featuring Hatsune Miku Singing With Grimes, slayr, and More". IGN. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
  25. 1 2 Corcoran, Nina (July 7, 2026). "Slayr Readies New Avant Nova EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  26. ↑ Green, Walden; Corcoran, Nina; Lindert, Hattie (July 10, 2026). "12 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Kelela, Jack White, and More". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  27. 1 2 Cole, Alexander (August 18, 2026). "Try and Fail - Song by Slayr featuring SoFaygo". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  28. 1 2 Piedra, Josh (August 28, 2026). "slayr and Hatsune Miku Join Forces on High-Energy New Single "Light"". The Outerhaven. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
  29. ↑ Medithi, Vivian. "slayr doesn't care about aura". The FADER. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  30. ↑ Sundaresan, Mano. "Slayr: Half Blood (BloodLuxe)". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  31. ↑ Torres, Bianca (July 8, 2026). "Slayr - 2026 XXL Freshman Freestyle, Interview and More". XXL Mag. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  32. ↑ "The slayr Interview: Counting Dragon, And Breaking The Rules". For The Speakers. October 11, 2025. Archived from the original on March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  33. 1 2 Slayr On "Underground" Rap, Playboi Carti's Influence, His Love of Pop Music. YouTube. Retrieved September 14, 2026.
  34. ↑ Slayr On What "Underground" Means & His Favorite Lil Uzi & Playboi Carti Albums. Complex. Retrieved September 14, 2026.
  35. ↑ Hess, Tobias (June 3, 2026). "The 32 coolest artists of 2026 (so far)". The Fader. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
  36. ↑ Cline, Georgette (June 24, 2026). "2026 XXL Freshman Class Revealed". XXL. Retrieved June 26, 2026.
  37. ↑ Sanfiorenzo, Dimas; Jordan Rose; Jon Barlas; Antonio Johri; Mike DeStefano; Will Schube; DeMicia Inman; Kiana Fitzgerald (August 4, 2026). "100 Hottest Rappers Right Now [August 2026]". Complex. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. August 7, 2026. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  39. ↑ Cole, Alexander (March 21, 2026). "Turn It Up - Song by Slayr". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  40. ↑ Cole, Alexander (April 29, 2026). "Power 4 - Song by Slayr". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 30, 2026. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
  41. ↑ Spencer, Tallie (May 22, 2026). "Homerunner - Song by slayr". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 22, 2026. The track drops on the artist's 19th birthday
  42. ↑ Cole, Alexander (March 21, 2026). "remember them days - Song by slayr". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved September 26, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. July 17, 2026. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Slayr&oldid=1376852305"