Bye-bye One Direction pop tunes, hello soulful R&B. Singer/songwriter Zayn Malik may be a newcomer to the world of solo artistry, but he is definitely no stranger to the spotlight. Being thrown into fame at a mere 17 years old and making music ever since has undoubtedly played a role in Malik’s disinterest in all things bubblegum pop.

“There was never any room for me to experiment creatively in the band,” Malik told Fader magazine in his first major interview since splitting from the group in March.

One Direction is taking a year and a half hiatus, giving Zayn the perfect time to show fans what he’s made of. Malik is without a doubt on top of the world, with a gorgeous supermodel girlfriend and the support of fans from his One Direction days as well as those who are new to the 23 year old singer, a fandom self-titled the ‘Zquad.’

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the day Zayn drops new music since rumors of a possible collaboration with British producer, Naughty Boy, arose. Throughout 2015, Zayn switched up his hair color no less than five times. He has gone from an engaged-to-be-married man to a 23 year old single guy on the market. These lifestyle changes eerily coincide with his decision to leave One Direction. Coincidence or not? You decide.

After getting himself settled into the new boy band-less life, Zayn is finally ready to begin producing new music. His first single titled ‘Pillowtalk’ took the world by surprise when the song and its corresponding video was released on January 29, a very epic day. The single debuted Zayn’s new style, a soulful mix of pop and R&B, and fans devoured it. The song shot up to the number one spot on iTunes’ and Billboard’s charts, and stayed there for weeks to come.

With his newfound success as a solo artist, it is only going to give him the momentum to continue. Zayn has released another single called ‘It’s You’ and took part in singing ‘Back To Sleep’ with Usher and Chris Brown. There is no doubt in mind that he will rise to to be the next Justin Timberlake of sorts, and prove to the world that he doesn’t need four other musical counterparts to shine.