Spotlight Session: Zay Money

Young talent coming up and looking out for Philly youth.

Some artists are chasing attention. Others are learning how to carry responsibility early.

When I first came across Zay Money, what stood out wasn’t just his age — though being 12 years old and already performing, recording, and traveling for school and community events is notable. What stood out was the intention behind his work. In a city where so many young people are navigating pressure and uncertainty, Zay is using music, acting, and creative projects to promote positivity, anti-bullying, and staying focused on a different path.

Zay Money is a young rapper and performer from Philadelphia who has been involved in music and the arts since early childhood. He comes from a large, close-knit family deeply rooted in creative and community-based work, and that foundation has shaped both his message and his discipline as an artist. His music is clean, purposeful, and geared toward young audiences who need to hear encouragement as much as entertainment.

I wanted to talk with Zay not just about what he’s doing, but why.

Showing Up Early

ANDRE: You’ve been around music from a really young age. What inspired you to start making music?

ZAY MONEY: Music really started with my family. My brothers and sisters were already rapping, and I used to watch them and think it looked fun. When I tried it myself, my dad told me I was good at it, and that made me want to keep going. Over time, it stopped being just fun and became something I really cared about.

How would you describe your style or your sound?

I’d say my sound is just me being me. I like to keep my music positive and real. I don’t try to copy anyone else — I just talk about things that matter to me and things kids my age can relate to.

Who are some artists that influence you?

Meek Mill and Biggie. They’re both real and they represent where they’re from. I respect that.

When people listen to your music, how do you want them to feel?

I want people to feel positive. I want them to feel like they can be whatever they want to be and that they don’t have to follow the wrong crowd to fit in.

That same message shows up in Zay Friday, your new film. What made you want to get into acting as well?

I like telling stories, and acting gives me another way to do that. Zay Friday is about stopping bullying and showing kids a better way to treat each other. There’s no cursing or negativity — it’s all about positivity and learning from situations.

Why are messages like anti-bullying and anti-violence so important to you?

Because I see what’s going on around me. I see kids getting bullied, getting hurt, and getting into trouble. I see kids losing their lives. I don’t want that for people my age, so I try to use what I’m doing to show there’s another way.

Your work often puts you directly in front of young audiences at school visits, tours, and community events — spaces where your message lands peer-to-peer, not just performer-to-crowd. What’s the main message you want other kids to take away from what you do?

Be what you want to be. Don’t be a follower. Be responsible and make smart choices, even when it’s hard.

How does it feel knowing other kids look up to you?

It feels good. I’m a kid too, so knowing kids are watching me and feeling inspired by what I’m doing means a lot. It makes me want to keep doing the right thing.

In addition to music and acting, you’re also involved in youth-focused creative and entrepreneurial projects. A lot of artists only focus on music. What made you want to branch out into other things?

I wanted to uplift other people and show them there’s more than one way to succeed. Music can open doors, but it doesn’t have to be the only thing you do.

What are some goals you have for yourself over the next few years?

I want to keep practicing and getting better. I want my message to reach more people, and I want to help my family. I’m already doing a lot, but I know I can grow even more.

How has being from Philadelphia influenced you?

Being from Philly teaches you to keep grinding and stay focused. You see a lot growing up, so it motivates you to work harder and learn from what’s around you.

What do you love most about the city?

The people, the buildings, and being able to connect with kids through school tours and community events. Philly has a lot of talent and a lot of heart.

What do you think kids in Philly need more of?

People who care about them and want to see them do better.

When you think about success, what does that look like to you?

Staying grounded, not taking anything for granted, helping my family, and making sure my message reaches people everywhere.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?

I’ve learned how important communication is — listening, staying focused, and not thinking I know everything.

Full Circle

Talking with Zay Money reminded me that growth doesn’t always come with long explanations. Sometimes it shows up in consistency, discipline, and intention — especially when someone is learning those lessons early.

Zay is still at the beginning of his journey, but the foundation is already there: family, focus, and a desire to use his voice for something bigger than himself. That’s exactly the kind of story Spotlight Sessions exists to share.

Follow @Zaymoney._215 on Linktr.ee, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

Family Framework 

Zay Money’s creative work is closely connected to Shadow Trax Media Arts, a Philadelphia-based, family-run arts organization founded by his parents, and focused on youth empowerment through music, film, and performance.

Shadow Trax Media Arts supports young people by providing opportunities to create, perform, and learn in positive, structured environments. Its work often centers on anti-bullying, anti-violence, and confidence-building initiatives, with a strong emphasis on keeping content accessible and family-friendly.

Through school tours, community events, film projects, and youth-led creative programs, Shadow Trax Media Arts aims to give young artists the tools — and the encouragement — to use their voices thoughtfully and responsibly.

Zay Money’s music and acting projects, including Zay Friday, reflect many of these same values: positivity, accountability, and the belief that creativity can be a pathway to something bigger.

Learn more: shadowtraxmediaarts.org
Instagram: @shadowtraxmediaarts

 What do you think? Hit the links for more info, and leave your comments below.

🌟Spotlight Sessions is a series conceived of and developed by artist-educator Andre Saunders to highlight inspirational local people with personal, community-focused interviews. Read Andre’s previous Spotlight Session on Hotboy Turk and his comeback after years of addiction and incarceration.

Congratulations to Andre on the continued success of his latest book, Honest Becoming Me, where he shares his artistic journey in an interactive format that encourages young readers to find their voice. And be sure to check out Andre’s latest music project “Better Late Than Never”, a deft, layered introspective with unforgettable rhymes and hooks.