Zayn Malik, formerly of One Direction, is ready to show you who he really is -- because his whole life so far has been a lie.
According to Malik's own Twitter account -- which he's previously used to spar with former band members and collaborators -- the singer has signed to RCA, where he hopes to make #realmusic. You know, as opposed to whatever he thinks One Direction was doing.
[seealso slug="crying-teenagers-zayn"]
His hashtags clearly prove that the former boy band member is all grown up.
I guess I never explained why I left , it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !!— zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015
pic.twitter.com/8AnmCLdU8Z— zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015
#REALME— zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015
Malik is believed to be working on his solo album with Malay, who has worked with Frank Ocean, Alicia Keys and John Legend. The producer recently posted an adorable picture of his daughter meeting his "co-worker."
Benefits of the job.. my daughter gets to meet my co-workers, one who happens to be one of her favorites @niazkilam what an amazing soul #zaynmalik A photo posted by Malay (@malay_ho) on Jul 22, 2015 at 5:51pm PDT
Fan reactions are mixed but hyperemotional across the board -- and often mention pizza or other delightful foods you might find at an Olive Garden.
half of my tl is happy for zayn while the other half are just mad and want to throw bread sticks at him— lara (@holaniallers) July 29, 2015
@zaynmalik YO PAL IM HAPPY FOR YOU BUT WHATCHA MEAN REAL MYSIC IS U TRYNA SHADE 1D1D1D1D1D— khadija,,! (@foolshorxn) July 29, 2015
is this zayn's moment he's taking off his hannah montana wig and now he's miley cyrus— noelle (@flatfringes) July 29, 2015
@zaynmalik in 1d u were like cold pizza, amazing but not at your full potential. Now you are fresh out of the oven, and sizzling— Jillian & Emily (@JillianH_18) July 29, 2015
MY PIZZA IS BURNING @zaynmalik THANKS A LOT — in(active) bc pcd (@toothgapniall) July 29, 2015