That Girl Lay Lay
Alaya High (born January 28, 2007), known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, is an American rapper, singer, and actress from Houston, Texas.[1] She rose to prominence at age 11 through viral freestyle rap videos posted on social media, particularly a 2018 clip of her rapping in her father's car that garnered millions of views.[2] That same year, High became the youngest female rapper to sign a major record deal with Empire Distribution via her own Fresh Rebel Muzik imprint, releasing her debut single "Go Lay Lay Go."[3] High's music career began earlier, at age 6, when she started uploading covers and original songs to YouTube, building a following with her energetic performances and sharp lyrics.[4] Following her record deal, she released projects including the mixtape Tha Cheat Code Reloaded (2019) and the album Recess Is Over (2020), collaborating with artists like Young Dolph.[5] In 2020, she signed an overall talent deal with Nickelodeon, leading to her acting debut in voice roles such as in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) and her starring role in the comedy sitcom That Girl Lay Lay (2021–2024), a semi-autobiographical series about a teen rapper navigating high school life with a magical best friend avatar. The series concluded in 2024.[6][7] As a multimedia star, High has expanded into fashion and endorsements, partnering with brands like Claire's and appearing in campaigns that reflect her youthful, confident persona.[8] By 2023, she had amassed over 7 million followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, solidifying her status as a trailblazing Gen Z entertainer who bridges hip-hop, social media, and television. In 2025, she released the single "Off Top."[9][10]Early life
Family and upbringing
Alaya High, known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, was born on January 28, 2007, in Houston, Texas, to parents Acie High and Antanique Landry.[9] Her father, Acie High, is a rapper and member of the hip-hop duo Aqualeo, which provided a strong musical foundation in the household.[9] Her mother, Antanique Landry, works as a fitness trainer and has played a key role in supporting and managing her daughter's early career endeavors.[11] High grew up in a musically inclined family environment in Houston, where hip-hop influences from her father's profession encouraged creative expression among her and her siblings, including a younger brother.[12] The family's close-knit dynamic fostered an appreciation for performance, with High often drawing inspiration from observing her father's studio sessions.[12] This upbringing in a supportive, artistically oriented home helped nurture her initial talents before she pursued formal entertainment paths. Her early exposure to performance came through family gatherings and local activities in Houston, where she began experimenting with rapping around the age of four, influenced by the hip-hop culture surrounding her.[9] These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her passion, as her parents actively encouraged her budding interest in music and self-expression.[4]Initial interests in entertainment
Alaya High, professionally known as That Girl Lay Lay, first displayed her creative inclinations toward entertainment during her early childhood, beginning to rap and perform publicly at the age of four. This initial foray was heavily influenced by her father Acie High's own career as a rapper, as well as prominent artists like Nicki Minaj, whose bold style and lyrical prowess captivated the young High and encouraged her to experiment with rhymes and stage presence. Early footage from this period captures her delivering playful yet confident verses, showcasing an innate talent that her family recognized and nurtured from the start.[13][14] By age six, in 2013, High took a significant step into digital content creation by launching her self-titled YouTube channel, That Girl Lay Lay, where she began uploading her initial freestyle raps and song covers. These videos highlighted her emerging skills in music, often infused with elements of humor through witty lyrics and energetic delivery, as well as occasional dance routines that added a playful, multifaceted dimension to her performances. The content resonated on a small scale, attracting modest local attention within Houston communities as viewers appreciated the authenticity and charm of a child artist honing her craft.[13][15] High's family was instrumental in supporting these early efforts, with her father Acie High taking on the role of primary videographer and promoter, filming sessions in everyday settings like the family car and sharing them across social platforms to build visibility. This hands-on involvement not only provided technical assistance but also fostered a collaborative environment that allowed High to focus on her creativity without logistical barriers, laying the groundwork for her gradual online growth.[13]Career
Rise to fame on social media
Alaya High, professionally known as That Girl Lay Lay, initially gained online visibility at the age of 6 through videos posted on YouTube by her father. Her true breakthrough occurred in May 2018, when, at age 11, she uploaded a freestyle rap video to Instagram, performing over BlocBoy JB's track "Shoot" from the passenger seat of her father's car. The clip, which showcased her confident rhymes and charismatic delivery, exploded in popularity, accumulating millions of views in a matter of weeks and marking her shift from local talent to internet sensation.[13] The viral video catalyzed rapid follower growth across social media, with High reaching 300,000 Instagram followers by August 2018. Her content, which blended sharp rap freestyles, comedic sketches, and participation in popular challenges, appealed to a young audience seeking clean, energetic entertainment. This organic expansion highlighted her innate talent for engaging viewers through relatable and fun performances, solidifying her presence as a prodigious content creator.[16] High soon broadened her reach to TikTok and bolstered her YouTube channel, cross-posting similar rap, comedy, and challenge videos that further amplified her visibility. This multi-platform strategy attracted brand partnerships with youth-focused companies, such as apparel and entertainment brands seeking to connect with Gen Z audiences, while generating widespread media attention for her precocious skills.[4] By late 2018, High was celebrated as one of the youngest rising influencers in hip-hop and social media, earning features in BET that praised her freestyle prowess and rapid ascent from Houston to national buzz.[4]Music career beginnings
High, professionally known as That Girl Lay Lay, entered the professional music industry in 2018 after gaining viral attention on social media platforms like TikTok for her freestyle raps. At just 11 years old, she signed a recording deal with Empire Distribution through her own imprint, Fresh Rebel Muzik, marking her as the youngest female African American rapper to secure a major label contract.[17][18][19] Her debut single, "Go Lay Lay Go," was released in September 2018 under Empire, showcasing her energetic flow and confident lyrics tailored to a young audience.[20][21] This track served as the lead-in to her self-titled debut album, Tha Cheat Code, also released in 2018, which featured eight tracks including "Cheat Code," "Lit" with Lil Duval, and "Move Like I Move" featuring her father Acie High.[22][23] The album highlighted her playful hip-hop style and family collaborations, establishing her presence in the genre. In 2019, Lay Lay expanded on her initial project with Tha Cheat Code Reloaded, a reissued and extended version of her debut that added new tracks and remixes, further building her catalog with hits like "Mama" and "Supersize XL" featuring Lil Blurry and Johnny Oz.[24] These releases solidified her early career momentum. That same year, she made her national television performance debut at the 93rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, performing her original song "Macy's Day Parade" aboard the Universal Kids float.[25][26] In 2020, she released the album Recess Is Over in collaboration with Tha Slay Gang. In 2021, she featured on the single "Breezy" with rapper Young Dolph, expanding her collaborations in hip-hop.[24][27]Transition to acting
High's transition to entertainment beyond music commenced in 2019 with her contribution to the soundtrack of the animated film The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, featuring on the track "Catchy Song" alongside Dillon Francis and T-Pain.[28] This debut marked her initial step beyond music and social media, leveraging her online presence to secure opportunities in entertainment. In June 2020, at age 13, High signed a multi-platform overall deal with Nickelodeon, enabling development of content across television, digital, and consumer products.[29] The agreement facilitated her expansion into live-action television, including guest appearances on Nickelodeon programs such as Danger Force (2021), where she portrayed herself in the episode "Drive Hard," and Tyler Perry's Young Dylan (2021).[28] The deal culminated in her starring role in the Nickelodeon comedy series That Girl Lay Lay (2021–2024), created by David A. Arnold and greenlit in March 2021. High played a fictionalized version of herself as Lay Lay, an avatar from a personal affirmation app who magically comes to life after her friend Sadie's wish, allowing the pair to navigate middle school challenges together. The series premiered on September 23, 2021, blending humor with themes of friendship and self-confidence.Recent developments and label signing
Following the conclusion of her Nickelodeon series That Girl Lay Lay after two seasons in March 2024, Alaya High focused on advancing her music career.[30] On August 19, 2025, at age 18, she signed with Atlantic Records, transitioning from her earlier deal with Empire Distribution to gain major label backing for expanded projects.[31] This affiliation led to the release of new singles under Atlantic, including "Off Top" in October 2025, teasing further music endeavors that build on her hip-hop roots.[32] Throughout 2025, High marked personal milestones like her 18th birthday celebration in January and continued social media engagement, highlighting her growth from Nickelodeon star to maturing artist.[33]Personal life
Education and influences
Alaya High, known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, was homeschooled throughout her childhood to balance her burgeoning entertainment career with academic responsibilities. Her father, Acie High, managed a structured schedule that incorporated online learning and personalized tutoring, allowing her to complete coursework efficiently while pursuing music and acting opportunities.[4] In a 2018 interview, she described this arrangement as enabling her to maintain a social life alongside her professional commitments, noting that homeschooling provided the flexibility needed for her rapid rise in the industry.[4] By 2021, at age 14, High expressed appreciation for the setup, preferring the comfort of studying in her room over a traditional classroom environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.[34] High's artistic development was profoundly shaped by family mentorship and select musical influences. Her father, an aspiring rapper himself, served as her primary inspiration; she began freestyling at age 11 after observing him in the studio, which ignited her passion for hip-hop.[35] This familial guidance extended to practical encouragement, fostering her natural talent without formal training. Among public figures, she has cited Cardi B as a key influence, admiring the rapper's humor, authenticity, and approachable demeanor.[4] From her early teens, High emphasized self-taught skills in music production and dance, honing her abilities through consistent practice and viral content creation. Her debut freestyles, such as the one over BlocBoy JB's "Shoot" that garnered millions of views, demonstrated her intuitive grasp of rhythm and lyricism, developed independently alongside family support.[4] Similarly, her choreography for tracks like "Woady Wop" reflected self-directed experimentation, blending hip-hop moves with original flair to engage her audience.[36] In 2021, High indicated aspirations to transition to traditional schooling potentially in her junior year, though she prioritized her career at the time.[34]Philanthropy and activism
High has engaged in philanthropic efforts centered on youth development and mentorship, partnering with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In 2019, she collaborated with Old Navy on the ONward! Tee Collection, designed by children from Boys & Girls Clubs, to raise funds for the organization's programs supporting underserved youth through mentorship and education initiatives; the campaign aimed to generate $1 million in donations, with High contributing a custom rap video to promote positivity and empowerment among young participants. Her advocacy for Black girl empowerment leverages her social media presence, where she shares messages of self-confidence and cultural pride to inspire her audience. High has extended this through public appearances, including a performance at the 2019 Essence Festival that highlighted themes of resilience and identity for young Black women.[37] To promote education access in underserved Houston communities, High has supported fundraisers and drives providing essential resources to students. In 2022, she participated in a back-to-school campaign with Walmart, hosting a live stream on TalkShopLive to showcase and sell affordable school supplies, aiding families in preparing for the academic year.[38] Post her 2025 signing with Atlantic Records, High has prioritized initiatives addressing mental health among young performers, building on earlier discussions during Black History Month about wellness in the Black community. In October 2025, she visited YWCA Minneapolis for a youth meet-and-greet event focused on empowering girls through inspiration and community engagement, aligning with broader efforts to support mental and emotional health for emerging talents.[39][40]Artistry
Musical style and influences
Alaya High, known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, blends hip-hop and trap elements with pop-rap sensibilities, drawing from the energetic flows of Southern rap traditions while maintaining clean, accessible lyrics suitable for younger listeners.[4] Her style emphasizes rhythmic freestyles and upbeat production, often infused with R&B-tinged melodies that reflect influences from artists like Rihanna.[41] High's lyrics frequently explore themes of self-confidence, family bonds, and playful fun, delivered with a humorous, empowering tone aimed at inspiring young audiences.[4] Her artistic evolution traces from raw, freestyle-heavy beginnings—sparked by viral YouTube videos at age 11—to more structured, polished recordings under labels like Empire Distribution.[4] This progression is evident in the production quality of Tha Cheat Code Reloaded (2019), where her initial improvisational energy matured into collaborative tracks featuring guest artists. High credits her father, Acie High of the rap duo Aqualeo, as her primary influence for starting in freestyles, alongside her parents' work ethic shaping her positive outlook.[9] Additional inspirations include trap pioneers Migos and Lil Baby, whose trap beats inform her rhythmic delivery, and Rihanna's pop-R&B versatility.[41] The 2025 signing with Atlantic Records represents a pivotal shift, positioning High for expanded production resources and mainstream integrations that could refine her hybrid sound further, as seen in her 2025 single "Off Top" featuring Monaleo, and as she prepares new releases like an anticipated single teased for November 2025.[42][43][44]Public image and media presence
Alaya High, known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, has cultivated a public image as a relatable teen icon, emphasizing authenticity and self-empowerment in her interactions with fans and media. Her bubbly and positive persona, rooted in her early viral freestyles and multi-hyphenate career, resonates with young audiences who see her as an approachable figure navigating fame while staying grounded in her Houston roots.[45] In interviews, she highlights her "girl boss" energy through stories of bold career moves, such as pitching her own Nickelodeon series directly to the network's CEO, underscoring her proactive and confident approach to the industry.[46] High's media presence has grown significantly, marked by key milestones that showcase her rising influence. She contributed to TIME's 2021 Kid of the Year selection as part of a youth advisory committee alongside fellow Nickelodeon stars, highlighting her role in shaping youth-oriented content.[47] She delivered a standout freestyle for XXL magazine in 2019, solidifying her credibility in hip-hop circles at just 12 years old, and has been featured in Billboard coverage of emerging female rappers, including discussions of her viral impact in 2019.[48] More recently, she graced the cover of Galore magazine in 2024, discussing her transition from child star to young adult artist.[46] Despite her successes, High has openly addressed the challenges of growing up under intense public scrutiny. In a 2024 interview, she described the "growing pains" of facing online criticism and the pressure to constantly perform, noting how it affects her mental health and desire for personal space.[46] She has emphasized the importance of privacy, preferring to "vibe alone" during creative breaks and avoiding forced public appearances to maintain her authenticity amid the spotlight.[46] Her father and manager, Acie High, supports this by prioritizing her well-being, allowing her to balance demanding schedules with family time in Houston.[13] High's brand endorsements and entrepreneurial ventures further enhance her image as an empowered youth tastemaker. In 2018, at age 11, she became the face of ALEX AND ANI's jewelry campaign, creating a viral freestyle rap to promote their customizable bracelets, which drove significant traffic to the brand.[49] She launched her own children's clothing line, Lay Lay's Drip, in 2021, offering stylish apparel like hoodies and tees that reflect her casual, confident aesthetic and extend her personal brand into consumer products.[50]Discography
Albums and EPs
That Girl Lay Lay's music releases primarily consist of hip-hop albums and EPs that highlight her energetic flow, youthful bravado, and collaborations with family members in Tha Slay Gang. Her early projects were distributed through Empire, emphasizing her transition from viral freestyles to structured recordings. Her debut album, Tha Cheat Code, released on September 26, 2018, via Fresh Rebel Muzik/EMPIRE, features 8 tracks including the title song "Cheat Code" and "Medicaid Baby," capturing her confident, playful lyricism at age 11.[22] In February 2019, she followed with Tha Cheat Code Reloaded, an expanded edition adding remixes and new material like "Mama" and "Supersize XL," totaling 13 tracks and extending the original's high-energy vibe.[24] On July 1, 2019, she released the mixtape Drippin' Diaries 2 via EMPIRE, featuring 13 tracks of freestyles and originals such as "Neva Gon Stop" and "The Thotiana Freestyle."[51] Later that year, on November 28, 2019, All Tha Way Lit Up arrived as a holiday-themed project with Tha Slay Gang, comprising 13 tracks such as "Sleigh Ridin'" and "Deck the Halls," blending festive elements with rap.[52] The 2020 release Recess Is Over, credited to That Girl Lay Lay & Tha Slay Gang and distributed by EMPIRE, includes 11 tracks like "Come to Win" and "Slumber Party," reflecting themes of growth and returning to routine after viral fame.[53] In August 2022, her EP Watch Me was issued independently, featuring 4 tracks with guests including Sauce Walka and DJ Chose, focusing on empowerment and style as in "Do What I Want" and the title track.[54] Soundtrack albums tied to her Nickelodeon series, such as That Girl Lay Lay (Music From Season 1) (December 9, 2022, 14 tracks) and That Girl Lay Lay (Music from Season 2) (July 11, 2024, 7 tracks), incorporate original songs from the show, blending her rap with teen comedy elements.[55][56]| Title | Type | Release Date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tha Cheat Code | Album | September 26, 2018 | Fresh Rebel Muzik/EMPIRE | 8 |
| Tha Cheat Code Reloaded | Album | February 8, 2019 | EMPIRE | 13 |
| Drippin' Diaries 2 | Mixtape | July 1, 2019 | EMPIRE | 13 |
| All Tha Way Lit Up | Album | November 28, 2019 | EMPIRE | 13 |
| Recess Is Over | Album | August 28, 2020 | EMPIRE | 11 |
| Watch Me | EP | August 19, 2022 | Independent | 4 |
| That Girl Lay Lay (Music From Season 1) | Album | December 9, 2022 | Nickelodeon | 14 |
| That Girl Lay Lay (Music from Season 2) | Album | July 11, 2024 | Nickelodeon | 7 |
Singles and collaborations
High's debut single, "Go Lay Lay Go," was released on September 6, 2018, through her Fresh Rebel Muzik imprint in partnership with Empire Distribution, marking her entry into the music industry as an 11-year-old rapper.[57] The track, produced by Fresh Rebel Muzik, showcased her energetic flow and playful lyrics, establishing her as a rising talent in hip-hop.[20] In 2019, High released "Supersize XL" featuring Lil Blurry and Lil Terrio as a standalone single, which gained significant traction through its official music video and contributed to her growing viral presence on platforms like YouTube.[58] This track, also included on her album Tha Cheat Code Reloaded, highlighted her collaborative style and helped solidify her fanbase with over 67 million streams. Another key release from the same year was her feature on the The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part soundtrack with "Catchy Song" alongside T-Pain, blending her rap verses with the film's upbeat production. High's collaborations extended into television tie-ins, particularly with Nickelodeon, where she contributed features to soundtracks for her sitcom That Girl Lay Lay. Notable appearances include "I'm That" with Young Dylan in 2021, a high-energy track promoting the show's theme of confidence, and various songs from the series' music albums released in 2022 and 2024, such as "Out The App" and "Boom Box Burger (Extra Cheese Remix)."[59] These integrations amplified her reach, with the 2022 That Girl Lay Lay (Music From Season 1) album featuring 14 tracks co-performed by High.[60] In February 2021, she collaborated with Young Dolph on the single "Breezy," released via EMPIRE, showcasing her versatility in hip-hop.[61] Following her early Empire releases, High issued several independent singles in 2024, including "Fill In the Blank," "Don't Wanna Kiss," and the sped-up version of "Out The App," which explored themes of self-expression and digital life.[21] On March 7, 2025, she released "Off Top" featuring Monaleo under her new partnership with Atlantic Records, signaling a shift toward broader distribution.[62] High has teased an upcoming lead single for November 2025 via her official channels, building anticipation for new material post-signing.[43]Filmography
Film roles
Alaya High contributed a rap verse to the soundtrack of the animated comedy The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) on the track "Catchy Song," featuring Dillon Francis and T-Pain, which highlighted her musical talents alongside her emerging entertainment presence.[28] This opportunity stemmed from her rising profile as a young rapper. High's film appearances have been limited to this soundtrack contribution, with no major live-action or leading roles announced as of November 2025, though she continues to pursue opportunities in independent and animated projects post her Nickelodeon commitments.[28]Television roles
High began her television career with guest appearances on Nickelodeon series, leveraging her rising fame as a rapper to portray versions of her stage persona, Lay Lay. Her breakout acting role came as the lead in the Nickelodeon comedy series That Girl Lay Lay (2021–2024), where she starred as an AI avatar who becomes a teenager's best friend, navigating high school adventures across 46 episodes over two seasons.[63] The show, created by David A. Arnold, highlighted High's comedic timing and musical talents, blending live-action with her rapping skills in musical numbers.[7] Prior to her lead role, High made her on-screen TV debut in a guest spot on Danger Force in 2021, appearing as herself (fictionalized as Lay Lay) in the episode "Drive Hard," where she interacts with the superhero team during a high-stakes chase. She followed this with another crossover appearance in Tyler Perry's Young Dylan later that year, guest-starring as Lay Lay in the episode "That Dude Dylan," engaging in a rap battle and comedic rivalry with the young protagonist.[64] In 2022, High reprised her persona in the multi-series crossover episode "When Worlds Collide" on Side Hustle, teaming up with characters from Danger Force, Young Dylan, and Warped! to thwart a villain's plan in a musical, action-packed storyline.[65] High also featured in Nickelodeon music specials, performing as herself in The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular (2020), where she delivered her original song "Jingle Rock Baby" alongside other young stars. These early TV roles built on her voice acting experience in animated films, allowing her to transition seamlessly into scripted comedy.[28]| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular | Herself | Musical performance; 1 special |
| 2021 | Danger Force | Lay Lay (as Self) | Guest star; 1 episode ("Drive Hard") |
| 2021 | Tyler Perry's Young Dylan | Lay Lay | Guest star; 1 episode ("That Dude Dylan") |
| 2021–2024 | That Girl Lay Lay | Lay Lay | Lead role; 46 episodes |
| 2022 | Side Hustle | Lay Lay | Guest star; 1 episode ("When Worlds Collide") |
Awards and nominations
Music awards
Alaya High, known professionally as That Girl Lay Lay, has received recognition for her musical contributions primarily through nominations in youth-oriented awards ceremonies. Her viral freestyles and singles have positioned her as a rising figure in hip-hop, earning nods that highlight her social media-driven music presence.[66] In 2022, High was nominated for Favorite Social Music Star at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, acknowledging her engaging online performances and rap content that resonated with young audiences. This nomination underscored her breakthrough as a teen rapper blending music with digital storytelling.[67] She received a similar nomination in the same category at the 2023 Kids' Choice Awards, reflecting sustained popularity from releases like her Empire Records singles.[68] High also earned the Young CROWN Award in 2022 from the CROWN Awards, honoring her as an emerging rapper and actress promoting positive representation in entertainment. While broader in scope, the accolade celebrated her musical talents alongside her advocacy work.[69]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Social Music Star | Nominated | For viral rap content and social media impact.[66] |
| 2022 | CROWN Awards | Young CROWN Award | Won | Recognized as young rapper and actress.[69] |
| 2023 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Social Music Star | Nominated | Highlighting ongoing music releases.[68] |