Aiyana-Lee Releases Unflinching New Single & Music Video “City of Lies”
Listen to “City of Lies” HERE
Watch “City of Lies” HERE
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 — Fresh off supporting Lil Wayne at his California arena shows earlier this month, powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and producer Aiyana-Lee returns with “City of Lies” — a thunderous, emotionally charged anthem that marks a bold new chapter in her artistry. Written and produced entirely by Aiyana-Lee, the track dives deep into themes of betrayal, disillusionment, and personal reclamation, blending raw lyricism with an unapologetically commanding sound.
“‘City of Lies’ is what happens when silence becomes too heavy to carry. It’s the scream after years of being told to whisper,” says Aiyana-Lee.
Driven by a pulsing beat and her unmistakable, soul-drenched vocals, “City of Lies” delivers a visceral listening experience. Aiyana-Lee also co-directs the striking new music video alongside Mitch deQuilettes (Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, Gnash), crafting a haunting visual metaphor for survival in an industry built on illusion and denial.
Last week, fans got their first glimpse of Aiyana-Lee on the big screen in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which premiered to early acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Hitting theaters on August 22 and AppleTV+ on September 5, the film marks the fifth collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, reimagining Akira Kurosawa’s classic crime thriller High and Low against the backdrop of the music business and modern-day New York City. Aiyana-Lee makes her acting debut as Sula Janie Zimmie — a role that highlights her talents as both an actress and a musician.
Still in her early 20s, Aiyana-Lee has already achieved what many spend their whole lives chasing — millions of streams and a passionate global fanbase. But the road here wasn’t easy. She was shelved, silenced, doubted, and told she couldn’t be all the things she is: a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, producer, and star. Now, she’s breaking through — entirely on her own terms.
Born in London and raised between the UK and Los Angeles, Aiyana-Lee brings a transatlantic energy that fuses grit with grace. Her voice — soulful, soaring, and unmistakably her own — has drawn comparisons to icons like Amy Winehouse and Adele, yet her story is singular. A once-in-a-generation talent, she’s already earned praise from legends including Elton John, Sharon Stone, L.A. Reid, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee.
Despite her lineage — the niece of David Ruffin of The Temptations, granddaughter of Jimmy Ruffin (“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”), and daughter of 17x multi-Platinum songwriter Daciana-Nicole Anderson — Aiyana-Lee has never coasted on legacy. Known for busking outside record label buildings with a karaoke machine, she’s built her career with sheer determination and a refusal to back down.
On June 3, Aiyana-Lee will join an all-star lineup as a special guest at An Evening With Toby Gad & Special Guests at the GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles. The event celebrates the release of Gad’s new album, PIANO DIARIES – The Hits (Deluxe), with live performances — including Jordin Sparks, Rumer Willis, and Scott Hoying — and an intimate conversation moderated by entertainment journalist Lyndsey Parker.
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