Adrian Lyles is a 20 year old singer songwriter best known for his role as Jet on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Lyles released two new singles: “King of Everything” where he showcases the power of never giving up and working hard, and “Concrete Boy” where he showcases the value of remaining strong when obstacles continuously get thrown in your life.
At the ripe age of 3 years old Lyles began playing piano and soon started singing at the age of 11. Along with his early musical involvement, he had also participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. Taking on sports like basketball and soccer, but never found the same interest in them like his passion for music.
Strengthening his vocal and instrumental skills young in age, Lyles often performed gigs on covers of songs at school and local bars in Texas. He soon received the YoungArts award in 2022 but didn’t have his career fully kick off until his role on Disney+ as Jet on High School Musical: The Musical in the summer of 2023. With singing and acting debut on the show, Adrian was able to gain popularity and even grow a fanbase who were eager to see what else was to come from the rising star.
The song “King of Everything” was released on January 24, 2025, and “Concrete Boy” premiered on April 17, 2025, both being in his top songs section on Apple Music.
After spending some time listening to the songs, I found a similar pattern in his lyrics revolving around the idea of using negativity to prove people wrong. “King Of Everything” talks about the internal fights that a person can have when facing the reality of overcoming self doubt and growing as a person. While “Concrete Boy” revolves around staying true to yourself even through difficult times still remaining strong from where you come from.
Lyles’ video for “King Of Everything” portrayed a much deeper meaning with lyrics and imagery through a series of competitions consisting of boxing matches, arm wrestling, racing, and basketball competitions. Throughout the video, Lyles is going through situations where he is in contests with others but ends up losing. The lyrics are similar throughout the song which mainly question self worth and doubts in trying to win the competition he’s in, showcasing the significance of working hard to become “King Of Everything.”
With the frequent losses and lyrics the mood of the song slowly speeds up introducing a moving tune. The video also shows Lyles working extra and practicing in areas where he can soon improve. Shifting his lyrics and singing “I’m better than they thought” with the display of him winning at arm wrestling, winning a race and overcoming the challenges he once failed at, being able to demonstrate his strength gained through his courage and hard work over time.
As for “Concrete Boy,” there is less of a cinematic appearance in the video due to the background consisting of Lyles performing in an empty bar. Towards the end, there is a scene where he finishes his song but is looking around to an empty bar with no one but a young woman hunched over a table alone. Similar to “King Of Everything,” “Concrete Boy” illustrates the importance of being concrete to yourself and true to who you are despite all the things going on in your life and doubts with yourself and external opinions.
For most listeners, including those who can relate to being a teenager like myself, we come across many obstacles in life that makes us question if we are on the right path. In school, relationships, friendships, sports, and so on. Both songs can be interpreted and connected to your own life.
The first time I streamed his songs I had no expectations on what to think, but as each song progressed in lyrics I found myself connecting some of my life experiences. I think this is what is interesting about Lyles’ music; a universal connection can be found within each song. I think it is unique and something that younger generations need to find within the artists they listen to.
Lyles’ songs reach those listeners who are in doubt of a situation they might be in and are in need of a motivational song. With his music reflecting life’s unpredictability which helps him build connections deeply with his listeners.
If you are in search of a new upcoming artist to mainstream in your daily playlist or just looking for a hype song I’d recommend “King of Everything” and “Concrete Boy.” They’re not the usual everyday genre I listen to, but I would still give them both an 8/10.
