Tayyofficial has shot with artists like Lil Muk, YXNG K.A, SpotemGottem, and many more rising rappers. From records like “It Is What It Is” to “No Bodyguard,” he has cemented his name throughout the nation with a plethora of visual efforts. Aiming to expand his portfolio of accomplishments, Tayyofficial continues to bank on his ability to produce top-notch edits, as well as on his signature approach to bringing to life the creative visions of his clients.

In our latest installment of Behind The Lens, Tayyofficial walks us through his journey of getting to his current position, talks equipment and favorite video shoot, and more. Read the interview with Tayyofficial below!

How did you initially get into directing videos? What were some of the obstacles you faced along the way?

I got into directing videos by just experimenting actually. A friend of mine asked me since I can make cover art could I edit videos. I said “I don’t know, I never tried” and bought a camera a couple of days later and shot and edited my first video. I just went up from there. The obstacles I’ve faced were the pressure of trying to be the best in my city and making incorrect purchases. I would buy laptops thinking they all could edit videos and then learning about processors and graphic cards that make a laptop run smooth when editing videos.

In regards to directors and videographers, do you have any inspirations?

I use to be inspired to play basketball but after awhile I kind of wanted to be in the music industry in some way didn’t know how but I always wanted to deal with music and after some time I joined it by doing videos.

Getting technical, what type of gear do you use?

I use a Sony A7iii camera at the moment. This camera is great for photos and video and hasn’t let me down one bit since I’ve purchased it.

If you can recall, what was your favorite moment that you had a chance to shoot?

My favorite moment I’ve shot so far was doing the behind-the-scenes of YXNG K.A featuring J.I and Lil Tjay’s video for the “It Is What It Is” remix. It’s one of my favorites because I shot the original video and to see how well it did to see a remix with two other great artists on it was just amazing.

You work with Philly rapper YXNG K.A often, what’s the energy like between you two?

Me and K energy are alike. When we work it doesn’t even feel like work we just be vibing and have fun filming. We started together and to see how far we came is just a blessing, that’s my boy and I love him to death.

In terms of the next few years, where do you see yourself?

In the next few years, I see myself having a great production company that produces amazing videos and films, also I see myself gathering up some hungry people from my city to experience what it’s like to work with celebrities and what it’s like to be able to do what you want to do in life even if no one believes in you.

If you could work with one artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would’ve loved to work with Drake, that would be dope as hell.

Elsewhere in photography, check out our interview with Chief Will.