5 Ways Zayn’s Life Has Improved Since Leaving One Direction

In March of 2015, the world was hit with devastating news. Zayn Malik tweeted that it was the right time for him to leave One Direction. Fans were heartbroken, the public was shocked, and the music industry was changed forever. However, Malik has been extremely successful since his departure.

Here are some ways his life has been better since leaving One Direction.

He came out with a banging single.

“Pillowtalk” is Malik’s first single since he left One D. It’s his first song that was released from his new album Mine of Mind (coming out in March 2016) and it shocked everyone world wide. Why? Because it's an absolute banger. The song debuted at number one on Billboard Hot 100, and interestingly enough, One Direction has yet to score a Billboard number one themselves. We knew Malik’s music was going to be good… but we didn’t think it would be that good. Ever since Malik left the band, the public was anxiously awaiting his first single. After five years of experience in a boy band writing annoyingly cliché songs, we did not expect this sexually charged and artsy tune from Malik. It is definitely different than all of the music he created in One Direction, but this marks a significant transition in his life as an artist. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

The release of the “Pillowtalk” music video featuring Gigi Hadid.

To top off all of the attention and good reviews of Malik’s single “Pillowtalk,” Malik released an incredible music video featuring Gigi Hadid. The best part about the video is that Hadid and Malik are actually dating… so basically the video is realtime footage, right? Anyway, it’s an extremely sexy, gothic, artsy music video, and was also extremely unexpected. It features Hadid and Malik embracing, kissing and interacting, mixed with cool colors and effects. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. How is it possible that the two most perfect human beings found each other? We need answers.

He was featured on the cover of The Fader.

For those of you who don’t know, The Fader is a music magazine that documents emerging music, style and culture. The magazine conducted Malik’s first major interview since quitting One Direction, which was huge for the now independent artist considering how well respected the publication is. In the article, Malik spills the beans on why he left One Direction and who he is as a person, and artist, now. The article also featured an unreal photo shoot, showing off Malik's new blonde hair and incredible bod. It dug deep into Malik's emotions and the struggles he faced in the band and just in general. We're here if he needs a shoulder to cry on.

He debuted a new song on Jimmy Fallon.

Malik appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in February 2015, marking his first televised appearance since leaving One Direction. The fact that it was such a popular television show only further proves how well he is doing on his own. On The Tonight Show, Malik debuted his new song “It’s You," showing his darker, more emotional side (something we had never seen from him before). It was definitely a contrast to his old, bubbly music that he created with One Direction. He made a complete 180 in the type of music he’s creates. And he killed it.

Collaborating with Chris Brown and Usher to create “Back To Sleep” remix.

Chris Brown recruited Usher and Malik to release a remix of his latest single “Back To Sleep.” This trio sounds like a dream, right? This is his first collaboration as a solo artist since leaving One Direction. Working with Chris Brown and Usher as his first collaboration is pretty damn impressive. This collab marks a major milestone in Malik's transition into this genre. Malik sings towards the end of the song with a verse that talks about… wait for it... sex. Lines like “baby just lay there naked waiting for me/ let’s not get emotional,” and “somebody splitting your knees, don’t worry that’s me,” show that the new and improved artist is literally being as explicit as possible, and he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.