For Pz’, the style is the substance.
Payusu Njie has been modelling for four years, and releasing music for just two. But it’s already looking like he could be Atlanta’s next breakout star. While turning heads on catwalks and at fashion parties in New York and London, Pz’ (it’s pronounced ‘Pee-zee’, by the way) has joined red-hot ATL rap collective ØWay, led by Young Thug disciples Tezzus and diamond*, and he’s racking up millions of streams with his silky swag rap anthems. In Pz’s world, the style is the substance.
Pz’ for Perfect Issue 11.
Photographer: Willy Vanderperre
Fashion Editor: Katie Grand
Writer: Davy Reed
What’s your background and how did you get into modelling?
I grew up in Atlanta. My mum came from Gambia when she was like 16 or 17. She was a model. She moved to New York first, then Atlanta. There’s a big African community in Atlanta – it’s Gambian, Senegalese, Nigerian, East African. [When I was growing up] there were these little parties thrown by the Gente community. They would rent out high schools, my mum would cook all the food, and I would just be kicking it with all my cousins.
I remember after high school, I was [studying] at Georgia State University and working in high-end retail in Buckhead, which is like the Atlanta SoHo. People would always be like, ‘Yo, you should start modelling.’ I went to New York in 2022 for like a day to go see my aunts, and I got scouted (clicks fingers) like that.
Young Thug was one of the biggest breakout Atlanta stars of the 2010s. Having grown up listening to him, how does it feel to have connected with him through music?
I ain’t gonna lie, Thug can’t do no wrong for me. He’s the one. I love how we’re all connected now, like my bros Tezzus and diamond* are signed to Young Thug’s [YSL record label]. Bro’s a really respectful person, he just want to give back, he’s giving people opportunities. One thing he told me is, ‘I love making millionaires.’
What’s so special about the ØWay collective?
It’s like nobody bigger than the Ø. At the end of the day, the programme is what is pushing this shit forward – not one artist, not one videographer, rapper, whoever. We all understand that we’re going to do great things, and we respect that about each other, and we hold each other accountable. I mean, imagine you’re in a space where everybody is going 110 per cent. It’s inspiring.
Who defines the zeitgeist?
I think those that lead the culture are the people that are being true to themselves. Whatever their medium – whether it’s fashion, art, music – they’re coming from a genuine place of ‘this is what I love, this is what I’m about, and fuck you if you don’t like it’.
What makes you feel excited to be alive in 2026?
Honestly, getting on the phone with my mum and my brother and them telling me every day they’re proud of me.
