As fans wait to see what musical direction he will take as a solo artist, the word is about that former One Direction star, Zayn Malik, might be opting for a surprising switch in gear with claims that he could be eyeing up a career as a rapper.

Reports have suggested that he is allegedly planning to leave his deal with Simon Cowell’s label, Syco, in order to sign a new deal with American hip-hop artist, 50 Cent.

Zayn had insisted that he wanted to live like a ‘normal 22-year-old’ when he quit the band three months ago and it is believed that he has already begun working on solo material with producer and close friend Naughty Boy.

The rapper is said to be keen on tempting Malik to him with the promise that they could make millions together.

“I want it to happen,” rapper/producer/businessman 50 said. “I can make him a lot of money and he can make me a lot of money. He needs to be working with the right producers, artists, and people in the genre. Some of the pop star rappers are a little cringe, and he doesn't want that.”

Shortly after Zayn quit One Direction, Naughty Boy released a solo demo from the singer called 'I Won't Mind,’ but it was taken down soon afterwards following a backlash.

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