Drake To Blame For Zayn Malik’s One Direction Departure? 1D Star Was ‘Inspired’ By Rapper’s Music: Report

While some have blamed Zayn Malik’s fiancée, Perrie Edwards, for his decision to leave One Direction, others say it might not have been her fault at all. Malik, 22, was inspired to start a solo career after listening to Drake’s music, Hollywood Life reported Saturday.

Even though Malik said leaving the boy band was about having time to himself and not starting a solo career, there have been endless rumors about the British star going out on his own.

“Zayn has been listening to a lot of Drake -- he’s always been a big fan,” an insider told Hollywood Life. “He’s hoping that some of the magic will rub off on him, and he’ll be able to put together an album to rival his inspiration in the R&B charts.

“Zayn won’t be disappointing fans by just rapping on his records -- he has put his falsetto voice to the test on several songs,” the source continued. “He’s really been listening to a lot of Drake’s stuff, and has been inspired by his work and wants to channel a little bit of that.”

Malik and Naughty Boy recently were photographed at the producer's studio, leading to speculation that they are working on a Malik solo album. “Zayn has a clear vision for the music he wants to create, and the direction he wants to take his career in,” an insider told the U.K.’s Now magazine. “He's been writing for a while now during his downtime on tour and has already recorded two tracks this week alone.”

The insider added: “The music he's making is completely different to anything One Direction have ever done before -- it's very slowed down R&B and quite sexual. It's going to blow fans' minds.”

Twitter fans were not happy to hear Malik may be working with Naughty Boy and started the trend #NaughtyBoyDontEatZayn. Before the star announced his 1D departure, Naughty Boy told the Sun they've worked together. “I can’t deny the fact that we have made music together ... Zayn is going to feature on my next album,” he said, according to Metro.

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