Zayn Malik gives his first interview since leaving One Direction, teases new song 'Befour'

The day has finally come.

Zayn Malik has remained relatively silent since leaving One Direction in March -- but just four days after the release of his former band's latest album, "Made in the A.M.," he's opening up in a cover story for FADER magazine.

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The interview won't be published in its entirety until 6 p.m. EST tonight, but the preview immediately addresses Malik's departure from his group of five years.

"I don't feel like people really know what I'm going to give them, musically," he said. "And once they hear it, I feel like they will understand me a little bit more, and they'll understand why I did what I did, and why I left the band, and why I had to write this shit down. Because for five—not even for five years, for ten years, this album has been in my brain, and it's just been there, sat with me, needing to be out."

In a preview published on the mag's website, the star is seen opening up about the last five years of his life and his upcoming album, including a snippet of his upcoming song, "Befour." -- could it be a nod to the foursome he left behind or their fourth album "Four?"

The moody tone of the song, coupled with smoke billowing from the 22-year-old singer's lips marks a staunch departure from his former life with One Direction.

Directioners are sure to have mixed feelings when the story publishes. The FADER teaser says the solo star spoke candidly about life as a Muslim pop star, the public scrutiny about his relationships (Perrie Edwards details, anyone?), and the role of family. We're just glad he waited until after 1D's big "Made In The A.M." release.

Click through to see the One Direction boys through the years:

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