This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 190.166.186.198 (talk) at 19:59, 17 February 2011 (→Life and career). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 19:59, 17 February 2011 by 190.166.186.198 (talk) (→Life and career)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Tyga |
|---|
Michael Stevenson (born November 19, 1989), better known by his stage name Tyga, is an American rapper signed to Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. He first received recognition with his debut single "Coconut Juice". He was nominated for a Grammy in 2011, along with Chris Brown for "Deuces".
Life and career
Tyga was born Michael Nguyen on November 19, 1989, and raised in Compton, California. Born of Jamaican and Vietnamese descent, he is the cousin of Travie McCoy, the lead vocalist of the group Gym Class Heroes. He achieved his first recognition performing at Get Wett! Entertainment events in Los Angeles and opening for Fall Out Boy along with Gym Class Heroes during the Young Wild Things Tour in late 2007. Earlier that year he had also released his first mixtape Young On Probation which featured Jay Rock, The Pack and more. His debut single, "Coconut Juice," was released in 2008 and its video was directed by Rage. His mixtape, No Introduction the Series: April 10, was released online in April. The second part to the series, No Introduction the Series: May 10, was released in May.
The song "Diamond Life" was featured on the Madden NFL 09 soundtrack. and is also included in the Need for Speed Undercover soundtrack and Fighting soundtrack. Not long ago - Tyga (born Michael Stevenson) was just another kid from the hood struggling to rise above the negativity that surrounded him. Born and raised in the infamous Compton, CA armed with nothing but an amateur mixtape and hunger, he built solid local buzz through impressive live shows and an online hustle. Still, a kid with lofty dreams wondered if he’d ever catch that “big break”. Then one day a conversation at a popular LA sneaker store changed everything. In the aisle of Flight Club LA he and Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes had a debate that switched from ranking the greatest Jordans ever to the greatest rappers. "We started talking about music and I got enough courage to give him my little mixtape" Tyga says. "He was telling me all this stuff he was doing with his band and I thought he was just lying to seem cool. Then one day I saw him on MTV, then I started hitting him up on AIM non stop!" he says with a chuckle. "Next thing you know I'm on tour with him going all over the world. It was crazy." Travis relates “I can see myself at his age whenever I watch him perform. It’s an innocence and a sense of urgency a lot of artists today lack and it’s an honor for me to welcome him to the inner circle”. Travis signed Tyga to his Bat Squad Records imprint. A bond had been made indeed.
Tyga soon became an unofficial part of Gym Class Hero’s crew and his undeniable presence would be felt at various events, appearances and shows. People began to wonder “who is this kid?” His charismatic swagger gave off the aura of a star while he patiently waited for his real chance to shine. That moment came at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. The night before the show Tyga found out that he would be perform the "Arms Race" remix with Fall Out Boy alongside Travis and Lil Wayne. Unexpectedly thrust into such a huge arena, most young artists would crumble under the pressure. Instead, Tyga stepped up and traded vocal jabs on a stage full of pop-culture heavyweights in front of millions of viewers. The star had arrived. Thoroughly impressed by the youngster's gusto, Tyga and Weezy became fast friends. Wayne remembers “At rehearsal I thought he was just a stand in, but when the cameras were rolling I realized he wasn’t playing around”. Soon, Tyga would find himself in the studio with the self-proclaimed "greatest rapper alive" laying down verses for an appearance on the most anticipated album in years - Lil Wayne's The Carter 3. Another famous musician known for his ability to spot talent - Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz also took notice. He was so excited he suggested his label Decaydance team up with Bat Squad on a release for Tyga. “Gym Class’ success has opened a lot of new doors for us, “ Pete says “Yeah, it’s different but I think it’d be pretty lame if I only put out stuff that I thought everybody loves or gets. To me this is the future.” The press has also taken notice with early mentions in Blender, AOL.com and MTV. VIBE magazine even declared him as one of the best undiscovered rappers in America. The fact that momentum has started rolling in Tyga’s favor has not been lost on the humble artist. “I truly am blessed to have such great people believing in me. I’m real lucky and I can’t wait to get out there and make everyone proud. I just gotta stay positive, keep my faith in God and I know things will turn out great”
Tyga’s aptly titled debut album NO INTRODUCTION is set for release this spring. The lead single - “Coconut Juice” - produced by SAM & Sluggo (Gym Class Heroes, Method Man) is a track just screaming to take over radio. Tyga explains the meaning behind the unusual phrase “I don’t drink alcohol, so at parties I would just walk around with a cup mixed with whatever else I could find. When people asked what I was sipping on I would say ‘coconut juice’ because it sounded funny. So I made a song about it.” The album also features diverse production from Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco) and Stress (Ghostface Killah, Cassidy) as well as appearances by Stump, Travis, & Lil Wayne. Ladies & Gentleman, meet the most famous unknown artist in music, someone who needs no introduction – TYGA.
Discography
Main article: Tyga discography- 2008 No Introduction
- 2011 Careless World
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards
- 2011: Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, "Deuces" with Chris Brown and Kevin McCall (Pending)
References
- ^ "Rapper Tyga Tests Solo Waters With'No Introduction'". Billboard.biz. Retrieved December 13, 2009.
- ^ Jeffries, David. "Tyga Biography". Retrieved November 2, 2008. Allmusic
- "Pete Wentz, Travie McCoy Celebrate Poolside In Tyga's 'Coconut Juice'". MTV. March 17, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2008.
- The Source Magazine September/October 2009 Issue #234
- "Tyga – No Introduction: The Series – April 10". illRoots. Retrieved May 10, 2008.
- "Tyga – No Introduction: The Series – May 10. HeTyga is single but was dating Jameela Mahamed from Toronto". illRoots. Retrieved May 10, 2008.
- Cohen, Jonathan (July 8, 2008). "New Franz Ferdinand Track Leads 'Madden' Soundtrack". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
- "NFhjdfisuyrewjS UC Soundtrack Soundtrack". November 23, 2008. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
External links
| Tyga | |
|---|---|
| Discography | |
| Studio albums | |
| Compilations | |
| Mixtapes | |
| Singles |
|
| Featured singles |
|
| Other songs | |
 Category | |
| Young Money Entertainment | |
|---|---|
| Key people |
|
| Compilations | |
| Singles |
|
| Related articles | |
Categories: