Alter Ego

The desire to create a double album with one side focused on hip-hop and the other on r&b was simple, rappers take a stab at singing, why couldn't a r&b singer rhyme? The autobiographical title track on the hip-hop side produced by GX of the Frontline BoyZ, pits Tyrese the singer against Black-Ty the rapper, as Tyrese Gibson the movie star calls in to interject. 'Alter Ego' is the only song on the entire project that was written without a pen and pad. 'One' on the r&b side, produced by the Underdogs and 'Get It In' on the hip-hop side, featuring Method Man, produced by Scott Storch, set the stage for an album choc-full-of personal tales and collaborations.

Unproven as an MC, the process of recording the hip-hop side of the album was organic, especially with the amount of talent that contributed. Hop-hop heavyweights Snoop Dogg, the Game, Mannie Fresh, Kurupt and Too Short all pitch in to Black Ty's project. 'Ghetto Dayz' produced by Jellyroll and Dali of the Frontline BoyZ is the first record Black Ty recorded with his rhyme mentor Kurupt along with the Game. Friends since they filmed Baby Boy together in 2001, as soon as Snoop heard the Dali produced track 'Roll The Dice' which also features Kurupt, he jumped right in the booth at his Orange County studio to lay down his verse.

Subsequently on the r&b side, hip-hop notable Lil Jon showcases is versatility producing and being featured on 'Turn Ya Out', a slow wild tune. Respected friend and mentor R Kelly not only co-signed the 'Alter Ego' project, but he contributed on the production side with the melodic 'Hurry Up'. Trick Stewart bangs out a percussive, groovy track with 'Lights On', as Tyrese harmonises about his shorty liking it better that way. And the Underdogs continue to work their musical magic for the singer on 'Come Back To Me Shawty', 'It's Better To Know' and 'Didn't Mean To Like You'.