The California cool, calm and collective twenty-two year old, Tyga is impacting the genre of Hip-Hop dramatically as of late. The swagger-filled lyricist uttered his first lyrics at the tender age of thirteen, embracing the essence of music videos Tyga drew inspiration from both Busta Rhymes and Michael Jackson’s music videos. These days he’s diligently recording with the intentions of shining brightly amongst his star studded label mates. With the release of highly successful commercial albums from the YMCMB camp that include, The Carter IV by Lil Wayne and Drake’s sophomore release Take Care, there is constant on pressure on Tyga to match up equally against his YMCMB family with his upcoming venture, Careless World. With an astronomical work ethic Tyga has somehow managed to release thirteen mixtapes between the years 2007-2011. Adding to the list of his mixtapes the recent release, #BitchImTheShit, it is no question Tyga has an eye on the throne.
As a young child, Tyga appreciated the essence of Hip-Hop as well as music in its entirety, developing a pulsating passion at a tender age. When he was just thirteen he collected his thoughts, rapped his first lyrics, and it has been history since that day. His first major bit of recognition came as he rapped lyrics next to the multi-platinum artist, lead vocalist of Gym Class Heroes and cousin, Travie McCoy. The two encountered each other on Melrose Blvd in his hometown California. The two conversed for just the right amount of time for the then young Tyga to put his demo in the hands of Travie McCoy. They later collaborated, working on music during the beginnings on Tyga’s career leading them to take the stage together at the 2007 MTV Music Video Awards performing Fall Out Boy’s “Arms Race” featuring Kanye West, Paul Wall, Skinhead Rob, Lupe Fiasco, Travie McCoy, Lil’ Wayne and Tyga. After the performance Tyga took away from the stage much more than the experience, he had also made a connection with Lil’ Wayne. “At the award show I just walked up to him and told him I’m a rapper and I really wanted to pursue a career in music, he then gave me his phone number. I was shocked like if somebody comes up to me and say I’m a rapper I wouldn’t automatically give them my phone number, but Wayne did,” Tyga recalls. The contact proved to be the first step for the biggest move of Tyga’s career.
In 2008, Tyga inked a deal to Young Money Records, and shortly thereafter he released his debut single independently titled, “Coconut Juice” featuring another collaboration with his cousin, Travie McCoy. The single garnered moderate success but placed Tyga on the map and he was finally making a name for himself. “Coconut Juice” prepped him for him for his freshman release of No Introduction. Before the release of his first album Tyga released two separate mixtapes, No Introduction The Series to give his fans “quick snacks.” No Introduction was released that Summer to his anxious fans, independently on Travie McCoy’s label, Decaydance Records. The album wasn’t a commercial success but it provided Tyga an opportunity to release another album.
In the musical careers of any great artist they have a “statement release.” For example, Usher’s 2004 release of Confessions, Lil’ Wayne’s Carter III and Kanye West’s College Dropout are some examples. For Tyga, Fan of a Fan, the mixtape with Chris Brown may have served a that “statement release.” The project successfully brought the essence of Rap and R & B collaborations even providing a platform for Chris Brown to express himself rapping, leading to the Hip-Hop/R & B anthem, “Deuces.” Taking social media by storm, Tyga attracted a whole new fan base with trending topics and record breaking numbers of views on his Youtube page. Tyga reemerged on the scene, leaving the Rookie tag behind and establishing himself as an artist to be reckoned with. The success of “Deuces” led to a Grammy nomination, the first for the then twenty-one year old. Nervously he sat on Grammy night only to see someone else walk away with the trophy. That would only fire Tyga up to furiously attack all non-believers with great music.
Post Grammy nomination Tyga has been on a roll, becoming the epitome of a trendsetter and once again branding himself and broadening his fan base. In 2011 Tyga released a few more “quick snacks” referring to mixtapes. Titles include, Black Thoughts 2, Well Done 2 and his most recent #BitchImTheShit prepping fans as well as himself for a sophomore album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
Tyga explains Careless World: Rise Of the Last King is “the best music I’ve recorded in my life.” The album takes you on a trip through Tyga’s day to day life with the analogy of being a modern day king. The album was led by an emotional single “Far Away,” which featured American idol Chris Richardson. The album is expected to feature production and guest appearances from Drake, Nicki Minaj, Pharell Williams, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Game, Snoop Dogg, Wale and long time friend Chris Brown. The album is expected to be released in 2012.
Consistently working to broaden his fan base, Tyga’s passion and work ethic is insurmountable. When the question actually arises on “whether he is next?” The answer is a simple, Yes. Tyga will impact the genre of Hip-Hop dramatically with his sophomore release, undoubtedly a rise of new Hip-Hop royalty.
Images by Pamela Littky
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