A true innovator in the UK and the world of rap music and hip hop culture, South London native, Ben Chijioke aka Ty has grown into a positive force to be reckoned with. Having released four critically acclaimed albums with Big Dada Records, and now about to release his fifth album Special Kind of Fool with BBE Records, this EPK illustrates the anticipation behind this incredibly talented artist. Ty states that, “this album was about going through a certain amount of emotions and feelings… [to create] a document that is something I can say I’m happy with.” Collaborators include Erik Rico, Janet Kay, Anthony Mills, Terri Walker, and Michelle Escoffery, all selected based on Ty’s mindset of writing songs which have meaning rather than collaborating on an ego. Special Kind of Fool sounds like a labor of love, a journey into being who you truly are as an artist, and a reflection of his surroundings. Check out Ty’s EPK below. The album hits stores Feb 19th. Stay tuned.

We love Erik Rico! This particular song will have you jumping out of your seat to dance like a lunatic. Soulful vocals, a fierce electronic broken beat progressing into a feel good soulful house type tune. What more can I say? Erik Rico was first discovered by American Idol’s Randy Jackson, who was then the VP of Columbia Records. He briefly wrote and produced under the corporate structure to eventually leave in pursuit of total creative freedom. His recently launched label, Life Note Music will host a slew of artist in the Broken Beat genre, collaborating with Daz I-Kue, Yam Who?, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, Aybee, Grooveman Spot, Opolopo, Remarkable Current Crew, Rep Life, Cecilia Stalin, Kissey Asplund, and Sumie Nagano down the pike. Releases are scheduled to hit this spring.

To get more of Erik’s style and energy, and if you’re in the New York area, he will be doing two dates next month — one at The Shrine in Harlem on April 10th and Sin Sin in Manhattan on April 11th. Be sure to check him out! But for now you can jam to “SO Much Greater” below.

“SO Much Greater” by Erik Rico

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