It’s finally here!!! The full album by UK rapper Ty! This is definitely one of the most anticipated albums for the year to come out of the UK. Ty has taken a more personal approach to Special Kind of Fool than his previous works, from the people he got to collaborate, to the actual lyrical content of each song. He truly has grown into being an artist whose authenticity shines through.

Muphoric Sounds was able to take a sneak peak at Special Kind of Fool before its release where Ty‘s precursor was, “There’s no Dilla samples or me trying to sound like Sa-Ra; it’s just me.” He in no way is minimizing these artists, he is simply claiming his stake in originality and individuality.

With each listen of Special Kind of Fool, you get a sense of Ty‘s alignment to the world about him. Rather than rapping about what’s hot, and what’s not, he chose to talk about the ever present issues of mankind, from love, vulunerability, to happiness and pain. Never being overtly political, just highlighting reality, Special Kind of Fool takes the course of being redemptive. With lines like, “Despite what the majors say/you can dumb down the music and make everybody dance/but you can’t take the pain away,” is coming from someone who knows that he has the power to affect lives through his work in music and art. Special Kind of Fool is testament to one who lives by what he speaks.

Containing a lovely mix of artist appearances by Erik Rico, lovers rock singer, Carroll Thompson, Shaun Escoffery, Terri Walker, and Anthony Mills, Special Kind of Fool is solid, the kind of music for all occasions and ages. Makes me proud to be a fellow South Londoner (that’s how we do!).

Check out some of my favourites below and head over to iTunes, or his label BBE to purchase your copy. Let’s create traction by supporting independent artists and getting this hugely talented fellow on some national charts!

“Me” feat. Erik Rico

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“Wait” feat. Leo Ihenacho & Soweto Kinch

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Here’s the video for the feel good tune “Emotions” by UK rapper Ty! Capturing the essence of London urban life, with city and residential landscapes, this guy is the epitome of REAL! The video was directed and produced by Odyssey Media Collective and features cameos from Sarina Leah and Motet. The album, Special Kind of Fool hits stores April 19th on BBE records. It’s not long now!

Firstly, we have to commend the Ty team in having a clear road map for this release. The journey is filled with anticipation and build ups, and everything seems to be going according to plan.

Now we have the actual release of “Emotions,” the single. What is very apparent with the teasers received thus far is, there are no digging in the crates Dilla bites, no far-reaching eclecticism of Sa-Ra track –  it’s simply, Ty! Calling upon some of UK’s renowned producers for these remixes — Daz-I-Kue, Dego and Akwasi, and Waajeed — who all bring something unique to “Emotions.” This year is definitely turning into what I predicted—The Year of the Eargasm. It’s seldom when you buy a single and every mix, including the original, is rock solid. Emotions is that! Check out the Waajeed mix below and head over to iTunes to get yourself a copy. The album, Special Kind of Fool hits in April 19th. Mark your calendars; you won’t want to feel the shame of having a late pass in your hand with this one!

“Emotions” by Ty (Waajeed Remix)

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Editorial Addition: DJ Bounce put together a “Something Big! Mixtape, available for free download and features the broad range of collaborations Ty has recorded with friends all over the world. Download links for “Something Big! Mixtape” are Usershare or MediaFire

Full Tracklist
01    Skit – Intro
02    Break The Lock – TY
03    Dont Watch That – TY
04    Worldwide – Funky DL (ft TY) Hot Mix
05    Down For The Count – Reflection Eternal (ft TY & Blak Twang) UK version
06    Skit (Ghetto Yout)
07    Hey There – 2000 Black aka Dego & Kaidi Tatham (ft TY)
08    Skit (Space Monkey)
09    Phantom Of The Opera – TY (ft Anthony Mills)
10    Me – TY (ft Erik Rico)
11    Pick It Up – Nathan Haines (ft TY) Submariner remix
12    Dont Push Me – Tettory Bad (ft TY)
13    Groovement – TY
14    Emotions – TY (ft Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery) Album version
15    Heart Full Of You – Robert Mitchell (ft TY & Deborah Jordan)
16    Keep On – Bone Idols (ft TY & Aphletik)
17    Woman To Man – Tony Allen (ft TY)
18    Can’t Help Myself – The Bamboo’s (ft TY)
19    Legacy – Zion I (ft TY & Jennifer Johns)
20    When Robots Go To War – TY (ft Motet) Daz I Kue remix
21    Wait A Minute – TY (Dwele remix)
22    Emotions – TY (Waajeed remix)
23    Style & Pattern – John Arnold (ft TY)
24    The Way We Like It – Natalie Williams (ft TY & Eska)
25    The Idea – TY (ft De La Soul’s Pos & Dave)
26    Outro

So here we have it! The first single, “Emotions,” which will be released March 16 and is taken from Ty‘s forthcoming album, Special Kind of Fool album, scheduled to release April 19. The single will include remixes by Daz-I-Kue, Waajeed, Dego, and Akwasi. This is really an exciting project for Ty, as he’s taken a more person approach to its creation. “Emotions” sets the tone for the entire album, which is a reflection into who Ty is, his pleasures, struggles, and pain. Click below to hear “Emotions” and enjoy!

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.

Taking inventory of what was hot musically this year when you’re a puritan, is a difficult task. Commercially, a lot came out, and equally in the underground music world. For me, the highlights were Little Dragon, with their sophomore album and Maxwell‘s long-awaited fifth album release.

Turning the challenge over to UK rapper Ty, to find out what moved him this year, you’ll see that a lot of great music from interesting artists came out this year — from solo projects, debuts, to the long-awaited. Check out Ty‘s list below, and if you don’t own any of them, I suggest you treat yourself to some good music for the holidays — you deserve it.

“TY’s 2009 Top 10 Picks”

10. Q-Tip – Kamala the Abstract

9. Eric Roberson – Music Fan First

8. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II

7. Micheal Olatuja - Speak (Check him out on Youtube)

6. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts

5. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Early

4. Shafiq Husayn – En’ A-Free Ka

3. Erik Rico – Reworks Project

2. Nneka – No Longer at Ease

1. Joy Jones – Godchild

While you’re here, watch the video of Ty during his recent visit to Amsterdam for the “Straight Up Jazz” event at The Bitterzoet. (Thanks to Moovmnt for the great footage.) Ty will be releasing his fourth studio album, A Second Kind of Fool, early 2010.