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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