Ty'Zen
News
 Undefined Turns 10It's been ten years since the release of Ty'Zen's first professional release. We are revisiting moments on the Ty'Zen Ten page and looking forward to upcoming celebrations. |  New BookTy'Zen announces that a new book is coming soon with a special pre-order available now! |  Ty'Zen TenCelebrate 10 years of Ty'Zen with throwbacks, unreleased content, and more. |
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 Rebellious Melodies Turns 10Happy Anniversary to the mixtape that started it all! |  Performance AlertTy'Zen is set to return to Night To Shine for the third year in a row as the dining room entertainment. |  Ty'Zen Releases "Tru"After dropping a music video earlier this year, the cover is officially out on all music streaming platforms. |
Rebellious Melodies Returns
Ty'Zen Corner
Hello all!
2024 has been such an interesting year, mostly filled with joyous moments and gratitude. Thank you for being a part of my life.
I wish you the happiest of holidays and the best new year!
Blessings!
-Ty'Zen
The Ty'Zen Times
Newsletter
Can you believe Ty'Zen wrote "Just Relax" 10 years ago? Wow! It's the oldest original song we've heard from him. As a Valentine's gift to you, here's a 2019 version!
Check out this playlist we created of some of our favorite Ty'Zen love songs.
Here's a #ThrowbackThursday moment! Remember when Ty'Zen performed a Bobby Brown classic at the Valentine's Day edition of Tallahassee Nights Live? Relive it again or watch it for the first time by clicking below.
Valentine's Day
Melodic Vibes
On July 24th, 2016, Ty'Zen hosted a night of the arts with a spectacular line up of talented performers!
Ty'Zen, RhoyalTheGreat, and Versailles The Everything headlined this showcase of musical expression which featured many other local independent artists. The crowd was treated to compositions of Soul, Hip Hop, Rock, R&B and EDM. It was a night that will surely be remembered.
You Oughta Know: Nico Bryant
Album Review by Ty'Zen
The Journey (Deluxe Album), released 1/11/19
Friday morning, I woke up at an ungodly hour for the first time in too long. 7:30 am!!! Yep, I know you're all thinking - even God is still asleep at that time (hence, "ungodly"). Just kidding, I know most people are already awake and starting their day. For a night owl like me, it’s rare to catch me up and functional so early.
Out of habit, I opened Instagram, inadvertently forcing screen light into my eyes. The first post I saw was from Nico Bryant announcing that his album was available. Being that he had posted it an hour before I saw it, I immediately felt a sense of excitement for him. I imagined him barely sleeping the night before, in anticipation to share with the world the product of his labor.
I'm very familiar with Bryant's music and consider myself a fan. Since crossing paths about seven months ago on the interwebs, I've quickly navigated to everything he's released. Surprisingly, I've never been disappointed. Like any fan would, I traded in my desire to go back to bed, in exchange for experiencing the end result of The Journey.
The album is full of wonderful moments that offer a very strong sense of potential. Considering that Bryant is only 17 and he writes, produces and records these songs in his home, there’s a bit of forgiveness that comes with any moment that feels anything less than wonderful. For example, many of the lead vocals could be perceived as lazy in delivery; however, I can stylistically appreciate the crooner approach. Bryant rests in offering a smoothness that feels natural and conveys his songs like a conversation instead of showboating his vocal ability.
The Journey is pure nostalgia without ever feeling outdated. Bryant contributes a collection of hits that feel like they belong in a 90’s R&B time capsule. The album is a subtle tribute to the R&B classics that have come before it, and Bryant keeps you aware of this by referencing popular songs and artists throughout the album’s entirety. Even certain vocal decisions sound as though they were pasted from a 112 or Blackstreet album, with intention for listeners to guess the tune. Bryant is able to accomplish this without ever coming across as unoriginal; that in itself deserves applause.
One enjoyable element is how cohesive the album is. Every song captures different moments in romantic relationships. Perhaps it’s because the topics are so relatable, but the songs feel so good that they don’t feel long enough - which is great. I’m going to refer to this as the repeatability factor because when each song ended, I didn’t necessarily want more of it; I just wanted to hear it again. I will definitely be listening to this one for a while and eventually singing along to every lyric and trying to imitate the vocal intricacies.
Any album that starts with a song like “Hit Me Back” is going to grab my attention. The instrumentation in the beginning feels like the introduction to something great, and the Bobby Valentino phrase gave me a sense of comfort that this musical journey would be a familiar and pleasant one. Which was confirmed when “On A Date” followed it because I instantly recognized it as something I’ve heard before. The song was recently re-released as the lead single for The Journey (after some distribution changes that answer why there are discrepancies in the tracklist depending on the platform used to stream or buy the album). The catchiness and overall vibe contribute to it being a dope song and smart choice for a single.
Yet, there are lots of eligible singles. Each song has something about it that could make it a new crowd favorite or just feel satisfyingly reminiscent. For example, “Reasons” ends with a soulfulness that I expect from the likes of D'Angelo or PJ Morton. As “Stay On My Mind” unravels, it’s easy to start comparing Bryant to his legendary predecessors and forget how young and relatively new he is in this. Lehleah is the perfect addition to “Stay On My Mind”. Her voice is simply beautiful. Together, their voices blend like any combination of two items that belong together (poor simile but you get the point). They recreate that magical sensation I felt when I first heard H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar together. Everything that happens after the modulation is pure bliss. I didn't want it to end.
Lehleah is one of only two features. The second comes from TheBrilliantDan on “I’m Out”. What a song?!! I'm sure this conversation has taken place in many relationships and the song captures it seamlessly. Something about TheBrilliantDan's tone or flow reminded me of Macklemore, in the best way possible. I liked it a lot. It complimented the song well.
Then there’s a stand out track, “Halftime”. The production is simple, mostly just guitar, which puts Bryant’s pen skills at the forefront. The song feels like a melodic conversation. After we hear a voice inform us that side A has concluded (I’m here for the throwback reference), there’s an interlude moment; all of it together feels so genius. A light drum pattern begins as someone shares relationship advice, reminding us all that letting go can be necessary.
I appreciate the ability to have diversity without losing the foundation of the collective works. Bryant incorporates Hip Hop by delivering an early 2000-style rap on “6MonthsLater”. Not only does he rap again, but he gives a full vocal showcase on “Too Long”. Each ad lib, background vocal and melismatic run sounds intentional (which matters so much to me). He carries this energy to “Come Back”, displaying his vocal range with lower notes in the beginning, a couple falsetto notes throughout, and use of his upper belts (that are sadly not exhibited in other songs). The production sounds like something Chris Brown would use or a slight feel of that era when Usher teamed up with David Guetta.
The album concludes with “Long Road”. While most of these songs would fit on nearly any R&B album from the 90s (or early 2000s), “Long Road" sounds like it could only be released today, but as a homage to that classic sound we love. It’s a perfect way to end The Journey.
Kudos, well done!
Listen to The Journey - https://ffm.to/5fvsy21wav
I'm Alive Mixtape Release
March 2016
If you are connected to Ty'Zen on social media, you've noticed his recent posts of inspirational quotes followed by #TyzenImAlive. Through those words, the artist has been taking a subtle approach to promoting the most obvious theme of his new mixtape - being alive.
"I'm Alive" is his second professional recording and is packed with 15 songs plus three bonus tracks. The songwriter clearly had a lot to say, penning all of the songs, with the exception of "Identity", a bonus track written by poet and activist Vonkeisha Gibson.
The mixtape touches topics like identity, depression, the Black Lives Matter movement, religion, and relationships. Each song is dipped in soul and glazed with inspiration.
Ty'Zen shares the mic with many collaborations, with some artists appearing more than once. Showcasing his appreciation of music, multiple styles are presented, fluently combining to make a solid project.
The release is accompanied by a release concert, which features some of the collabs, background singers, dancers, visuals and a live band. The night will be kicked off with opening performances by Tatiana Bennett, Rhoyal The Great, and B.O.A.T.
Ty'Zen Named BMPE's March 2016 Spotlight Artist
March 2016
BillionaireMind Productions & Entertainment is sponsoring monthly Spotlight Artists. The spotlight artist gets their biography, video interview, and promotion of their top song posted and promoted on social media for the duration of the month.
Ty'Zen was selected for the month of March. Visit www.billionairemindpe.com for more information.
Ty'Zen's First Concert!
June 2015
On July 18th, Ty'Zen will join "Love Thy Neighbor", an event that caters to the Griffin Springfield Heights community in Tallahassee, Fl. The health expo will offer many benefits including free food and clothing, and to top it off, Ty'Zen will give his first ever concert.
No details have been released about when he will hit the stage during the four-hour-long event. But Ty'Zen has stated that he will be backed by a live band and three singers. Because a church is hosting the event, some Gospel influence is expected in the song selections but Ty'Zen confirmed that he will be performing songs from his E.P. "Undefined".
May Music Mondays
May 2015
Ty'Zen went to his Facebook page to apologize for not having a vlog posted in a couple of weeks. He commented that him and the Red Eye Productions crew had been really busy, citing school as one of the reasons. In this video, Ty'Zen presented his first jab at at the popular #MusicMondays craze, in which people post short clips of them singing for social media, kicking off with his song "Just Relax" from his latest E.P. Visit Facebook.com/TyzenMuzik each week as he uploads a video every Monday throughout the month of May.
Ty'Zen Tributes Late Cousin
The live audio video includes vocals by repeat collaborator Christina Parks, played to only the guitar strings of Don Wilson. "Powder Your Face" (Acoustic Music Video) was directed, edited, and shot by J.T. Timmons and produced by Kewaan Drayton, both of Red Eye Productions.
The visual metaphorically displays the lack of color, or lack of life, that is often felt. But "everything will work out in time."
On May 8th, 2015, Ty'Zen received the type of call that no one looks forward to - his first cousin, Tavauris Smith, had passed away.
In true Red Eye style, "Powder Your Face" is presented in a somber acoustic rendition that expresses again the message "Everybody has problems and goes through things. Don't be ashamed to admit that you're suffering."
Happy Anniversary Ty'Zen!!
April 2015
After many inquiries on whether he'd ever branch out into a music career, on April 15, 2014, Ty'Zen revealed that he was recording a mixtape. Though he may had been seen singing in small sporadic instances, it was the first time, he publically announced any pursuance in a musical voyage and referred to himself as an artist.
Via a musician Facebook page, it was also one of the first times anyone had ever seen his stage name (then Tyzen) and the first documentation of him explaining what it meant.
Ty'Zen says he found himself inspired by some encouraging words by Martha Graham, which he quotes in "Open Expressions", a song on his mixtape: "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost...."
Now a year later, Ty'Zen has much to be thankful for, as his short journey has been full of victories. He celebrated the night with some friends and performed a three original song set at club Atmosphere.
Ty'Zen Headlines Apollo Night
April 2015
Tallahassee Showtime at the Apollo has named Ty’Zen as their featured artist for the April show. Everyone was shocked when Ty’Zen, whom appeared to be a shoo-in for the title, ended up being the first runner up at the March show. But it was evident that it wouldn’t be the last time the crowd saw him. After closing the show with Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” several audience members approached him to express their opinions of how they felt he was truly the winner and Ty’Zen sold every E.P. he had with him.
Those who didn't attend the show waited for Ty'Zen to announce the outcome; on his Facebook page, he simply posted "#Musicless", a reference to a song on his E.P. Days later in a Red Eye Productions' vlog, Ty'Zen updated everyone that he had not won, but in the following vlog announced that he would be headlining the 4/19 show. Congrats Ty'Zen!
The show will include performances by last month's headliner Lady Riley, featured artist J.Smoove, comedians, and of course amateur night.
Ty'Zen on the Radio
March 2015
Ty'Zen in Bloom
March 2015
Through Instagram, Ty'Zen received notice of an opportunity to get airplay. His submission was an instant favorite, resulting in "Just Relax" being played three times a day from March 29th to April 12th. Tune into TrillzRadio on Spreaker to hear it over and over.
On April 4th, Ty'Zen will be one of the featured artists for the Legacy Stage event in the FAMU Artist in Bloom Festival. Ty'Zen will do a four song set of music from his E.P. "Undefined" and has revealed that some special guests will join him.
Ty'Zen Scores Atmosphere Residency
March 2015
After proving his live vocals were up to par in comparison to his studio work, and that his stage presence surpassed what would be expected for someone with his little experience, Ty’Zen won the respect of Ice Entertainment and the #squad of fellow indie artists. Every Wednesday at midnight, Ty’Zen will open Hookah Wednesdays, an event that showcases local Hip Hop artists in Tallahassee, Florida. The only singer on the roster, Ty’Zen will do a 15 minute set each night before the rappers hit the stage.
Collaborations
September 2014
After recently dropping his mixtape, Tales of the 850, Tazz releases his new song "Keep Your Head to the Sky". Tazz, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, cleverly tells the stories of two young men. One is a bullied teen and the other is a trouble gang member. Listen to how the two reach their triumph in the song, posted below.
Just after completing her solo debut, "Remember Me", Christina Parks approached Ty'Zen with a song she had written with him in mind. Set to nothing but Parks' playing her acoustic guitar, the dramatic "Twin Flames" is full of the Rock & Soul sound that defines Ty'Zen's style. Check out a recent performance of the two presenting their tune at The Warehouse.
Produced by TracksAllDay, sampling Earth, Wind, and Fire, "Keep Your Head to the Sky" has a Motown meets Hip Hop feel that offers a chill, yet head bopping, groove. Complimenting Tazz's laid back flow, Ty'Zen lends his vocals, almost blending his presence into the sample of the instrumental, with a raw unmastered sound.
19 90's: 19 Days of 90's Music
October 2014
Starting September 2nd, exclusive to his Facebook page, Ty'Zen will be presenting "19 90s: 19 Days of the 90s" as promotion for Sound Check's 90's Night. This effort will feature Ty'Zen covering some of his favorite tunes of that decade. The daily series will conclude on September 20th, which was intended to be the day before the show, however the date has been changed to October 4th. (Don't worry! You can still see Ty'Zen live this month. He'll be performing original music on September 20th at Dro's Smoke Shop in Tallahassee, Fl.)
This will be Ty'Zen's third appearance at Sound Check, which is presented by Billionaire Mind Productions & Entertainment once a month during the Spring and Fall school semester. 90's Night will showcase Elite (Sound Check's house band) accompanying featured artists, a 90's styled rap battle, and continuous music by a live DJ. A special bonus to the show will be the opening number, as all the artists collaborate for a mash up of some of the most popular songs of the 90's.
Ty'Zen is keeping his five-song-long set list a secret but said "Expect to dance and be overwhelmed with enjoyment, nostalgia, and R&B crooning."
Music Release
October 2014
Ty'Zen has been on a journey on what may seem like a never-ending process to releasing his mixtape. He describes the body of work as "a treasure that is almost difficult to give away, yet I want to share it so badly so others can be blessed by its contents."
After being pushed back multiple times, Rebellious Melodies is set to be released this fall.
"It's changed a lot from the original idea that I had for it, and it's good change so I'm not complaining. I'm super excited that KingLuv is mixing and mastering it. He's a very valuable asset to the team, and once he's done, it will be available for the listening public." - Ty'Zen
Some songs from the mixtape have been heard already, such as "I Just Wanna Dance" and "Friday Night/Hopeless Loner". But Ty'Zen warns that they have not been heard the way they appear on the mixtape, and that there are many, many, many, other songs as well.