Special Kind of Fool

“Special Kind of Fool” is Ty’s story. The tale of an artist who after ten years, three critically acclaimed albums (“Awkward” 2001, “Upwards” 2003, “Closer” 2006), collaborations with the likes of Tony Allen, De La Soul, Damon Albarn and Estelle, a Mercury Prize nomination amongst other accolades, and a worldwide army of fans, has always followed his heart.

A fool for all kinds of music, only the drum patterns give the instrumentation on this album away as being hip hop, as Ty and his long time co-producer Drew Horley play with a palette of classic funk, soul, two step, 80s synth pop, and glitchy electro samples and sounds. Ty’s lyricism is as insightful as ever; balancing thought provoking subject matter with uplifting messages and moving social observation.

It also sees Ty exploring his emotional depths, and of course telling some home truths. Peppered throughout with shrewd and often hilarious cultural references, political issues, diverse stories, and an empathetic sensitivity to every day peoples experiences, Ty remains a unique and refreshing voice in hip hop.