Ty is best known and loved for his lyrical honesty, ability to conjure emotion-fuelled poetry out of every day realities, dynamic live shows, and his eclectic sense of musicality, which never really did fit comfortably in to a musical box. Some may have thought him unwise not to jump on various bandwagons, but maintaining his independence and artistic integrity has allowed Ty the space to make consistent and uncompromised classic albums for the last 10 years. Special Kind of Fool is a cheeky hint that the wisest course is to be yourself and follow your passions in life, no matter what others might say about you.
"Mellow, deep and highly accessible, Ty reinstates himself as the UK's most well-rounded rap don" – DJ Magazine
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 (I Get Up, and Something Big which features Lovers Rock legend Carroll Thompson), and moving social observation (Heart Is Breaking featuring Sway and Roses Gabor). It also sees Ty exploring his emotional depths (I’m Leaving featuring Anthony Mills, and Emotions featuring the legendary Shaun Escoffery and newcomer Sarina Leah), and of course telling some home truths (Special Kind of Fool and Me, featuring Erik Rico). 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.
Tracklisting
01 Don't Cry feat. Corey Mwamba
02 Wait feat. Leo Ihenacho & Soweto Kinch
03 Heart is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor
04 Little Star feat. Wreh-asha
05 Something Big feat. Carroll Thompson
06 Emotions feat. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery
07 Phantom of the Opera feat. Anthony Mills
08 Get to the Sky feat. Vula Malinga & Terri Walker
09 Happiness feat. Vula Malinga
10 I'm Leaving feat. Anthony Mills
11 Me feat. Erik Rico
12 I Get Up feat. D-Cross
13 Falling feat. Shaun Escoffery & Finn Peters
14 Special Kind of Fool feat. Erik Rico
15 Endtro feat. Leo Ihenacho & Robin MullarkeyI Need To Understand
16 Work it Out feat. Anthony Mills & The Ghettotrance Orchestra [Japan Bonus Track Only]