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'Awkward' may seem like an odd title for an album by a man like Ty. A veteran of hip hop, he is renowned more for an easy-going sense of humour and a relaxed sense of melody than he is for being difficult or a brain-mangler. But then, you're probably taking the meaning the wrong way.

First up, forget any negative connotations. For Ty, 'Awkward' just means "not being normal" - not fitting into the stereotypes, stepping away from the crowd and doing his own thing. It means, in short, being an artist who is true to himself and his own vision, wherever that takes him. "I never have fitted in with what's out there. I've never been the stereotypical."

Ty's strength of mind is legendary. His debut recording back in 1995 was on one of I.G. Culture's (New Sector Movement) legendary One Drop Inter Outer albums. He has worked with the likes of MC Mell'O', Jonzi D's Apricot Jam, and DJ Pogo and has recently featured on albums and singles by the Nextmen, Unsung Heroes, Funky DL, Procryptix and Krispy. He hosts one of London's best-known and longest running hip hop nights, Lyrical Lounge. In 1997 he released singles with well-known DJ Shortee Blitz. As a duo they are now signed to Bear Mountain, a US imprint owned and run by Maceo from De La Soul. He has appeared as a presenter on Channel 4's Flava. He has been invited to share the mic with luminaries such as Talib Kweli, De La and Jeru the Damaja. He has even dropped verses for Eric Benet! Yet, 'Awkward' is his debut album. Rather than rush into anything or deal with people he didn't want to deal with, he has waited, developing his material, developing his skill at putting over his character and personality on vinyl. Now he's ready to shine. "I'm not going to blow my horn but I am going to toot it. I've always done something slightly different to everyone else?"

But strength of mind doesn't just appear. It's forged by hard times and difficult circumstance.......
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