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Model turned R&B singer Tyrese Darnell Gibson -- who goes by the solo tag Tyrese -- knows what it takes to become a successful recording star. Coke spot spun gold
for gangland survivorBy Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.com"Hard work, total dedication, enormous talent and an unstoppable will to succeed," he says on his Web site tyrese.com
And with unshakable immodesty, he also predicts that as far as his career is concerned "the sky is the limit."
Audiences will have their own chance to gauge whether his talent is more than skin deep when he appears at World Cafe tomorrow to perform songs from his first two albums, "Tyrese" and "2000 Watts."
Now 23, Tyrese's career began at age 16 when he sang the praises of Coca-Cola on a TV commercial. Tyrese's modeling career put him on billboards and magazine layouts. He also appeared with Brandy in "Moesha," hosted "MTV Jams," and most recently had a starring role in John Singleton's feature film, "Baby Boy."
Despite several attempts to reach the entertainer and requests for various interview times, Tyrese was unavailable. Here's what could be gleaned from his Web site:
TYRESE WAS FORCED to deal with adult problems as a child growing up in gang-infested Watts, Calif. Being forced to fend for himself, and having to fight often to survive in the ghetto never stopped him from trying to better himself, he says.
"It wasn't easy and I had to watch my back all of the time, but I always believed in myself, and that I could make it out of there.
"So when I got a chance to audition for that Coke spot, I went all out to get it."
Tyrese got the lead in the ad, in which he boards a city bus wearing a Walkman and delivers an improbably soulful version of the "Always Coca-Cola" jingle, and caught the attention of talent hunters in the worlds of music, TV and fashion.
Tyrese, who grew up with his mother, two sisters and an older brother, remembers singing from the time he could talk.
"Music was just born in me," he says. "Listening and loving everyone from Stevie Wonder to Marvin Gaye to Jodeci and Donny Hathaway, I found myself wanting to express myself with as much honesty and soul as they had.
"I'm saying exactly what I want to say on this album," he explains. "Basically, if you want to know who I am and what I was going through at the time I was making this album, you'll hear me sing about it. But what's more important is for people who listen to it to feel they've been through some of the same situations."
Tyrese says he's now trying to get back in touch with "the oldies mindset."
"Anything that comes out on the radio right now is hot for the moment, sells a bunch of records, then it's over and you never want to hear it again," he says. "But there's something about oldies that you can play 'em today and they still sound good and make you feel good. That's what I'm trying to get back in touch with on this album, and I just hope people are going to enjoy it not just for the moment, but for many years from now."
Also with Harry-O and Mr. Tan Tyrese
Where: World Cafe, 1130 N. Nimitz Highway
When: 8 p.m. tomorrow
Tickets: $15
Call: 585-2877 or 599-4450
Tyrese trivia:
>> Tyrese won $32,000 for his 2000 Watts Foundation on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." >> As a child he aspired to be a garbage man. >> He is 6-foot-2. >> He has nine tattoos. >> Best advice to a girl interested in a guy: Be yourself. >> Ideal woman: A girl who can be herself, smart, funny and health-conscious. >> Most romantic thing he's ever done: "For Valentine's Day, I had a trail of rose petals at my house that led all through the house and garage with notes all over the house telling her to keep going like a scavenger hunt, but better." >> Favorite movies: "Independence Day," "The Hurricane," "The Shawshank Redemption" >> Favorite actresses: Julia Roberts, Halle Berry >> Favorite classic TV show: "Good Times" >> Favorite vacation spot: London
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